By Charlie Pierce
Fishing, whether sport or commercial, is a treasured Alaska resource and must be managed and supported as equals. The income from commercial fishing, to the state and the families of Alaska’s commercial fishermen, is a true resource benefiting all Alaskans and the income generated by sport fishing, from local Alaskans and tourism, is also a treasured resource.
Like our brave and hard-working commercial fisherman, Alaskans in the sport fishing industry have livelihoods based on fishing revenues. For sport, those revenues are generated from out-of-state tourism and Alaskans visiting communities to enjoy their fishing rights.
In the past, these two groups have been in constant conflict and against each other. As your governor, there will be one table with both groups sitting. A unified agreement and message to the public that we are Alaskans First, whether commercial or sport, is necessary. Remember, commercial or sport, we are all fisherman.
An agreement across party lines, special interest groups and members can and will be reached. It will not be easy, but as your governor I will insist on an Alaskans First result, not inflammatory rhetoric.
We are Alaskans and fishing is an Alaska resource. It is time to recognize commercial and sport as one.
After all, we are “Alaskans First.”
Charlie Pierce is the Kenai Peninsula Borough mayor and is running for Alaska governor.