Alaska Fishing Tours: Important To The State Economy

It is a well known fact that in Alaska fishing tours contribute significantly to the economic prosperity of the state. A study undertaken by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game found that in 2007 nearly half a million Alaskans and non-Alaskans purchased a fishing license. The anglers also spent $1. 4 billion on fishing related expenditure. This related expenditure covers items such as equipment, travel, fishing related services etc. Sport fishing for many is a relaxation and part of the history of the state.

A similar study was undertaken in 2008 in Bethel, Alaska. Bethel is a remote community on the West Coast of Alaska, 340 miles west of Anchorage. The area has a population of around 6, 300 and fishing plays a large part in their economy.

The findings of the Bethel 2008 study were that they were missing a lot of opportunities. They knew the out of town visitor had a higher income and that he usually spent far more than a local fisherman. From this information they identified repeat business was a key aim. But to achieve repeat business they would need to improve the level of services available to such a visitor. The current levels of options was not enough and the standard of accommodation needed to be improved. There were easy things to do and the desirability of their fish was a positive draw card.

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game has long recognized the contribution sport fishing provides to the economy. This is why it has always supported the notion that guides must be registered to maintain high standard and sustainable practices in the industry. They believe having first aid certificates and appropriate insurance will support the knowledge guides have and will result in higher levels of professionalism. This will help ensure the continued viability of the fishing industry in Alaska.

One of the positive outcomes of licensing is an increase in the level of hard numerical data about fish stocks and activities. These are provided by log books maintained by the registered guides. This data will be useful for trends and for basing sensible decisions on.

One area that is emerging as an add-on benefit for fishing operators to pursue is the area of wildlife viewing. Although anecdotally this is a growing area there is little hard data to support these growth opportunity claims.

The fishing industry in Alaska is recognized as one of the best in the world. Alaska fishing tours are an important piece in the overall economic jigsaw.

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