Blogger strikes back against Alaska mine defender who wants boycott of Seattle restaurants

Fight on between fish protectors, AK mine backers

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — The fight is on between about a dozen Seattle restaurants and backers of an Alaska mine being developed near the world’s most productive wild salmon streams.

This week, 13 restaurants are featuring wild Alaska salmon on their menus, dished up with warnings about the Pebble Mine in southwest Alaska.

Gail Phillips, one of the mine’s most prominent supporters, is calling for a boycott of the restaurants taking part in Trout Unlimited’s Savor Bristol Bay campaign.

Her suggestion prompted food blogger Ronald Holden — Seattle’s self-described Global Gourmet — to ask a question Monday.

“Seriously, Ms. Phillips, are you nuts?” Holden asked on two blogs, including his own.

Savor Bristol Bay salmon week coincides with Pacific Marine Expo 2009, the largest commercial marine trade show on the West Coast.

On the Net:

Ronald Holden’s blog, www.cornichon.org/