Alaska Fishing Tours Are Recognized As An Important Part Of The State Economy

The sense that the Alaska fishing tours bring in a lot of dollars and cents is quite an obvious one. Their contribution to the economy was highlighted by a recent official survey conducted by the Alaska Department of Fish and game looking at 2007 data. Their findings included quantifying the number of fishing licenses sold in Alaska that year to nearly half a million. The also found these fishermen had a high level of spending on their hobby equating to $1. 39 billion per annum. Related expenditure was on areas such as travel, accommodation, equipment and guides.

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 Bethel study found they had many of the sought after varieties of fish but there was a major element of potential not being realized. The services available and being provided to fishermen were not good enough. They identified the fact non-resident fishermen were big spenders and naturally spent much more than locals could or would. The idea of chasing repeat business was highlighted as was the need for far better accommodation choices. If the community wanted to get a bigger and better share of the fishing tour market in Alaskan visitor experience ratings had to increase.

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.

An added benefit of the whole licensing regime is to provide better information for decision making. In the past statistical data which is now being returned via log books was not available. Now trends can be mapped and planning undertaken.

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.

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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