Alaska Fishing Tours: Important To The State Economy
There is probably no question in anyone’s mind about how important Alaska fishing tours are to the economic wellbeing of the entire state. In 2007 the Alaska Department of Fish and Game undertook a major study looking at the sport fishing industry. They found almost half a million people (residents and non-residents) purchased a fishing license in that year. These anglers went on to spend almost $1. 4 billion on hobby related expenditure. This related expenditure included travel, equipment, guides and accommodation.
A similar study was undertaken in 2008 in Bethel, Alaska. Bethel is a remote community on the West Coast of Alaska, 340 miles west of Anchorage. The area has a population of around 6, 300 and fishing plays a large part in their economy.
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 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.
One area that is emerging as an add-on benefit for fishing operators to pursue is the area of wildlife viewing. Although anecdotally this is a growing area there is little hard data to support these growth opportunity claims.
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.
To find out how to plan the best Alaska fishing tours be sure to visit: http://www.lureofalaska.com
Similar Fishing Advice info:
- Planning A Fishing Trip? Consider An Alaska Fishing Vacation! For a person who has finally decided to see one...
- An Alaska Fishing Trip Will Bring Your Vacation Dream To Life An Alaska fishing trip can be a lifetime dream for...
- An Alaska Fishing Trip Will Bring Your Vacation Dream To Life It’s the dream of many an angler: the thrill of...
- Alaska Fishing Tours – A Dollars And Sense Business There is probably no question in anyone’s mind about how...
- Halibut Fishing In Alaska – Newest Regulations To Devastate Many In The Alaska Halibut Charter Business halibut fishing in alaska New Permit System Projected to...