Fish and game officials outline proper disposal, after massive pile of dead fish found near Wasilla

WASILLA — Rotting Pink salmon along left near Mile 14.5 of Knik-Goose Bay Road in Wasilla recently have struck a reaction from those in the Alaska Department of Fish and Game and law enforcement.

DF&G Public Information Officer Ken Marsh released a statement on the illegality of dumping fish and fish waste in public and private areas following the fish dump. With the Southcentral Alaskan fisheries heating up in late summer, anglers are sure to have some excess fish parts and pieces that may not make it to their dinner table. In the release, Marsh lays out the proper methods for fish waste disposal.

“Anglers and personal-use fishers who clean fish on site are encouraged to chop carcasses into numerous pieces and throw them into fast-moving water,” wrote Marsh.

Additionally, landfills all over the Kenai Peninsula and some in Anchorage and Girdwood accept fish waste on a non-commercial scale.

“Matanuska-Susitna Borough Solid Waste accepts small quantities of non-commercial fish waste (less than 150 pounds) at the Central Landfill located at N. 49th State Street in Palmer. Must be double-bagged and tied in leak-proof bags. Fish waste is not accepted at transfer stations. For more information, call 861-7620,” writes Marsh.

Marsh said that the case of the Pink salmon carcasses left along the road can result in hefty fines up to $1,000 if Law Enforcement were able to link the dump of the fish with an individual.

“Discarding fish waste on public or private property or along roads, pull-offs, and trails can attract bears into residential areas and result in fines ranging from $300 to $1,000,” wrote Marsh.

Marsh said that even though some river runs result in late night limits and fishermen and fisherwomen may not want to spend the extra time to clean their catch on the river, it is the safest and cleanest way to dispose of the unwanted fish parts. Marsh, along with the DF&G work on public outreach to let everyone who may end up with fish this summer how to properly dispose of their fish carcases. Marsh urges that if you are to take the fish home to clean, you freeze the carcasses separately and take the trash out in the morning, as not to leave them out overnight to attract bears.

Marsh recalls many incidents of bears being attracted to improperly disposed of fish waste throughout Southcentral Alaska, but one in particular sticks out in his mind.

“A few years ago, fish waste and big game bones were all dumped in an area off Fairview Loop Road. A biologist went into clean it up, which is not something they normally do, however a brown bear had found the stuff and was attacking people. They had to go in there fully armed to remove it. It was very dangerous for residents and biologists,” said Marsh. “The way we get out ahead is through public outreach, letting people know this is unacceptable and it’s dangerous.”