Recreational fishing is one of America’s great pastimes and a way of life for many Alaska families. Alaska’s 40,544 miles of coastline represents 40 percent of the U.S. total and provides endless recreational fishing opportunities in marine waters. From one generation to the next, fishing connects families and friends to form unique bonds and create lasting memories in the state’s great outdoors.
Looking at the bigger picture, recreational fishing contributes significantly to the economy and supports the livelihood of many Alaskans. Over 537,000 anglers — 333,000 of whom fish in saltwater — create a total economic footprint of more than $1 billion and support 9,900 jobs, which generate $358 million in salaries and wages.
One specific fishing event beneficial to Alaska is the Kenai River Classic. Yamaha plays a big part in the annual three-day tournament held each summer. The event has raised $14 million over the last 25 years to support habitat restoration projects, fisheries education, research and management. Additionally, hundreds of thousands of dollars goes directly back into the Kenai/Soldotna economies through lodging, food, guides, tours and transportation during the event. Despite the success from events like the Kenai River Classic, are recreational anglers truly tapping into the full potential of Alaska’s fisheries?
Since 1976, marine fisheries have been regulated by the Magnuson-Stevens Act. This well-intentioned, but dated legislation was created to regulate commercial fishing, and consequently, completely ignores the fundamental differences that separate commercial and recreational fishing. As a result, recreational anglers are forced into a system that does not devote the proper resources and attention they deserve.
Thankfully, there is a solution. Two pieces of bipartisan legislation have been introduced that would provide serious fixes to fisheries management: S.1520, known as the “Modernizing Recreational Fisheries Management Act of 2017,” and more commonly known as the Modern Fish Act; and H.R. 200, known as the “Strengthening Fishing Communities and Increasing Flexibility in Fisheries Management Act”, which includes provisions of the Modern Fish Act.
This legislation would modernize the current regulatory system and finally recognize the fundamental differences between recreational and commercial fishing, all while continuing to fund conservation efforts.
U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, and U.S. Rep. Don Young, R-Alaska, have been instrumental in bringing the Modern Fish Act to the forefront of federal recreational fishing discussions. Recently, Sullivan, who is also Chairman of the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries and Coast Guard, held a field hearing in Soldotna entitled, “Reauthorization of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act: Oversight of Fisheries Management Successes and Challenges in Alaska.” During that hearing, key marine industry influencers testified on behalf of the recreational fishing industry and specifically pointed to the economic impact the industry has on the U.S. and Alaska.
Passage of the Modern Fish Act would be a turning point for the 9,000+ employees supported by saltwater recreational fishing in Alaska. Anglers would see better access to fisheries and increased time on the water. We applaud Sullivan and Young for their ongoing support of the Modern Fish Act. We encourage you to advocate for your right to fish by sending your representative a letter via Bass Anglers For Saltwater Conservation.
• Ben Speciale is the president of the Yamaha Marine Group.
