The Kenai River is the most popular river for sportfishing in Alaska and part of a larger sportfishing complex of the Kenai Peninsula (includes Kasilof, saltwater fishing, Anchor River, etc…)
10-20% of all angler days in the Kenai itself
May different groups involved in management, conservation of the Kenai River.
Conservation-based management is a benefit to the fish and all users
Alaska leading the way for empowering the public in fisheries regulations, through Board of Fish and other frameworks initiated during statehood and supported by policy such as Magnusson-Stevens act
10% excise tax on sportfishing gear that supports management agencies such as Sport Fish Division of ADFG
Fish, and salmon in particular, iconic and woven into Fabric of Society
50% of households in AK have a sportfish license…very high participation
All told, total economics of Alaska fisheries worth 5-6 billion
Highest rates of military retirees and access to hunting and fishing a draw for this component of society
Approximately 45lb of seafood per person consumed by residents on the Kenai peninsula, compared to 15lb average
Low income households that have access to sport caught fish have higher food security…suggesting sportfishing and personal use fish very important
Kenai River Sportfishing Association (KRSA) is a non profit and is among larger conservation organizations in state
Half the Kenai closed to bank fishing to protect fish habitat
KRSA very active in BoF meetings
Youth taught to fish will often remain anglers rest of life, which can add stewards and conservationists into the future
Kenai Refuge most visited refuges in Alaska. Highest economic return to Refuge due to anglers
Some of the most complex fisheries management in the world!
Research an important way to monitor and evaluate strategies for restoration (e.g. the efficacy of cabling spruce trees to stabilize stream banks or culvert passage)
Socio-economic studies of value of sportfishing done in 2007 and revealed large economic benefits
35,000 personal use permits for Kenai Peninsula; 350k-500k sockeye harvested by dipnetters
Lots of fish friendly regulations, based on boat size and motor size limits, boardwalks and walkways, 50 foot setback (no permanent structures within 50 feet of streambank)
Fish data drives policy and management decisions
All users and managers are aligned on idea of ‘fish first’ policies
