Alaska Fishing Tours And 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.

Their study found that there was a large untapped potential benefit from sports fishing. They had the desirable fish, but the services available to fishermen in the area were lacking. They recognized visitors spent significantly more than locals hiring guides and obtaining services and supplies. The upshot of this study was to suggest the community tap into the fishing industry by updating and expanding services. One key was to ensure repeat business was maximized by improving the quality of the visitors experience while in the area. The final conclusion they came to was to improve the quality of the lodging options. Their study found the non-resident fisherman usually came from a higher income bracket.

The Alaskan Department of fish and Game has long been an advocate of the licensed professional guide. Their rationale is that with regulations comes a higher standard. With higher standards comes sustainability and professionalism. They were well aware a viable fishing industry was important to Alaska, and a profitable one even better.

The increased licensing of guides will also increase the levels of reporting by freshwater guides. This statistical information will be a tool in supporting informed decisions about sustainability and tourism.

An area of tourism for which there is limited economic data is the growing interest in wildlife viewing. Some fishing operators are exploring options to include this growing niche into their mainstream business others remain dubious about its economic contribution.

Whatever way you look at it Alaska fishing tours are being recognized as an important component in the Alaskan economy. Their importance is not to be under-rated.

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