Classic Roundtable on National Recreational Fishing in Alaska

Industry leaders and government officials gather in Alaska to discuss how to promote and protect the outdoors.

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Anglers line up to fish Alaska’s famed Kenai River during the silver salmon run.
Anglers line up to fish Alaska’s famed Kenai River during the silver salmon run.
An angler battles a big silver salmon during the Kenai River Classic, a fundraising event for conservation projects of the Kenai River Sportfishing Association (KSRA).
An angler battles a big silver salmon during the Kenai River Classic, a fundraising event for conservation projects of the Kenai River Sportfishing Association (KSRA).
Kenai River Classic contestant Carri Ann Pratt of Cabela’s in Anchorage shows off a big silver salmon.
Kenai River Classic contestant Carri Ann Pratt of Cabela’s in Anchorage shows off a big silver salmon.
Ricky Gease (center), executive director of the Kenai River Sportfishing Association, shows off a conservation project along the Kenai River that was funded by the Kenai River Classic tournament.
Ricky Gease (center), executive director of the Kenai River Sportfishing Association, shows off a conservation project along the Kenai River that was funded by the Kenai River Classic tournament.
A salmon fisherman wades out into the Kenai River from an access point developed by the Kenai River Sportfishing Association.
A salmon fisherman wades out into the Kenai River from an access point developed by the Kenai River Sportfishing Association.
Martin Peters, manager of governmental affairs for Yamaha and moderator of the conservation roundtable, said recreational anglers and commercial fishermen should work together to achieve “mutual gains” in competition for fisheries resources.
Martin Peters, manager of governmental affairs for Yamaha and moderator of the conservation roundtable, said recreational anglers and commercial fishermen should work together to achieve “mutual gains” in competition for fisheries resources.
Bob Hayes, a member of the boards of directors of the Center for Coastal Conservation and Teddy Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, said red snapper are at historic high population levels, yet seasons are at historic lows.
Bob Hayes, a member of the boards of directors of the Center for Coastal Conservation and Teddy Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, said red snapper are at historic high population levels, yet seasons are at historic lows.
Pat Murray, president of the Coastal Conservation Association, said anglers and boaters are “the wallet” of good conservation,” contributing $1.5 billion for fisheries restoration and access.
Pat Murray, president of the Coastal Conservation Association, said anglers and boaters are “the wallet” of good conservation,” contributing $1.5 billion for fisheries restoration and access.
Jeff Gabriel, legislative counsel for the National Marine Manufacturers Association, said anglers and boaters need to understand that they’re the ones funding preservations of recreational fisheries and that they must be protective of their rights.
Jeff Gabriel, legislative counsel for the National Marine Manufacturers Association, said anglers and boaters need to understand that they’re the ones funding preservations of recreational fisheries and that they must be protective of their rights.
Geoff Mullins, chief operating officer and communications officer for the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, urged Congress to solve the impasse over the federal budget, which is having a profound impact on fisheries resource management.
Geoff Mullins, chief operating officer and communications officer for the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, urged Congress to solve the impasse over the federal budget, which is having a profound impact on fisheries resource management.
Mike Leonard, Ocean Resource Policy director, American Sportfishing Association, said if sportsmen don’t get involved in protecting their access to fisheries, anglers will suffer more closures and losses of fishing opportunities.
Mike Leonard, Ocean Resource Policy director, American Sportfishing Association, said if sportsmen don’t get involved in protecting their access to fisheries, anglers will suffer more closures and losses of fishing opportunities.