Miranda Rights Issued for Alaska Salmon

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADFG) has issued an emergency order for the Kenai River effective immediately.   According to acting ADFG supervisor Lirpa Sloof, "before a salmon can be retained the fisherman must "Mirandize" the fish first.  If this is not done the angler has no rights to the fish."

The Miranda warning is as follows:

• The fish has the right to remain silent.
• Anything the fish says can and will be used against them.
• The fish has the right to have an attorney present before and during questioning.
• The fish has the right, if they cannot afford the services of an attorney, to have one appointed at public expense and without cost to them during questioning.

Sloof said, "we all know that salmon have rights and it was time that we spelled them out for them."   This is a landmark decision in man's quest for fish but it should also be noted that the fish may voluntarily waive their Miranda rights.   The waiver must occur somewhere between the netting and the subsequent clubbing of the salmon.

Longtime Kenai resident Mr. Limpet said, "it's about time".