KRSA to host annual Kenai Classic Roundtable on Sportfishing Policy

Soldotna, AK — Aug. 19, 2024— The Kenai River Sportfishing Association (KRSA) will host its annual Kenai Classic Roundtable on Aug. 21, 2024, from noon-3 p.m. at the Soldotna Regional Sports Complex. The event will feature remarks from Sen. Lisa Murkowski, Sen. Dan Sullivan, and Rep. Mary Peltola, and nationally recognized experts in research, community, industry, and policy.

“We have a well-rounded forum this year — these leaders have incredibly valuable perspectives and expertise to share,” said Shannon Martin, executive director for KRSA. “For our federal delegation and nationally recognized leaders to gather here on the Kenai, home to the best sportfishing in the world, emphasizes the importance of protecting this habitat.”

Highlights include:

• The first discussion will focus on the marine debris crisis, with leaders from the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, the Marine Debris Foundation, and Dow. Marine debris, consisting of items like plastic waste and fishing gear, threatens Alaska’s coastline. In the last 20 years, over 900 metric tons of marine debris have been removed from the 47,000 miles of shoreline in the state.
• The second discussion will review the proposed Endangered Species Act status for the Gulf of Alaska chinook salmon. Dani Evenson, a policy advisor from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, will give more insights into the process around this petition.
• The Classic Roundtable will conclude with a discussion about the Marine Mammal Protection Act and how it can relate to protecting salmon, with leaders from Calista Corporation, NOAA Fisheries and the American Sportfishing Association.

“Through the Classic Roundtable policy discussions, we bring focus and awareness of national conservation practices to Alaska and share insights about what is currently happening in our state to protect our fish and the Kenai,” added Martin. “It puts us on the map.”

A significant portion of KRSA’s fundraising efforts have included the Kenai River Classic fishing events. The Classic Roundtable has become a key element of the Classic focusing on fishery, environmental, and conservation topics featuring nationally recognized field and topical experts.

This event also will stream live on KRSA’s YouTube channel (@KenaiRiverSportfish).