Integrating Science-Based Research and Data Analyses into Sustainable Management of the Commercial, Personal Use, Sport, and Subsistence Fisheries of the Copper River Drainage, Alaska.

Integrating Science-Based Research and Data Analyses into Sustainable Management of the Commercial, Personal Use, Sport, and Subsistence Fisheries of the Copper River Drainage.

Mark Somerville, ADF&G

Management of fisheries is science based. Whether that management is of long-term resident species in lakes and rivers or short-term during the return life-history phase of anadromous species, it relies on scientifically acquired data. Whether the fishery is commercial, sport, subsistence or personal use its management must be based on the best-known biology of the species being exploited. Managers rely on broad based knowledge and direct data to sustainably manage specific fisheries. Over 75 scientific studies and reviews have been performed on resident and anadromous populations of fish in the Copper River drainage since the 1950’s. Data on harvest and use of some species goes back to the early 1900’s. Findings from these studies and review of the available data have been, and continue to be, used to develop sustainable management goals for many of our area fisheries. Knowledge gained from scientific work done within the Copper River basin, as well as work done throughout the world, informs management decisions and helps develop regulations that ensure sustainable fisheries. This presentation will provide a look into how management of the Copper River drainage fisheries have used generally accepted biological information and specific research findings from our region to inform adaptive management decisions and sustainable management objectives for the Copper River drainages diverse fishery resources. Mark Somerville, Alaska Dept of Fish & Game ADF&G [e-mail]