Alaska Studies Find Fisheries Revenues Contribute to Local Economies Much More Than to State Government

A recent study by the University of Alaska’s Institute of Social and Economic Research has found that the state government spends more on fisheries maintenance than it receives in revenue, but that local governments as well as communities benefit greatly from Alaska’s massive fishing industry.

The study, commissioned by the Alaska Division of Economic Development, examined the impacts of Alaska’s fishery policies on state and local government spending, and found that local governments are a clear winner, with approximately 40% of the revenue from commercial fishing going to local governments. Alaska’s state government, by contrast, spends more on commercial fishing than on any other sector of the economy, to the tune of approximately $80 million annually.

The studies authors point out that the data was not meant to be interpreted as for or against maintaining fisheries spending at current levels, but was rather intended to help lawmakers make informed decisions about future spending. They likewise pointed out that these figures do not include the economic gains represented by fisheries related businesses, such as recreational fishing and spending at restaurants.