November 30, 2009

SEAGO Introduces the Save Alaska Sportfishing Program

From Ketchikan, to Sitka, to Juneau, destinations in Southeast Alaska have long been a sport fisher’s dream come true.  Each year 100,000 anglers from all over the world enjoy our first class fishing for salmon, halibut, and other species.  The temperate climate, sustainable fish populations, and easy accessibility create a paradise for the recreational angler.

But in a classic competition for resources, commercial fishermen have stepped up their efforts to have regulators impose crippling restrictions and regulations on sportfishers.  If they had their way, many would seek to shut us down completely.  Some of the challenges we face are documented in a short video here: http://www.seagoalaska.org/sportfishing_video.html.  Since 2006, the Southeast Alaska Guides Organization, SEAGO, has been THE voice of reason advocating for sport fishermen in Southeast Alaska.  We’re winning some battles, but we face a long uphill struggle against entrenched interests.

Introducing the Save Alaska Sportfishing Program
SEAGO is now building a coalition with recreational anglers to make our combined efforts more effective.  “Finally someone has created an effective way for the individual angler to be heard by decision makers”, says John Blair, SEAGO’s Executive Director.  “As sportfishers join forces with guides and lodge owners, SEAGO will magnify their voices in speaking out on key issues.  Together we will deliver a strong message to legislators and regulators for fair access and sustainable management of our great fisheries.”

The Save Alaska Sportfishing Fishing Program consists of a simple one minute registration process http://www.seagoalaska.org/sportfishing.html and periodic one-click call-to-action email and letter writing campaigns that will send key messages to legislators and regulators.  This program builds upon an initiative that was launched last spring and created effective results during the 2009 Alaska State legislative session.  Throughout 2010, guides and lodge owners will be introducing the Save Alaska Sportfishing Program to their clients.

Guides and lodge owners who are interested in participating in this campaign should contact John Blair at john@seagoalaska.org, 925-366-6638.  Individual anglers can find out more about the program and enroll now here: http://www.seagoalaska.org/documents/SportfisherFlyer.pdf

 

About SEAGO

The SouthEast Alaska Guides Organization, SEAGO, www.seagoalaska.org, is headquartered in Sitka, Alaska.  Every day we are working in the trenches, educating decision-makers, building coalitions, and ensuring that the interests of Southeast Alaska’s sport fishermen are being heard loud and clear.  SEAGO is dedicated to conserving healthy fish populations through sound fisheries management, and speaking on behalf of the 700 guides and lodge owners and 100,000 anglers who fish Southeast Alaska and contribute $300M annually to the Southeast Alaska economy.