Brooks River fish harvest statistics and angler opinions on fisheries management based on 1987 angler survey

Warner S. 1987. Brooks River fish harvest statistics and angler opinions on fisheries management based on 1987 angler survey. National Park Service, Katmai National Park and Preserve. King Salmon, AK

Brooks River, in Katmai National Park, is a popular fishing site for people as well as brown bear, (Ursus arctos). Management is mandated to protect Katmai bears, and managers are also concerned about visitor safety. Changes in management practices are being considered to minimnize conflicts between anglers and bears on Brooks River. These include reducing the bag limit and restricting fishing times and areas on the river. Questionnaires were distributed to angelers to predict the effectivenes of these management changes and to gather angle opinions on them. Out of the 71 surveys recovered, 66% of the respondents did not harvest any salmon (Onchonrhynchus spp.). Only 1 angler kept 1 rainbow trout (Salmo gairdneri). Only 8.4% kept the current salmon bag limit of 5 fish. Reducing the bag limit may have minimal effects on bear and human conflicts because of the growing popularitty of catch and release fishing. Limiting the times of day when poeple can fish is probably not necesary; however restricting fishing on certain parts of the river is advisable.

Type
Published Report
Authors
Warner, Susan
Date of Issue
1987-12
Publisher
National Park Service, Katmai National Park and Preserve
Units
KATM
Keywords
Brown Bear, Fishing, Katmai National Park And Preserve

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