RIVERS ARE LIFE
The Chinook salmon, more commonly known as “King salmon,” was named the official state fish of Alaska in 1963. They are the largest species of salmon, weighing at least 30 pounds on average. While this specimen has been a staple of Alaska since the 60s, it hasn’t always thrived in abundance. King salmon’s size, weight, and cultural significance make it attractive to both commercial fishers and hobbyists. This, combined with the limited run of King salmon in the summer months, make the population extremely susceptible to overfishing.
King salmon are anadromous fish, which means that while they live most of their lives in the ocean, they must return to freshwater (where they were born) to spawn. There are many important Alaskan rivers, or tributaries, where they can venture to lay their eggs. The Kenai River, one of the greatest sports fishing rivers in the world, is one pivotal ancestral spot.
King salmon have a short life span, only living for three to seven years, leaving them a small window to successfully procreate. A female salmon lays 3,000 to 14,000 eggs in gravel nests where they live for the first several weeks of their lives. While some babies, called “ocean types” migrate to saltwater within their first year of life, most Alaskan Chinooks spend at least one year in freshwater before returning to the ocean. During this time, they feed on plankton and insects and often provide sustenance to the local communities. But if they’re caught before they make it to the ocean, they won’t have any chance of returning to lay new eggs.
With mounting pressures from both the commercial fishing industry and personal fisheries, it’s easy to upset the balance of the ecosystem. What’s more, with declines in salmon populations across the state, anglers increase their focus on other species, leaving them at risk of the same fate. That’s why sustainable fisheries and conservation practices are more important than ever. Thanks to The Kenai River Sportfishing Association (KRSA), there is still hope for Alaska’s state fish to be born and grow in safe, healthy conditions.
Advocates of King Salmon in the Kenai
KRSA was created in 1984 by Bob Penney. This non-profit prioritizes the health of fish populations and their habitats first, while also promoting and supporting the rights of Alaskan anglers to fish sustainably.
KRSA is a leader in river conservation practices through its dedication to proper sport and personal fishery management. The organization and its host of leaders, volunteers, and members work tirelessly to conserve and rehabilitate the key spawning sites of King salmon within the Kenai River. In addition to its on-site habitat management, it promotes education and helps develop a research-based policy for the betterment of fish and anglers alike.
This multifaceted organization combines fishery management, habitat rehabilitation, research, and education to apply a comprehensive and science-based approach to sustainability in Alaskan rivers. While it began to sustain the Kenai River specifically, it has expanded fish and fishing conservation efforts throughout the state.
KRSA has made significant strides in the on-site conservation of the Kenai River. Its projects focus on the “abundance, compositions, timing, migration, sub-stock identification, harvest statistics, and related factors” of King salmon. In one such project, the organization built miles of boardwalk on the river to keep human feet from disrupting the ecosystem. It also improved handicap access, so more people can enjoy the wildlife and participate in conservation efforts.
KRSA partners with policymakers and institutions at the state and federal levels to protect the river’s vital headwaters and ensure proper conservation of all possible properties. Because large portions of the Kenai River are privately owned, the organization also works directly with private landowners who may not be aware of the importance of river sustainability.
Of all KRSA’s incredible efforts, one of its most impactful is a three-day fishing invitational called the Ted Stevens Kenai River Classic. This major event includes a roundtable on national sportfishing policy and two days of guided fishing. It raises funds for KRSA’s program and educates policymakers and industry leaders on the organization’s projects and goals. Over the last 25 years, the River Classic has raised $18 million for conservation efforts.
In addition to its annual River Classic, KRSA also provides public education, scholarships, and outreach programs to increase awareness of proper stewardship of river resources. If you are aware of fishery issues in your area (within Alaska) and would like KRSA to get involved, you can contact the organization on its website.
The ultimate goal of KRSA is to make sure the fisheries are healthy and fruitful for future generations. If you are interested in helping the organization advance its mission, you can become a lifelong member today for free.
You can watch “Kings of the Kenai” here.
