Dear John,

Earlier this week, the EPA issued its Final Determination on protections for Alaska's Bristol Bay, a major victory for Alaska Native communities and the region. The Pebble Mine would have resulted in unacceptable, unmitigable risks to Bristol Bay watersheds and their fisheries.

"This decision recognizes the irreparable harm that a mine like Pebble would cause in the headwaters of globally important salmon habitat and reflects the expressed will of the people who live in Bristol Bay," said Steve MacLean, managing director of WWF's US Arctic program.

Local and Indigenous communities have long worked to safeguard Bristol Bay, which is home to a wealth of fish and wildlife including the world's greatest wild salmon fishery, generating $2.2 billion annually, supporting 15,000 jobs, and providing more than half of the world's sockeye salmon.

Thank you to the 650,000 WWF Activists who've taken action over the many years to keep Bristol Bay protected.

Bristol Bay © Paul Colangelo / WWF-US