Subsistence Fishing Patterns on the Togiak River and the Impact of Sport Fishing By

This report presents the findings of a study of subsistence salmon fishing on the Togiak River, southwest Alaska, conducted in 1997 and jointly funded by the Division of Subsistence of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game and the Tog&k National Wildlife Refuge, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The study had two primary goals. The first was to document subsistence salmon fishing patterns by Togiak and Twin Hills residents, including harvest quantities, targeted species, timing of effort, methods of harvest, and location of fishing activities. The second purpose was to understand the interactions between the subsistence fishery of the Togiak River and the recreational fishery which had grown substantially since 1979. The study was initiated because of growing concerns about conflicts between the two fisheries. The study used two primary methods of data collection: household interviews and on-river observations and interviews. Subsistence fishermen, village leaders, and sport fishing guides were included in the interviews. A major .section of the report describes subsistence salmon fishing by residents of the Togiak River drainage. The most important species in terms of numbers of fish caught and pounds useable weight were king (chinook) salmon, sockeye (red) salmon (both fresh and spawning), and coho (silver) salmon. Methods of harvest included set gill nets, seines, drifting with gill nets, spears, and rod and reel. Except for spawning sockeye and some fishing for silver salmon, most of the subsistence fishing effort occurred in the lower 12 miles of the Togiak River. A map shows the locations of subsistence gill net sites along the river in 1987, and another depicts Yup’ik place names. The research found that harvest reports based on returned subsistence fishing permits underestimate the total subsistence salmon harvest by Togiak and Twin Hills residents. Sport fishing effort (angler days) along the Togiak River more than doubled in the late 1970s and peaked dramatically in 1995. Effort has since been lower and relatively stable, but still far exceeds pre 1977 levels. Most sport fishing in the Togiak River is guided. Sport fishers were mobile along the river corridor using skis. For the most part in 1987, sport fishermen were flown by their guides to the river each morning for a day’s fishing. Anglers target king and silver salmon and Dolly Varden. A map depicts the location of guided fish camps and observed sport fishing activities along the Togiak River in 1987. Muchrof this activity was concentrated in the lower river, where most of the subsistence fishing also occurred. The research documented four kinds of conflicts between the subsistence fishery and the sport fishery. These were: 1. Bioloaicai imoacts. Togiak residents believed that sport fishing using catch and release methods resulted in a high mortality rate for salmon. They also believed that sport fishermen disrupt spawning salmon and dislodge eggs from spawning areas. They further alleged that hook and release fishing, especially for Dolly Varden, reduces catch rates for villagers using rod and reel to harvest fish for food. 2. Distiacement. Sport fishing generally took place at or near areas traditionally used for subsistence fishing. Subsistence fishermen reported that this presence interfered with the operation of nets. Also, incidents of confrontation, such as shouting and throwing rocks, were reported. Such incidents became well-known and resulted in the perception that the sport fishermen were aggressively using traditional sites. Consequently, about half of the interviewed households, many of whom were elders, reported “passing by” such sites when strangers were present to avoid confrontations. They moved to other spots or returned home without fishing. Such incidents also led to the view that sport fishing with rod and reel and subsistence fishing with nets were incompatible. 3. Tresoas. in interviews, Togiak residents cited cases of trespass on Native lands and allotments by sport fishermen. This has led to a feeling of a loss of control over these lands and other traditional use areas. 4. Gatch and release. Respondents from Togiak expressed strong cultural objections to the practice of catch and release, viewing it as “playing with fish.” Such an activii is believed to be offensive to the fish and is contrary to the Yup’ik belief that the proper use of fish is for food. It is further believed that a consequence of such offensive behavior may be the disappearance of the fish. The report concludes with a summary of the issues and some of the solutions which have been suggested to resolve the conflicts. One suggestion has been for the village corporation itself to develop guided sport fishing operations. This might, it is suggested, provide the village with more control over the uses of the land along the river and the river’s resources. Another suggestion, developed by the Togiak Fish and Game Advisory Committee, has been to close a segment of the lower river to sport fishing. It is reasoned that such a closure in the area where most subsistence fishing occurs. would separate the incompatible gear types thus addressing the issue of displacement while leavihg most of the river still available to recreational fishing. List of Tables List of Figures Acknowledgements Preface CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION TABLE OF CONTENTS a . . . III Iv