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 small town of Bethel, Alaska undertook a similar study in 2008. Fishing, both commercial and sport varieties play a significant economic role. This community is made up of around 6, 300 people is on the coast west of Anchorage.
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 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.
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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