ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Gov. Sean Parnell is requesting that a federal disaster declaration be issued for Upper Cook Inlet salmon fisheries because of very weak Chinook salmon runs, which he said have left sport and commercial fishermen facing substantial economic losses.
The governor presented his request Thursday in a letter to Acting U.S. Secretary of Commerce Rebecca Blank. A federal disaster declaration does not bring automatic assistance. A federal appropriation will be needed to provide funds.
"The Chinook sport fishery is one of the principal economic drivers for the local and regional economy, bringing in tens of thousands of visitors and supporting guided fishing ventures and lodges. These members of the fishing community suffered substantial losses as a direct result of the decline of the Kenai Chinook salmon run," the governor's letter said.
It goes on to say that the economic impacts from this summer's dismal return of Chinook salmon to Alaska's rivers are being felt by commercial fishermen, sport guides and fish processors, and the people in numerous associated businesses selling everything from tackle to groceries to lodging.