The Power Of Alaska Fishing Tours To The Local 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.

The Alaskan town of Bethel was so interested in the opportunities fishing brought them they undertook their own study in 2008. Their community had a relatively high dependence on the economic contribution of the fishing industry. This was important to them as their population was only just over six thousand people.

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 regulatory body, the Alaskan Department of Fish and Game has been promoting the idea guides need to be registered to ensure industry standards remain high. They are well aware that fishing tours are a major contributor to the Alaskan economy. The benefits of regulation in their minds will foster and maintain professionalism amongst guides. And the flow on effect from this is that Alaskan fishing tours will maintain their levels of viability.

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 of complementary tourism to work alongside fishing tours is Wildlife viewing tours. At this stage there is little empirical data available. However more tourists wanting to spend their tourist dollar in Alaska is always a positive sign.

In the end Alaska fishing tours and the general sport fishing industry are major parts of the economy of Alaska. The benefits they bring and need to ensure their continued viability is one of upmost importance.

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