I am one of the thousands of Alaskans that come to the Kenai for the personal-use dipnetting fishery each year. I would agree with numerous locals that voice their disgust at the lack of respect for the fish resources, the communities and Kenai and Soldotna, the beaches, etc. during the month of July for dipnetting. I am a 45-year resident of Alaska, and I was taught to respect our natural resources to be sure they are there for generations to come. Not all of us are abusing this opportunity to spend time on the river, enjoying time with family and friends and most of all catching some fish. However, for those of you that are abusing not only the fishing resource but disrespecting the laws and regulations about cleaning fish, keeping the beaches clean and doing your part in keeping this fishery open for generations to come, shame on you!
For those of you that are personal-use dipnetting on the Kenai that are not Alaska residents, shame on you! It’s illegal to dipnet without being an Alaska resident with proof on you to show an enforcement officer if asked. The biggest problem with this, is they aren’t ever asked. Of all my friends that come here not one of them has ever seen an enforcement officer of any kind. So, all of you that are coming to these beautiful cities and spectacular river, it starts with you first. It is your responsibility to act as adults and take care of our resources.
And, oh by the way, if you have to use the bathroom and one is not available, then go find one! This is probably the most disgusting issue of all. People that are using the beach as a bathroom are disgusting and should be banned from fishing ever again along the Kenai.