Interests and Priorities in Sockeye Salmon Management: How are Policies Enacted and Interpreted on three Alaskan Rivers?

The large export abundance of Alaskan salmon is well documented, and many studies have been performed to assess the economic and environmental viability of the industry and its management. Less research has been done to characterize how state intentions regarding fisheries allocation are conceived of by management or perceived by vulnerable groups in the user pool. This study seeks to qualitatively characterize the disconnect between state and Native Alaskan perceptions of management effectiveness, public interest, and Native Alaskan involvement using interviews. Results showed that Native Alaskan and state manager respondents had very different perceptions of management effectiveness and equity. When asked questions about the goals of policy and public participation in it, Native Alaskan respondents tended to identify issues of over-commercialized fishing and a lack of direct state acknowledgement of tribes while managers repeatedly referenced an equal public voice for all users and a focus on maximum sustainable yield. Results provide insight into the context certain policy decisions by the state of Alaska are received by Native Alaskan groups.