Contact:
Diane Loopstra
Fishery Biologist
Phone: (907) 267-2529
December 28, 2005
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) invites comment on its draft plan to release over 7 million fish for recreational anglers across the state. The comment period closes January 17, 2006.
The draft plan can be found on the ADF&G website at www.sf.adfg.state.ak.us, and click on the stocking plan link. Hard copies are also available for review at local ADF&G offices.
Make comments to Diane Loopstra, Fishery Biologist, in
The plan not only lists the numbers and statewide locations of stocked fish, but also explains the management objectives for each fishery for the next five years. The management objectives are outlined at the beginning of each section. Specific stocking actions in support of the objectives, as well as program evaluations are also detailed in the plan.
The ADF&G Sport Fish Harvest Survey shows that anglers fished approximately 2.5 million angler days, caught approximately 8.2 million fish (including razor clams and smelt), and harvested more than 3.3 million fish in 2004. These figures demonstrate an 11.8% increase in the number of days fished, and a 9.9% increase in fish harvested compared to 2003. Stocking helps sustain wild stocks and increases recreational angling opportunities. Consequently, stocking has become a vital component of the statewide sport fish program. Fish stocking efforts are funded with public dollars through the Federal Aid to Sport Fish Restoration (Dingell-Johnson/Wallop-Breaux) program.