Making Kenai River Chinook Salmon Catch & Release:

A Feasibility Study

English 212: Technical WritingMatthew Sansone

Overview

o Introductiono Criteriao Methodso Research Resultso Conclusionso Recommendations

Introduction

o Examined the feasibility of making the Kenai River a catch-and-release only fishery.

o Researched the reasoning behind the regulation change.

• Chinook salmon return numbers• Fishing pressure • Current regulations • Economy impacts

Criteria for Feasibility

o What are the return rates of Chinook salmon to the Kenai River over the past 10 years?

o What is the mortality rates on caught-and-released Chinook Salmon on the Kenai River.

o Is catch-and-release for Chinook Salmon on the Kenai River viewed favorably by the general public.

o What is the perspective on the issue from individuals who use the fishery.

Methods

o A questionnaire was created from students from English 212 Technical Writing to get an understanding of awareness and attitudes towards the subject of Chinook salmon catch-and-release on the Kenai River.

o Analyzed data from Alaska Department of Fish and Game on the declining Chinook salmon returns to the Kenai River.

o Interviewed individuals who use the fisheryo Used the UAA Consortium Library to find resources

on the subject

Results

o The Kenai River has a overcrowding problem, too many people not enough fish

o Limiting access to the fishery in not viableo Survival rates of caught-and-released fish is

above 90% according to Alaska Department of Fish and Game Studies.

Are you aware that the Kenai River Chinook salmon are among the largest in the world and have sustained in excess of 100,000

anglers per year?

YES

NO

0.5 1.5 2.5 3.5 4.5 5.5 6.5YES NO

RESPONSE 7 3

Are Chinook Salmon a Integral part of survival for your household?

YES

NO

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100%

Would you be in favor of catch-and-release for Chinook salmon on the Kenai River?

20%

30%30%

10% 10%

Definitely yes Probably yes Maybe Probably not definitely not

Conclusion

o The future of making a regulation change in regards to the personal-use fishery on the Kenai River to catch-and-release only is feasible.

o Allowing the present regulation of retention of Chinook Salmon will continue the decline of Chinook Salmon to the Kenai River.

o Public opinion is in favor of making changes to the fishery.

Recommendations

o More involvement from the public to create awareness of the declining numbers of Chinook salmon on the Kenai River.

o Practice catch-and-release and inform others of the proper methods to insure a greater survival rate of released fish