Alaska fishing resources

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 benefitting all Alaskans and the income generated by Sport fishing, from local Alaskan’s and tourism is also treasured resource.

Like our brave and hard working commercial fisherman Alaskan’s in the Sport fishing industry have livelihoods based on fishing revenues. For Sport those revenues are generated from out of state tourism and Alaskan’s 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 Alaskan’s 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 Alaskan’s 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 “Alaskan’s First”.

Charlie Pierce is a candidate for Governor, Edie Grunwald is a candidate for Lt. Governor.