Economic Contributions
of Sportfishing on the
Cook Inlet Region

PO Box 6435 ■ Fernandina Beach, FL 32035 ■ Office (904) 277-9765

 Executive Summary
In 2017, anglers fished a total of 907,000 days in Alaska’s Cook Inlet region and spent
$716.5 million on trip-related goods and services, pre-purchased packages, equipment
and real estate used for fishing. An input-output model of the Cook Inlet region was
used to estimate the total economic contributions that the spending created through the
economic multiplier effect. As anglers’ dollars move from business to business in the
Cook Inlet economy, the total effects of the spending generated $832.4 million in
economic output and supported more than 6,300 jobs that provided $271.4 in
household income.
Although residents of Alaska spent roughly the same as non-residents ($358.5 million
compared to $358.0 million), it was the resident spending that made a larger economic
contribution (more jobs and income). This was the result of differences in the kinds of
expenditures made by residents and non-residents. Resident anglers spent more of
their money on equipment while non-residents spent most their money on trip-related
purchases and pre-arranged packages that include services such as guides, lodging
and meals produced by the region’s businesses.

Table E1. Summary of angler activity and economic contributions on the Cook
Inlet region in 2017
Resident
Anglers
514.2

Non-resident
Anglers
392.9

Days fished*(thous.)
Angler purchases:
Trip-related (non-package) (millions)
$46.2
$135.0
Packages (millions)
na
$37.2
Equipment (millions)
$201.8
$54.0
Real estate (millions)
$110.6
$131.7
Total retail sales (millions)
$358.5
$358.0
Total economic contributions, including multiplier effects:
Industry output (millions)
$489.0
$343.4
Labor income (millions)
$158.8
$112.6
Employment (thous.)
3.4
3.0
*Includes only those days reported fishing in the Cook Inlet region

2

All
Anglers
907.1
$181.2
$37.2
$255.8
$242.3
$716.5
$832.4
$271.4
6.4

 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 5
Methodology .................................................................................................................... 5
Research Objective ..................................................................................................... 5
Data Collection ............................................................................................................ 6
Angler Survey........................................................................................................... 6
Survey Method ......................................................................................................... 6
Seasonal Survey Waves .......................................................................................... 7
Questionnaire Design .................................................................................................. 7
Identifying the Cook Inlet region ............................................................................... 7
Online Questionnaire ............................................................................................. 10
Sampling Frame and Sample Sizes........................................................................... 10
Sample Frame........................................................................................................ 10
Sampling Procedures ............................................................................................. 10
Contact Protocol..................................................................................................... 12
Data Analysis ................................................................................................................ 15
Trip Expenditures....................................................................................................... 15
Fishing Equipment Expenditures ............................................................................... 16
Real Estate Expenditures .......................................................................................... 17
Economic Modeling ................................................................................................... 17
Background and Metrics ........................................................................................ 17
Sportfishing Guides Survey .................................................................................... 20
Results .......................................................................................................................... 21
Angler Days ............................................................................................................... 21
Angler Spending ........................................................................................................ 22
Economic Contributions ............................................................................................. 26
Summary and Discussion.............................................................................................. 30
Detailed Results by Stratum ...................................................................................... 32
Angler Survey Packages ........................................................................................... 41
Sportfishing Guide Business Operation Survey ......................................................... 78

3

 LIST OF TABLES
Table 1. Expected proportion of responses by stratum ................................................ 11
Table 2. Sample distribution by survey mode (paper-based and email) and residency 12
Table 3. Angler survey timeline and highlights ............................................................. 13
Table 4. Angler survey respondents by demographics and license type ...................... 14
Table 5. Angler days by water type, guide usage, and residency (2017) ..................... 21
Table 6. Spending for sportfishing, by residency and expenditure category (2017) ..... 22
Table 7. Average sportfishing expenditures, by residency and category (2017) .......... 23
Table 8. Detailed sportfishing trip spending, by residency (2017) ................................ 24
Table 9. Detailed sportfishing equipment spending, by residency (2017) .................... 25
Table 10. Detailed sportfishing real estate spending, by residency (2017) .................. 26
Table 11. Economic contributions of all sportfishing spending by residency (2017) ..... 27
Table 12. Economic contributions of sportfishing trip and package spending by
residency (2017) ......................................................................................... 27
Table 13. Economic contributions of sportfishing equipment and real estate spending
by residency (2017) .................................................................................... 28
Table 14. Tax revenues generated from the economic contributions of sportfishing
(2017) ......................................................................................................... 29
Table A 1. Number of survey respondents reporting fishing activity by strata .............. 33
Table A 2. Detailed sportfishing trip and package spending, by residency, guide use
(2017) ......................................................................................................... 34
Table A 3. Detailed sportfishing trip and package spending, by residency, guide use,
and water type (2017)................................................................................. 35
Table A 4. IMPLAN sector assignments: Trip and guide spending .............................. 36
Table A 5. IMPLAN sector assignments: Equipment and real estate spending ........... 37
Table A 6. Sportfishing guide operations business survey results ............................... 38
Table A 7. Economic contributions of sportfishing trip and package spending by
residency, guide usage (2017) ................................................................... 39
Table A 8. Economic contributions of sportfishing trip and package spending by
residency, guide usage, and water type (2017) .......................................... 40

LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1. Detailed map of the Cook Inlet region provided in the survey .................................. 8

4

 Introduction
The economic contributions of sportfishing to the economy of the Cook Inlet region is an
important consideration for its natural resource managers. Earlier estimates of
economic contributions associated with sportfishing are available for Alaska and for the
region. For example, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s National Survey of Fishing,
Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation (FHWAR) in 2011 provides estimates of
angler spending at the state-level. These estimates, however, do not provide the level
of detail to calculate the economic contributions at the regional level. A regional
economic contribution study of sportfishing in Alaska was conducted by the Alaska
Department of Fish & Game (ADF&G) and completed in 2008 with estimates for 2007
fishing activity. The Matanuska-Susitna Borough (MSB) used that study as a basis to
do a more regionally specific study through the University of Alaska Anchorage, Institute
of social and Economic Research (UAA-ISER) published in 2009. Estimates from these
two regional projects are now roughly ten years old.
In 2015, the Matanuska-Susitna Salmon Research, Monitoring & Evaluation Plan
for Upper Cook Inlet (RM&E), identified current estimates of the economic contribution
of sportfishing to the Cook Inlet region as a gap in available data. In 2017, the MSB
contracted with Southwick Associates to develop updated estimates of the economic
contribution of sportfishing to the regional economy using the same methods as the
2007 study. The project’s goal is to provide information to the MSB needed to develop,
implement, and evaluate projects, policies and management strategies in ways that
seek to optimize social and economic benefits to Alaskans.
The project was designed to supplement traditional fisheries information on angler
effort, catch, and harvest data collected by the ADF&G’s of Sport Fish Statewide
Harvest Survey (SWHS). The ADF&G provided assistance to the project per a
Memorandum of Agreement that included contact information for Alaska resident and
non-resident anglers who purchased a sportfishing license, estimates from the
Statewide Harvest Survey, contact information for sportfishing guides, and reviews of
project plans and methodology.

Methodology
Research Objective

The primary purpose of this study is to quantify the economic contributions generated
by resident and non-resident sportfishing activities in the Cook Inlet region of Alaska.1
Impacts are summarized for several strata: by residency (Alaska residents & nonresident visitors), chartered services (guided and unguided), and water type (freshwater
and saltwater).
1

There is a distinction between the use of “on” versus “in” with respect to the economic contributions to the Cook Inlet region.
Contributions from sportfishing “in” the Cook Inlet region includes only those anglers who fished within the region. Contributions
from sportfishing “on” the Cook Inlet region included both those anglers who fished in the region as well as those anglers who did
not fish in the region but did purchase items used for the purpose of sportfishing from businesses with the region.

5

 Additionally, a key requirement of the project was a set of results that can be directly
compared the 2007 study. To that end, care was taken to ensure that the sampling
procedures, survey approach, questionnaires and analysis used in this study were
consistent with the 2007 study.
Data Collection
The study included two separate surveys. The first, and largest, survey was sent to
anglers who purchased a 2017 Alaska fishing license. The purpose of this survey was
to collect data for the Cook Inlet related to spending by anglers for fishing trips and
equipment. A second survey of fishing charter boat operators was conducted as part of
this project. The purpose of the business survey was to improve the accuracy of the
economic models used to analyze spending on guided fishing trips.
Angler Survey
The data needed to produce economic contribution estimates of sportfishing on the
Cook Inlet region include numbers of anglers, fishing effort and average expenditures.
Number of anglers and days of fishing are available from the SWHS. Several sources
are available that could provide angler expenditure profiles, such as the USFWS
National Survey and previous economic studies of Alaska's sportfishing. They are,
however, several years old, do not provide the requisite data at the regional level,
and/or fail to capture the full range of expenditures made by Alaska’s anglers. To
develop the necessary angler expenditure profiles, a detailed survey of Alaska resident
and non-resident anglers was conducted.
Survey Method
The nature of the survey required survey participants to identify where they fished and
where they spent money with respect to the Cook Inlet region. To achieve that, a
detailed map was created to visually define the regional boundaries for respondents.
This prevented the use of a telephone survey.
A multi-mode questionnaire with both a mail and an online component was implemented
for the angler survey. A portion of the anglers selected as part of the sample frame was
contacted via mail and provided with a paper-based survey packet. These anglers were
also given the option to the online questionnaire. The balance of the sample was sent
an email message asking them to take part in the survey along with a clickable link to
access the online questionnaire. The online questions, content and order of
presentation was identical to the mail survey to ensure the data from both survey forms
were compatible and could be combined prior to analysis. The detailed mail and online
survey instruments are included in the Appendix.

6

 Seasonal Survey Waves
The angler expenditure survey was conducted in two waves. There are two major
reasons to not use a single wave approach, such as an annual survey. First, seasonal
variations in average trip expenditures, the amount spent by anglers, can vary
depending on the time of year. For example, winter fisheries in many places are
oriented towards ice fishing and a different mix of gear is required. Even during the
summer fisheries, expenditures for early season Chinook fisheries are expected to differ
from later season fisheries which range from river to lake fisheries for salmon, trout,
grayling, and other species, to saltwater fishing for salmon, halibut and other groundfish.
To capture these differences, anglers were asked to report their expenditures for a
specific trip within defined time periods, which is expected to result in greater recall
accuracy of the final expenditure estimates.
The second reason to conduct the survey in two waves was to reduce the influence of
recall error in the reported spending values. An annual survey may force some anglers
to report expenses for trips that occurred 12 or more months earlier. Research funded
by the US Fish and Wildlife Service has shown that anglers can have significant
difficulty recalling specific amounts spent a year earlier. This problem is more severe for
items with lower prices and/or are purchased frequently such as terminal tackle,
gasoline and other similar items. Sending two waves of surveys, each with recall
periods shorter than annual recall, would help reduce recall error.
Wave I inquired about fishing activity and expenditures for trips taken January 1 through
April 30, 2017 and May 1 through June 30, 2017. Only residents were included in the
first wave as few non-residents typically fish in the winter months. The second survey
wave inquired about fishing activity and expenditures for trips taken May 1 through
October 31, 2017. Residents and non-residents were included. Separate resident and
non-resident survey packets were produced. The detailed resident and non-resident
survey instruments are included in the Appendix.
Questionnaire Design
Identifying the Cook Inlet region
The survey questionnaires mirrored those developed during the 2007 statewide
research effort with revisions to focus activity and spending only on the Cook Inlet
region. While there is probably some level of consensus among anglers of the general
locations that make up the region, it is likely that some debate would occur about the
specific boundaries of the region among a group of anglers. As a result, it was critical to
clearly delineate the boundaries of the region and provide geographical detail to
respondents in order to isolate activity and spending which occurred within the Cook
Inlet region.
Both the paper-based and online survey instrument provided a visual reference

7

 (Figure 1) of the Cook Inlet region with the regional boundary as defined for this study.
The goal was to provide physical landmarks such as rivers, towns, and the coastline for
anglers to use as references to help them identify whether they fished or made
expenditures within the region.
Figure 1. Detailed map of the Cook Inlet region provided in the survey

8

 Survey Content
At the outset of the survey, each angler was asked several screening questions. Based
on their responses to these questions, each angler was directed to a different section of
the survey. The screener questions were used to identify anglers who a) actively fished
in and purchased items used for sportfishing from the Cook Inlet region, b) actively
purchased items used for sportfishing from but had not actively fish in the region, c)
actively fished in but did not purchase items used for sportfishing from the region, and
d) neither fished in nor purchased items used for sportfishing from the region. To
estimate the economic contributions of sportfishing on the Cook Inlet region, it was
important to capture spending by anglers who fit into the first three types (a, b, and c).
The survey captured data from four main types of questions: a) the number of days
fished in 2017, b) the type of sportfishing and expenditures made on the most recent trip
within a 2017 season, c) equipment and real estate expenditures directly attributable to
sportfishing made in 2017, and d) demographic information. A brief description of the
question types is included below (the detailed surveys are available in the Appendix).
Each angler was asked to reflect on their annual fishing activity in 2017 and report the
total days for each survey time period (Jan 1-April 30, May 1-June 30, and July 1October 31). These responses are critical to allocate total annual days from the SWHS
to the season-specific spending profiles to develop annual expenditure profiles for each
stratum.
Anglers provided detailed travel-related expenditures made in the Cook Inlet region for
their most recent trip within a specified time period and expenditures made for others in
conjunction with items such as fuel, food, bait, and ice. Information specific to the type
of trip was used to develop the trip-related spending profiles across the multiple strata
(residency, guide usage, and water type) and to calculate the trip-related spending as a
per fishing day metric.
Equipment used for sportfishing can be used in many trips and was not included in the
‘most recent trip’ questions. Equipment expenditures in the Cook Inlet region over the
past 12 months was requested in both survey waves. For those items which can be
used for other activities, respondents were asked about the percentage of time each
equipment item was used for sportfishing, and only that percentage of the item’s cost
was assigned to this project. Items such as rods & reels, tackle, camping equipment,
and off-road vehicles were included in this section of the survey. Equipment and real
estate spending profiles were developed on a ‘per-angler’ basis to match with the
SWHS numbers of anglers.
Demographic information, such as age and gender, was collected and used to help
ensure the results adequately represent the population of Alaska anglers. Where
differences between the survey sample and the angler population exist, post-survey,
proportional weights were created. Details about the representativeness of the sample
is included in a later section.
9

 The survey instrument was also accompanied by a cover letter explaining the purpose
of the survey and confidentiality steps. Southwick Associates letterhead was used for
the cover letter and the MSB and ADF&G logos were included to reflect the
collaborative effort. The use of the logos and the name recognition of the local agencies
was expected to increase response rates to the survey.
Online Questionnaire
An online version of the survey instrument was developed and presented the same
questions, wording, and order as the mail survey. In the cover letter to the mail group,
survey recipients were offered the opportunity to take the survey online as a
convenience that could potentially help boost response rates. The draft online survey
was tested and made available for the MSB and ADF&G review prior to the mail
survey’s first distribution. Each survey was assigned a code, used internally to track
responses for the second and third round mailings. Survey respondents were asked to
use this code to access the survey, preventing them from generating duplicate entries.
This code also helped to prevent survey recipients from encouraging friends to take the
survey which could bias the results.
Sampling Frame and Sample Sizes
Sample Frame
The 2017 ADF&G sportfishing license database was the sampling source. PIDs and
DAVs were included in both survey waves.2 To prevent diluting the survey sample with
individuals who may not have fished in 2017, only PIDS that applied for a license
between 2013 and April 30, 2017 were included. According to the ADF&G, there were
between 6,000 to 7,000 issued during any one year between 2013 and 2016.
The angler survey was limited to licensed anglers only. Economic contributions are also
generated from purchases made for and by unlicensed anglers (e.g., youth under 16
yrs. of age), however. To account for some youth-related purchases, licensed anglers
were asked to include their expenditures made for themselves and others, which would
include unlicensed youth anglers. As a result, a portion of expenditures made for youth
travel and equipment are included in the final impact estimates. While this approach
omits youth, who pay their own way, this step does capture a greater share of all
sportfishing-related expenditures.
Sampling Procedures
A randomly selected stratified sample was drawn for each of the two survey waves.
Only Alaskan residents were included in the sample for Wave I while both resident and
2

PID: Alaska residents 60 or older are not required to purchase sportfishing licenses but must apply for an ADF&G Permanent
Identification Card (PID). These are lifetime hunting, fishing, and trapping licenses. These are valid for the remainder of the
recipient’s life. It is assumed that those who apply for a PID in a given year are similar in terms of likelihood of going sportfishing as
residents who purchase a license. DAV’s are Alaskan Disabled American Veteran permits.

10

 non-residents were included in the sample for Wave II. Anglers selected for the sample
for Wave I were excluded from inclusion in Wave II. Anglers listed in the ADF&G
license database (including issued PIDs/DAVs) and meeting the stratum criteria had an
equal chance of being selected to participate in the survey effort.
The results from the 2016 SWHS were used to approximate the proportion of Alaska
anglers most likely to fish in the Cook Inlet region by water type (freshwater or
saltwater). The results from the 2007 statewide study were used to approximate the
proportion of guided and unguided trips (Table 1). The goal was to achieve a minimum
target sample based on the most detailed stratum to calculate the total size of the
sample to be drawn from the license database.
Table 1. Expected proportion of responses by stratum
Residents
Alaskan anglers fishing in the Cook Inlet region
70%
Water type fished in Cook Inlet region
Freshwater
68%
Saltwater
32%
Charter usage in Cook Inlet region
Freshwater
Guided
7%
Unguided
93%
Saltwater
Guided
23%
Unguided
77%

Non-Residents
53%
60%
40%

65%
35%
78%
22%

Based on the above proportions, sample frames of the following sizes were drawn from
the 2017 license sales records:
Wave I = 2,423 surveys
Wave II = 22,114 surveys
Total N = 24,537 surveys
The increased rate of email capture among licensed Alaskan anglers, respondents’
increased familiarity with online surveys since the 2007, and the low marginal cost of
fielding online questionnaires suggested that the survey could make greater use of the
online mode for capturing angler survey responses in 2017. In 2016, 55% of nonresidents and 61% of residents had provided an email address to ADF&G. Early results
from the roll-out of an e-vendor system indicate that the proportion had grown in 2017.
It is unclear however if this initial growth remained consistent across the whole year of
license sales. Table 2 outlines the sample frame based on the type of survey
instrument and angler residency.

11

 Table 2. Sample distribution by survey mode (paper-based and email) and
residency
Email survey Paper-based survey
Residents
Total surveys by type
11,000
1,754
Early (Wave I)
2,090
333
Late (Wave II)
8,910
1,421
Non-residents
Total surveys by type

10,000

1,783

Contact Protocol
The mail survey included an advance postcard indicating that the recipient had been
selected for the study and would be receiving a survey package within the next 7-10
days. Using the advance notification technique formalized the request, generated a
level of awareness prior to the arrival of the survey, and was anticipated to improve
response rates. Next, anglers selected as part of the mail-based effort received a full
mail packet, which included a cover letter, questionnaire, and postage-paid return
envelope, via first class mail. Initial contact with anglers selected to be part of the email
effort began with a message which mirrored the paper-based cover letter as well as a
link to the online version of the survey.
Completed surveys were tracked to determine who had responded to prevent mailing a
second survey. Business reply mail was used to track undeliverable mail pieces.
Follow-up contact for the paper-based effort included a thank-you/reminder postcard
approximately 7-10 days after the mail-out of the survey package. Non-respondents to
the first email packet were sent a second survey package which included a cover letter,
questionnaire, and postage paid envelope. The second packet was sent approximately
two weeks following the thank-you/reminder postcard.
Follow-up contact for the email effort included a thank-you/reminder message seven
days after the delivery of the initial survey message. Non-respondents to the previous
contact received one final message which was similar to the second mail cover letter as
well as the link to the online version of the survey. Response among the email group to
the Wave II survey effort was light, given the size of the sample. A fourth round of
reminders was sent to encourage response. The email subject line and message were
modified to signal the need for action before the survey closed.

12

 Table 3. Angler survey timeline and highlights
Dates that sample was pulled
from ADF&G license database
Mailing mode
Sample size
Target sample
Time period covered by the
survey

WAVE I

WAVE II

June 2017

November 2017

Mail
334

Email

2,029
Residents

January 1 – June 30

Mail

3,204
17,780
Residents & Non-residents
May 1 – October 31

August 4,
2017
August 11,
2017
August 25,
2018

na
August 16,
2017
August 23,
2017
August 30,
2017

December 15,
2017
December 29,
2017
January 12,
2018
January 30,
2018

Final survey invitation

na

na

na

Overall response rate

37%

15%

29%

Advance message
First survey invitation
Reminder message
Second survey invitation

July 1,2017

Email

na
January 10,
2018
January 16,
2018
January 29,
2018
February 5,
2018
8%

Note: Detailed response counts and proportions by stratum are reported in Appendix Table A1.

Sample Testing
The survey generated complete responses from 2,763 resident and non-resident
anglers who held an Alaska sportfishing license in 2017. The sample underwent
rigorous testing in relation to the total population of Alaska’s licensed anglers. It was
found to be representative of the population by residency. Within the non-resident
group, the respondent sample has a higher proportion of males and older anglers
relative to the non-resident angler population. Within the resident group, the respondent
sample is older and proportionally more live in the Cook Inlet region. 3

3

Region assignments are generated by linking the zip code of residency on file in the license database to the respective
borough assignment using IMPLAN. Note that the Cook Inlet region is a sub-region of South Central.

13

 Table 4. Angler survey respondents by demographics and license type
License database
Residencya
Resident
Non-resident
Genderb
Residents
Male
Female
Non-residents
Male
Female
Age categoryc
Residents
35 years or younger
35-54 years
55-64 years
65 years or older
Non-residents
35 years or younger
35-54 years
55-64 years
65 years or older
License type group (Residents only)d
Sportfishing license
PID/DAV license holder
Region of residency (Residents only)e
Cook Inlet
Interior
South East
South Central (excluding Cook Inlet)

Survey panel

49.3%
50.7%

45.9%
54.1%

62.6%
37.4%

67.2%
32.8%

75.1%
24.9%

86.5%
13.5%

32.7%
34.6%
23.6%
9.0%

16.7%
33.7%
37.4%
12.3%

24.2%
32.5%
23.3%
20.0%

10.8%
23.8%
32.1%
33.2%

76.0%
24.0%

75.5%
24.5%

65.9%
17.1%
4.8%
12.2%

74.1%
13.0%
9.6%
3.2%

aCalculated

z-value = 3.1, p-value 0.002
calculated z-value = 2.7, p-value = 0.007/Non-resident calculated z-value = 9.9, p-value = 0.00
cUsing the average ages: Resident calculated t-stat 12.7, p-value < 0.0001/Non-resident calculated t-stat = 16.5, pvalue < 0.0001
dCalculated z-value = 0.4, p-value = 0.70
eCalculated z-value = 6.1, p-value = <0.0001
bResident

An imbalance in any of these characteristics has the potential to impact the average
angler spending estimates. For example, older anglers might be more likely to have
additional discretionary spending and time to fish. A post-stratification multivariate
weighting adjustment was applied to balance our respondent sample with Alaska’s
licensed angler population. Based on statistical tests (see notes below Table 4), the
target variables included residency, gender, age, and region of home residence. An
iterative rake weighting procedure available in SPSS was implemented to create
proportional respondent weights. The weighted sample matches the angler populations
in each of the demographic metrics.

14

 There is the possibility that the respondent sample are systematically different from the
group of licensed anglers who opted to not respond (also known as nonresponse bias).
Extrapolating data from a biased sample will not produce results that accurately reflect
the population. Comparison of the responses provided by anglers who completed their
surveys shortly after the earliest contact to responses provided by anglers who
completed their surveys after the final contact was the approach used to test for the
presence of nonresponse bias. Two metrics which have a direct effect on the spending
estimates to be developed (per day trip spending and annual days by water type) were
tested for nonresponse bias. Specifically, the calculated average of each metric among
anglers reporting early relative to the later responders was tested for statistically
significant differences for both residents and non-residents. The results suggest that
there was no evidence of nonresponse bias in the survey. 4

Data Analysis
Sportfishing expenditures were split into three main categories: trip spending,
equipment spending, and real estate spending. Trip spending was further broken apart
into non-package and package (or pre-bundled expedition) spending.
Trip Expenditures
Development of the trip spending estimates was the most involved due to the
application of adjustments for seasonality of spending as well as the likelihood of the trip
to occur. Spending profiles were defined for three main seasons: winter (January
through April), spring (May through June), and fall (July through October). The analysis
assumes that trip spending among residents for trips taken in November through
December is similar to spending for winter trips.
Some fishing trips would have occurred even if there was not an opportunity to fish. To
count only trip spending associated with fishing, respondents were asked to indicate the
likelihood that a trip would have occurred if they were not able to fish. Ordinal response
categories were then used to capture trip and expenditure expenditures on a
proportional basis. Only spending on items directly related to fishing (i.e. bait, rentals,
processing) were included in the trip spending profiles of anglers who indicated they
definitely would have taken the trip even if they were not able to fish. An increasing
proportion of ancillary spending was applied to the spending profile as their response
shifted from “definitely yes, the trip would have occurred” to “definitely no, the trip would
4

T-tests for equality of average angler days (proxy for avidity) between early and late responders by stratum: Nonresident saltwater anglers t-value = 0.85, p-value = 0.39. Non-resident freshwater anglers t-value = 1.22, p-value =
0.22. Resident saltwater anglers t-value = 0.66, p-value = 0.52. Resident freshwater anglers t-value = 0.65, p-value
= 0.52. T-tests for equality of average per fishing day spending by season between early and late responders by
stratum: Non-resident early season trips t-value = -0.38, p-value = 0.70. Non-resident late season trips t-value = 0.75, p-value = 0.46. Resident early season trips t-value = 0.71, p-value = 0.48. Resident late season trips t-value =
-0.94, p-value = 0.35.

15

 not have occurred”. Among anglers who indicated they definitely would not have
taken the trip if they were not able to fish, all spending items were included in the trip
spending profiles.
Package spending refers specifically to pre-bundled spending made in advance of the
fishing trip to the Cook Inlet region. As in the 2007 study, it was assumed that
packages were purchased primarily by non-residents. Anglers were asked to report
package spending as a lump sum and to indicate the types of goods and services
included in the package. Using data from those anglers who did not purchase a
package trip, the lump sum was apportion across the set of goods and services
categories specific to each respondent’s package.
Separate trip and package spending profiles were developed for residents and nonresidents, guided and unguided trips, freshwater and saltwater and calculated as a perfishing day measure. Trips were allocated to each stratum based on survey responses,
defining the trip as either salt or fresh water and either guided or unguided. The per
fishing day measure was multiplied by total days fished in the Cook Inlet region as
reported in the SWHS to generate the regionwide total trip and package spending
estimates.
Fishing Equipment Expenditures
Given the geographical focus, we asked anglers to only report spending on items
purchased from within the Cook Inlet region. Two groups of equipment items were
included within fishing equipment expenditures. First there are those items that are
used exclusively for fishing (rods & reels, tackle, etc.). For this group of items, 100% of
the reported spending was allocated to the equipment spending profile. The second
group includes items that can be used for fishing as well as other activities (boats,
coolers, apparel, etc.). For this group, responds were asked to report the percentage of
the items use that was specifically for fishing. The reported spending was then adjusted
by the percent the item was used for sportfishing. In the case where the stated percent
was missing, the average percentage for that item was applied.
The Cook Inlet Region is home to major retail outlets and there are likely many anglers
who purchase equipment from businesses within the region but do no fish within the
region. Spending for fishing and fishing-related equipment was calculated based on all
observations, thereby generating an average per-angler spending measure across all
Alaska anglers. Separate estimates were calculated for resident and non-resident
anglers. Total fishing and fishing-related equipment spending in the Cook Inlet Region
was estimated by multiplying the total number of licensed anglers by the average
spending per angler, by residency.

16

 Real Estate Expenditures
The fishing-related real estate category captures spending in 2017 on the purchase or
lease of existing structures, on-site construction or maintenance of structures, and
purchases of structures constructed off-site, each used primarily for sportfishing.
Similar to equipment spending, real estate expenditures were also calculated based on
all observations, thereby generating an average amount spent per angler. Separate
estimates were calculated for resident and non-resident anglers. Average real estate
spending was multiplied by the total number of licensed anglers, by residency, to
estimate total spending.
For the purpose of this analysis, 100% of the reported real estate construction and
maintenance spending was included in the angler spending profiles. Purchases of
existing structures or land are mostly a transfer of assets and generate little economic
contributions except for the fees paid to real estate agents, leasing agents and financial
institutions. Appropriate adjustments were applied to total annual spending on real
estate prior to the IMPLAN modeling to isolate only the portion of the spending that
generates economic activity.
Economic Modeling
Background and Metrics
The economic contributions of fishing-related spending on the Cook Inlet region are
measured with an input-output model of the regional economy and IMPLAN Pro©
impact analysis software.
Input-output models are driven by some change in economic activity, usually spending
(also known as the direct effect). The direct effect refers to the initial stimulus to the
economy. In this study, it refers specifically to the dollars spent by anglers for
trip-related purchases, fishing equipment, and other spending that is immediately
attributable to their fishing activity. In the strictest sense, the direct effect does not
always equate with angler spending due to economic leakages. Because some of the
equipment purchased by anglers is manufactured outside of the region, some of the
dollars spent by anglers in the Cook Inlet leak immediately beyond the region’s borders
and do not have a direct effect on the regional economy. In that case, angler spending
may not equal direct effect in the language of input-output models. In other cases, the
amount of angler spending is the direct effect. For example, spending for lodging and
restaurant meals represents purchases of goods and services that are produced entirely
where they are bought, and the entire purchase is captured in the direct effect on the
regional economy.
The average trip-related expenditures per fishing-day and total angler-days of fishing
effort in the Cook Inlet region, as provided by ADF&G in the 2017 SWHS, formed the
17

 basis for the estimate of total trip and package sportfishing spending in Alaska’s Cook
Inlet region by all anglers in 2017. The average equipment and real estate expenditures
per angler and total licensed anglers as reported by the 2017 SHWS defined the
balance of estimated total sportfishing spending in the region. The total estimated
spending for trip-related and durable equipment items were organized into categories
and mapped to specific industry sectors in the IMPLAN input-output model.
The total economic contributions of sportfishing on the Cook Inlet region are based on
the spending described above plus the multiplier effect of that spending. The inputoutput model produces estimates of the total multiplier effects (indirect and induced)
that arise from the spending by anglers (the direct effect).
Indirect effect refers to the economic activity (e.g., output, employment, income) in the
businesses that supply the industries stimulated by the direct effect. Those indirectly
affected industries, in turn, stimulate additional activity among their local suppliers, and
so on. For example, if an angler spent $100 to purchase the services of a guide, the
guide uses a portion of the $100 paid by the angler to purchase boat fuel, equipment,
bait, utilities, etc. from local sources. In addition, a portion of the $100 pays for goods
and services from out-of-state providers. In the next round, the in-state business that
supplies bait to the guide (as well as all of the other in-state businesses that supply
goods and services to the guide), in turn, must use part of the money that it receives
from the guide to pay its own business expenses (e.g., fuel, gear, utilities). Their
suppliers, in turn, also pay in-state and out-of-state suppliers to support their increased
business activity. This indirect activity continues in this way until the effect becomes
negligible as a portion of each round of payments for goods and services eventually
leaks out of the local economy.
The induced effect measures the economic activity that results from the household
spending of salaries and wages that were generated from the business activity
associated with the direct and indirect effects.
The interpretation of the results of the economic models depends on the changes that
drive the model. The term “economic impact” is normally reserved to describe some
level of economic activity that would not occur except for the initial economic activity. In
the case of recreational activities like sportfishing, it is generally agreed that economic
impact comes from spending by visitors to the region. If not for their presence, their
spending would never occur. If quality sportfishing was no longer available in the Cook
Inlet, for example, non-resident anglers may choose to fish elsewhere, and their
spending would not occur in the region and thus not generate additional economic
effects in the regional economy. Most resident anglers, on the other hand, choose
fishing as an activity on which to spend their recreational dollars locally. If quality
sportfishing was no longer available some residents would likely choose some other
local recreational activity on which to spend their money in place of fishing and their
spending would remain in the regional economy.

18

 It is generally acknowledged that retained economic activity can also represent a real
economic impact. For example, the quality of fishing opportunities in the Cook Inlet is
such that some anglers choose to fish in Alaska rather than go elsewhere. If the quality
of fishing were to decline, then some dedicated resident anglers may choose to travel
outside of the region for sportfishing and their dollars would be lost to the Cook Inlet
economy. It is unclear what portion of resident anglers would fall into that category. In
another retention scenario, it may be the case in the Cook Inlet that there are few
recreational alternatives to fishing, so that if the quality of fishing as a recreational
activity declined, some portion of anglers may choose to travel outside of the state to
pursue an alternative recreational activity (e.g., a Caribbean vacation). It was beyond
the scope of this study to investigate either of those scenarios.
The focus of this study was on the total economic activity associated with sportfishing
as a measure of its overall contribution to the region’s economy. In that case, it was
appropriate to include all spending for sportfishing, including both resident and nonresident anglers. That measure is alternately called “economic contribution” or
“economic significance”, among others. This study was concerned with measuring the
economic significance of sportfishing and therefore includes resident spending as part
of the direct effect. To help understand the relative contributions that residents and nonresidents make to the economy, results in this report were broken out separately by
residency.
Separate models, based on residency, guide usage, and water type, were created to
estimate the associated contributions of sportfishing. The IMPLAN regional models were
based on 2016 economic data. Deflators included within the modeling software were
employed to account for inflation effects between the model year data (2016) and the
year of reported angler expenditures (2017). IMPLAN economic Data are available for
each of the boroughs in Alaska and can be combined to create custom analysis regions.
The Cook Inlet economic model consists of the Anchorage, Kenai and Matanuska-Susitna
boroughs.
Economic activity can be measured in several different ways. The most common way to
portray how expenditures on sportfishing affect the economy include the following
metrics. These descriptions explicitly include the multiplier effects of angler spending.
Retail Sales – These include expenditures made by anglers for equipment,
travel expenses and services related to their sportfishing activities over the
course of the year. These combined initial retail sales are the stimulus that
trigger the multiplier effects in the regional economy.
Output – This measure reports the volume of economic activity within the local
economy that is related to sportfishing. Because it does not discount the
value of raw materials as they move through the production of goods or
services, this measure double-counts a portion of the output of the industries
in the value chain.
Labor Income – This figure reports the total salaries and wages paid in all
sectors of the regional economy as a result of sportfishing activities. These
19

 are not just the paychecks of those employees directly serving anglers or
manufacturing their goods, it also includes portions of the paychecks of all
employees affected by the direct, indirect and induced effects. For example, it
would include a portion of the dollars earned by the truck driver who delivers
food to the restaurants serving anglers and the accountants who manage the
books for companies down the supply chain, etc.
Employment – Much like Labor Income, this figure reports the total jobs in all
sectors of the economy as a result of the sportfishing activity and includes
both full-time and part-time jobs. These are not just the employees directly
serving anglers or manufacturing their goods but can also include employees
of industries impacted by the direct, indirect and induced effects.
Federal, State, and Local Tax Revenues – Including all forms of personal,
business and excise taxes, the IMPLAN model estimates the tax revenues
collected by the local, state and federal governments as a result of the initial
expenditures by anglers.5

Sportfishing Guides Survey
The base IMPLAN model includes 536 nationally classified economic sectors, or
industries. To the extent that a local industry operates differently from the national
model’s base assumptions, adjustments can be made to the IMPLAN models to reflect
the unique local practices.
A sportfishing guide operations survey was completed during the 2007 research effort in
order to produce model results that more accurately reflected the nature of their
industry. In the absence of any structural change within the industry signaling the need to
update the economic models, it would be reasonable to rely on those models for this
effort. Discussions with ADF&G in 2017 suggest some change within the structure of
industry necessitated an updated business survey. Therefore, a business survey of
guide businesses was repeated to determine how and where they receive and spend
their business revenues in 2017. The survey instrument itself was built to mirror the
survey implemented for the statewide research effort in 2007 and to capture current
business practices.
ADF&G provided the list of licensed sportfishing guides who operate in the Cook Inlet
region’s fresh and salt water. Email capture among this sportfishing business group was
83%. The business survey was conducted via email and all guides with emails on record
were asked to participate in the survey effort. Three rounds of email invitations were
sent (Feb. 22nd, March 1st, and March 8th of 2018). The emails included a message
5

Tax revenue estimates from the IMPLAN model are based on actual total collections from industry but at a more
aggregated sector level. These values are then apportioned to specific industries and local levels using Bureau of
Economic Analysis and Annual Survey of Government Finances data. This approach can cause estimated
collections realized at a more localized level to deviate from the model estimates.

20

 explaining the purpose of the survey and a promise of confidentiality along with a
clickable link to the survey. A response rate of 26% was achieved.
Two key vectors were utilized in the modification of the IMPLAN model: 1) the percent
that each category of business expense represents of the respondent’s total business
expenses (i.e., the production function); and, 2) the percent of each business expense
category that the respondent purchased in the Cook Inlet region. Detailed results for the
vectors are included in the Appendix Table A6. Summary data analysis checks were
employed to check for errors. For the first response vector, the sum of responses
should add to 100%. In several surveys, the sum of responses did not total 100% and
the individual response categories were adjusted to force the sum to equal 100% under
the following rule. If the sum of the response categories was less than 90% or more
than 110% then the survey was discarded as unusable. If the sum fell within that range
but was not equal to 100%, each category response was proportionally adjusted to
force the sum to equal 100%. For the second response vector, no single response
should exceed 100%.

Results
Angler Days
Anglers spent 907,000 days sportfishing in the Cook Inlet region in 2017 (Table 5).
Alaska residents accounted for the majority of days fished (57% or 514,000) while nonresidents fished 393,000 days (43%). Eighty-two percent of all sportfishing days were
unguided. While there are more freshwater angler days, saltwater fishing days have a
higher proportion of guided days (37.0%) relative to freshwater days (13.3%). Nonresident anglers are more likely to have taken a guided fishing trip (34.3%) relative to
residents (6.0%), regardless of water types.
Table 5. Angler days by water type, guide usage, and residency (2017)
Resident
Non-resident
All Anglers
AnglerAnglerAnglerDays
%
Days
%
Days
%
(thous.)
(thous.)
(thous.)
Freshwater
Guided
18.1
4.4%
77.5 25.4%
95.6 13.3%
Unguided
395.7 95.6%
227.1 74.6%
622.8 86.7%
Total
413.8 100.0%
304.6 100.0%
718.4 100.0%
Saltwater
Guided
12.7 12.7%
57.2 64.7%
69.9 37.0%
Unguided
87.7 87.3%
31.1 35.3%
118.8 63.0%
Total
100.4 100.0%
88.3 100.0%
188.7 100.0%
Total Guided
30.8
6.0%
134.7 34.3%
165.5 18.2%
Total Unguided
483.4 94.0%
258.2 65.7%
741.6 81.8%
TOTAL
514.2 100.0%
392.9 100.0%
907.1 100.0%
Source: 2017 Statewide Harvest Survey, Alaska Department of Fish and Game

21

 Angler Spending
In 2017, anglers spent an estimated $716.4 million in the Cook Inlet region (Table 6).
Total spending is evenly split between residents and non-residents ($358.5 million and
$358.0 million). Twenty five percent ($181.2 million) of total spending is trip-related
spending. A portion of non-resident anglers, traveling to the region to fish, prepurchase a package experience from one of the many outfitters or guides operating in
the region, securing a range of services for the one fixed price. Overall, 5% ($37.2
million) of total spending is package-related spending.
Table 6. Spending for sportfishing, by residency and expenditure category (2017)
Resident
Non-resident
All
Angler
Angler
Angler
Expenditures
Spending
%
Spending
%
Spending
%
(millions)
(millions)
(millions)
Trip
$46.2 12.9%
$135.0 37.7%
$181.2 25.3%
Package
$0.0
0.0%
$37.2 10.4%
$37.2
5.2%
Equipment
$201.8 56.3%
$54.0 15.1%
$255.8 35.7%
Real Estate
$110.6 30.8%
$131.7 36.8%
$242.3 33.8%
Total
$358.5 100%
$358.0 100%
$716.5 100%
During their sportfishing days, both residents and non-residents may make a portion of
their trip-related purchases closer to home and then make additional trip-related
purchases in the Cook Inlet region. It is important to note that anglers were asked to
not include those purchases made outside of the region. As a result, the spending
reported in Table 6 reflects only purchases made inside the region.
More than one third ($255.8 million) of all sportfishing related spending in the Cook Inlet
region is associated with equipment. While the trip-related spending reflects anglers,
who reported fishing in the region, equipment spending includes anglers who fished
outside of the region as well. Given that this area contains a large portion of Alaska’s
businesses, many anglers likely make trips to the region to purchase equipment. As a
result, the equipment spending reflects purchases made within the region which may or
may not have been used to fish within the region. Finally, another third ($242.3 million)
is associated with sportfishing-related real estate spending.
Distribution across the four spending category types is quite different between the two
groups. Among resident anglers, spending on sportfishing-related equipment and real
estate account for 87.1% ($312.2) of total spending. Equipment and real estate
spending still account for the majority of spending (51.9% or $185.7 million) among nonresident anglers. However, the proportion associated with trip and package spending
among non-residents is four times greater than residents (48.1% or $172.2 relative to
12.9% or $46.2 million).
Average spending within each of the major expense categories is shown in Table 7.
Trip and package spending are based on total spending in those categories (Table 6)
22

 averaged across all reported fishing days in the region (Table 5). Collectively, anglers
spend an average of $241 in the region on purchases such as fuel, groceries, bait,
lodging, and restaurants (see Table 8 for the complete list of trip-related items).
Table 7. Average sportfishing expenditures, by residency and category (2017)
NonResident
All
resident
Anglers
Anglers
Anglers
$ per angler-day
Trip Expenditures
$89.78
$343.61
$199.72
Package Expenditures
NA*
$94.68
$41.01
Total trip spending
$89.78
$438.29
$240.73

Equipment Expenditures
Real Estate Expenditures
Total equipment & real estate
spending

annual $ per licensed angler
$1,102.92
$203.08
$569.69
$604.26
$494.94
$539.48
$1,707.18

$698.02 $1,109.18

Equipment and real estate spending are based on total spending in those categories
(Table 6) averaged across all Alaskan anglers. Based on data from ADF&G’s SWHS,
there were 182,963 licensed resident anglers and 266,111 licensed non-resident
anglers in 2017. Collectively, anglers spent an average of $1,109 in the region on
purchases such as rods, reels boats, motors, apparel, docks, and maintenance (see
Tables 9 & 10 for the complete list of equipment and real estate items).
On average, non-residents spent more per fishing day on trip-related items in the region
relative to residents ($438.29 versus $89.78). Conversely, residents spent more per
angler on equipment and real estate items relative to non-residents ($1,707.18 versus
$698.02).
Sportfishing trip and package spending encompasses a wide variety of items from fuel
and oil to support the trip; from groceries to restaurants to sustain the angler; and from
derby tickets to rentals to support the day on the water. The common theme is that triprelated items are services or items considered non-durable and purchased specifically
for the trip. The full list of items and the amount spent in the region by resident and
non-resident anglers is presented in Table 8. Additional detailed tables by guide use
and water type are presented in the Appendix tables A2 & A3.

23

 Table 8. Detailed sportfishing trip spending, by residency (2017)
NonResident
All
resident
Anglers
Anglers
Anglers
Trip Expenditures (millions)
Fuel and oil for transportation
$13.7
$7.8
$21.5
Guide and charter fees
$6.1
$37.8
$43.9
Air travel
$0.4
$28.0
$28.4
Transportation services
$0.6
$3.1
$3.7
Boat launch & dockage fees
$2.9
$0.8
$3.7
Ice
$0.8
$0.5
$1.3
Bait
$1.3
$0.9
$2.1
Groceries
$8.1
$7.7
$15.8
Restaurants
$5.2
$7.5
$12.7
Heating & cooking fuel
$0.4
$0.2
$0.6
Fish processing
$1.5
$11.0
$12.6
Rentals
$0.7
$7.8
$8.5
Overnight accommodations
$3.8
$17.2
$21.0
Derby
$0.1
$0.2
$0.3
Souvenirs & gifts
$0.3
$3.4
$3.7
Other entertainment expenses
$0.2
$0.6
$0.9
Other
$0.1
$0.5
$0.6
Sub-Total (millions)
$46.2
$135.0
$181.2
Package Expenditures (millions)
na
$37.2
$37.2
Total Trip & Package (millions)
$46.2
$172.2
$218.4

Sportfishing equipment spending encompasses a similarly diverse list of items from
rods and tackle (specific to sportfishing) to boats and apparel (which can be used for
multiple purposes). In contrast to trip or package related items, equipment items are
durable in nature and typically used for more than one trip. Table 9 presents the full list
of items and total spending in the region by resident and non-resident anglers.

24

 Table 9. Detailed sportfishing equipment spending, by residency (2017)
Resident
Anglers
Equipment expenditures (millions)
License and stamps
Rods, reels, and components
Fishing tackle
Tackle boxes or cases
Electronics
Nets
Miscellaneous fishing equipment
Shellfish equipment
Taxidermy
Books and magazines
Items to store/preserve fish
Coolers, fish boxes
Clothing
Boots, shoes, waders
Life jackets
Boats, canoes, rafts, etc.
Boat motors
Trailers, hitches
Bear spray, bug spray, sun
screen
Firearms
Cameras, binoculars, sunglasses
Tents, screen rooms, tarps,
backpacks, sleeping bags
Camping trailer
Other camping equipment
Vehicles
Airplanes and related equipment
ATVs, snow machines
Boat/camper registrations and
excise taxes
Vehicle, boat, or airplane
repair/maintenance
Other
Total (millions)

Non-resident
Anglers

All
Anglers

$3.8
$11.6
$6.7
$1.1
$3.9
$2.3
$2.6
$0.4
$1.5
$0.4
$4.0
$2.0
$3.7
$4.9
$1.0
$21.5
$15.4
$2.5

$12.2
$6.2
$4.1
$0.5
$1.0
$0.5
$1.5
$0.1
$0.9
$0.3
$1.8
$2.1
$3.3
$2.4
$0.1
$0.8
$0.1
$0.1

$16.0
$17.8
$10.8
$1.7
$5.0
$2.9
$4.1
$0.5
$2.4
$0.7
$5.9
$4.1
$7.0
$7.3
$1.1
$22.3
$15.6
$2.7

$0.7
$4.7
$2.2

$0.7
$1.2
$0.9

$1.4
$5.8
$3.2

$2.1
$9.6
$2.1
$65.6
$0.4
$13.2

$0.5
$1.1
$0.3
$4.9
$1.1
$1.1

$2.5
$10.7
$2.4
$70.4
$1.5
$14.3

$1.1

$0.1

$1.2

$10.1
$0.4
$201.8

$3.3
$0.9
$54.0

$13.4
$1.3
$255.8

The reported dollar figures reflect total spending on fishing equipment and only that
portion of multi-use equipment items anglers report was used specifically for the
purpose of sportfishing. Resident purchases amount to $201.8 million, accounting for
79% of total sportfishing equipment. Non-resident purchases amount to $54.0 million,
accounting for 21% of equipment spending.
25

 Annual real estate spending estimates are presented in Table 10. The real estate
category captures spending in 2017 on the purchase or lease of existing structures, onsite construction or maintenance of structures, and purchases of structures constructed
off-site. Spending by non-residents sums to $131.7 million, the majority (54%) of the
total spending in this category. Almost the entirety (98%) is associated with purchases
or leases of land and existing houses. Despite the sizable amount of spending, only a
portion generates economic activity primarily in the real estate and finance sectors.
Residents spend $110.6 million, slightly less than non-residents. Sixty-eight percent of
their spending is associated with on-site construction and repair as well as the purchase
of structures built off-site.
Table 10. Detailed sportfishing real estate spending, by residency (2017)
Resident
Anglers
Real Estate Expenditures (millions)
Purchases of lots, existing houses
and cabins, and/or land
Leases of land, cabins, boat slips,
and storage
Construction of houses and cabins,
and repair or maintenance expenses
Purchase or construction of boat
docks, sheds, or outbuildings
Total (millions)

Non-resident
Anglers

All
Anglers

$34.1

$116.4

$150.5

$1.4

$12.0

$13.4

$69.4

$2.6

$72.0

$5.7
$110.6

$0.6
$131.7

$6.4
$242.3

Economic Contributions
The angler spending discussed in the previous section, known as the direct effects,
cycles through the regional economy generating additional rounds of economic activity.
These extra rounds include indirect effects driven by businesses who provide
supporting services and goods to anglers as well as induced effects resulting from
household spending by employees of these businesses, known together as the
multiplier effects. The three effects as a collective comprise the total economic
contribution effects. The IMPLAN model is used to track the flow of these multiple
rounds of spending.
Anglers spent an estimated $716.5 million across all expenditure categories (Table 6).
After adjustments to isolate the portion of spending that actually generated economic
activity within the region, the direct contribution to the region’s economic output is
$491.6 million (Table 11). That activity supported more than 4,235 full and part-time
jobs and $159.2 million in household income.
Spurred by the initial spending of anglers, the economic output attributable to the
supporting industries, or multiplier effect, is $340.8 million. The indirect and induced
activity supported 2,143 jobs and $112.2 million in household income. Together, the
26

 total effects of the spending activity generated $832.4 million in economic output and
supported more than 6,300 jobs that provided $271.4 in household income.
Table 11. Economic contributions of all sportfishing spending by residency
(2017)
Resident
Non-resident
All
Anglers
Anglers
Anglers
Direct effect
Output (millions)
$299.7
$191.9
$491.6
Labor Income (millions)
$96.2
$63.0
$159.2
Employment (thous.)
2.2
2.0
4.2
Multiplier effects
Output (millions)
$189.3
$151.5
$340.8
Labor Income (millions)
$62.6
$49.6
$112.2
Employment (thous.)
1.2
1.0
2.1
Total effect
Output (millions)
$489.0
$343.4
$832.4
Labor Income (millions)
$158.8
$112.6
$271.4
Employment (thous.)
3.4
3.0
6.4
Table 12 presents the economic contributions from trip and package related spending
by residency. Tables providing detail by residency, guide usage, and water type are
provided in the Appendix tables A7 & A8. The total effects of trip and package spending
activity generated $306.2 million in output, more than 2,800 jobs, and $100.3 million in
household income. The majority of these effects come from non-resident spending.
Table 12. Economic contributions of sportfishing trip and package spending by
residency (2017)
Resident
Non-resident
All
Anglers
Anglers
Anglers
Direct effects
Output (millions)
$40.4
$130.6
$171.1
Labor Income (millions)
$12.1
$45.0
$57.1
Employment (thous.)
0.4
1.6
2.0
Multiplier effects
Output (millions)
$27.6
$107.6
$135.2
Labor Income (millions)
$8.6
$34.6
$43.2
Employment (thous.)
0.2
0.7
0.8
Total effects
Output (millions)
$68.0
$238.2
$306.2
Labor Income (millions)
$20.6
$79.6
$100.3
Employment (thous.)
0.6
2.2
2.8

27

 Table 13 presents the economic contributions from equipment and real estate related
spending by residency. The total effects of equipment and real estate spending activity
generated $526.2 million in output, more than 3,500 jobs, and $171.2 million in
household income. In this case, the majority of these effects come from resident
spending.
Table 13. Economic contributions of sportfishing equipment and real estate
spending by residency (2017)
Resident
Non-resident
All
Anglers
Anglers
Anglers
Direct effects
Output (millions)
$259.2
$61.3
$320.5
Labor Income (millions)
$84.2
$18.0
$102.2
Employment (thous.)
1.8
0.5
2.2
Multiplier effects
Output (millions)
$161.7
$43.9
$205.6
Labor Income (millions)
$54.0
$15.0
$69.0
Employment (thous.)
1.0
0.3
1.3
Total effects
Output (millions)
$421.0
$105.2
$526.2
Labor Income (millions)
$138.2
$33.0
$171.2
Employment (thous.)
2.8
0.7
3.5

28

 The economic activity generated in the region also produced tax revenues at the local,
state, and federal level. The IMPLAN modeling produced generalized region-specific
estimates of tax revenues based on existing ratios of output, income, and employment
to tax revenues. It is estimated that angler spending in the Cook Inlet region in 2017
generated $31.7 million and $63.2 million in state/local and federal tax revenue,
respectively (Table 14). Forty-three percent of tax revenues were the result of nonresident angler spending.

Table 14. Tax revenues generated from the economic contributions of
sportfishing (2017)
State and
Federal Tax Total Tax
Local Tax
Revenues
Revenues
Revenues
(millions)
(millions)
(millions)
Resident anglers
Trip & Package Expenditures
$4.2
$5.4
$9.6
Equipment Expenditures
$10.0
$19.8
$29.8
Real Estate Expenditures
$3.7
$11.5
$15.2
Subtotal
$18.0
$36.7
$54.6
Non-resident anglers
Trip & Package Expenditures
Equipment Expenditures
Real Estate Expenditures
Subtotal

$10.7
$2.3
$0.8
$13.8

$18.9
$6.3
$1.3
$26.6

$29.6
$8.6
$2.2
$40.3

All anglers
Trip & Package Expenditures
Equipment Expenditures
Real Estate Expenditures
Total

$14.9
$12.3
$4.6
$31.7

$24.3
$26.1
$12.8
$63.2

$39.2
$38.4
$17.4
$95.0

29

 Summary and Discussion
This study was conducted in order to provide current estimates of the economic
contributions made by sportfishing activity on the Cook Inlet region. Prior to this
research, the most recent study of sportfishing in Alaska that offers regional level
analysis was completed roughly ten years ago. The updated information can contribute
to the MSB’s policy discussions regarding fishery projects, land and water resource
management and other relevant topics.
More than 907,000 days were spent fishing in the Cook Inlet region. Anglers who fished
in the region and anglers who traveled to the region to purchase items used for
sportfishing spent a total of $716.5 million. The majority of those retail dollars were
retained in the local economy supporting more than 4,200 jobs and providing $159.2 in
labor income. A regional level input-output model was used to track the collective
economic contributions of the direct spending and the multiplier effects created as the
angler dollars moved from business to business in the Cook Inlet economy. The total
contributions generated by angler spending was estimated to be $832.4 million in
economic output, which supported more than 6,300 jobs and $271.4 million in labor
income.
One of the main objectives of this study was to take collecting, analyzing and reporting
estimates of economic contribution from sportfishing developed for the 2007 study and
apply it here. Slight modifications to the methodological approach of this study were
made to better capture spending, particularly in the real estate category. Outside of
these improvements, every effort was made to mirror the earlier methodology. This was
to ensure that the economic information produced by this study could be directly
compared to the earlier results to examine changes in specific segments of sportfishing
over the past ten years (resident/non-residents, freshwater/saltwater, guided/unguided).
We remind readers who wish to make comparisons that adjustments should be made to
the 2007 spending estimates to account for inflation over the ten-year period. We also
encourage readers making comparisons between the two studies to explore the
condition of the state economy between the two periods, as it may provide context for
differences in participation, spending, and economic contributions.

30

 Appendices

1. DETAILED ANALYSIS
2. ANGLER SURVEY PACKAGE
Resident
Non-resident
3. SPORTFISHING GUIDE BUSINESS SURVEY

31

 Detailed Results by Stratum
-Survey response by group (residency, guide usage, and water type)
-Trip and package spending by group (residency, guide usage, and water type)
-Economic contributions of trip and package spending by group (residency, guide
usage, and water type)
-Sportfishing guide business operation by water type

32

 Table A 1. Number of survey respondents reporting fishing activity by strata
Respondents

Response rate

Count

Proportion
fishing in
Cook Inlet

Count

Proportion by
water type

Count

Proportion
guided

Count*

Resident
Email

764

Mail

503

Subtotal

Resident
(email)
Resident
(mail)

7%

764

29%

503

Cook
Inlet

54%

680

Fresh
water

Salt
water

1,267

80%

36%

543

247

Guided

5%

26***

Unguided

95%

517*

Guided

19%

48***

Unguided

81%

199*

Guided

54%

266*

Unguided

46%

224*

Guided

74%

244*

Unguided

26%

86**

Non-resident
Email

936

Mail

560

Subtotal

1,496

Non-resident
(email)
Non-resident
(mail)

10%

936

31%

560

Cook
Inlet

55%

821

Fresh
water

Salt
water

60%

40%

490

330

Total
2,763
Note: Asterisk coding reflects a level of caution to be used given the sample sizes at the highest level of disaggregation. The smaller sample
sizes among resident guided days and non-resident unguided saltwater days are not unexpectedly smaller and profiles are developed for each
group. However, the margin of error around the estimates for these groups would be somewhat larger that those groups with larger sample sizes.

 Table A 2. Detailed sportfishing trip and package spending, by residency, guide
use (2017)
Resident
Guided
Unguided

Non-resident
Guided Unguided

All
Anglers

Trip Expenditures (millions)
Fuel and oil for transportation
Guide and charter fees
Air travel
Transportation services
Boat launch & dockage fees
Ice
Bait
Groceries
Restaurants
Heating & cooking fuel
Fish processing
Rentals
Overnight accommodations
Derby
Souvenirs & gifts
Other entertainment expenses
Other
Sub-Total

$1.0
$5.9
$0.4
$0.1
$0.1
$0.1
$0.1
$0.7
$0.7
$0.0
$0.5
$0.1
$1.0
$0.0
$0.1
$0.0
$0.0
$10.8

$12.6
$0.1
$0.0
$0.5
$2.8
$0.7
$1.2
$7.3
$4.5
$0.4
$1.0
$0.7
$2.9
$0.1
$0.2
$0.2
$0.1
$35.4

$3.0
$37.8
$15.3
$1.7
$0.2
$0.2
$0.3
$3.5
$4.4
$0.1
$8.5
$3.7
$9.6
$0.2
$2.2
$0.3
$0.4
$91.1

$4.9
$0.0
$12.7
$1.3
$0.6
$0.3
$0.5
$4.2
$3.2
$0.1
$2.6
$4.1
$7.7
$0.0
$1.2
$0.3
$0.1
$43.9

$21.5
$43.9
$28.4
$3.7
$3.7
$1.3
$2.1
$15.8
$12.7
$0.6
$12.6
$8.5
$21.0
$0.3
$3.7
$0.9
$0.6
$181.2

Package Expenditures (millions)
Total Trip & Package
(millions)

na

na

$35.2

$2.0

$37.2

$10.8

$35.4

$126.3

$45.9

$218.4

 Table A 3. Detailed sportfishing trip and package spending, by residency, guide
use, and water type (2017)
Resident
Guided
Unguided

Non-resident
Guided
Unguided

All
Anglers

FRESHWATER ANGLERS
Trip Expenditures (millions)
Fuel & oil for transportation
Guide and charter fees
Air travel
Transportation services
Boat launch & dockage fees
Ice
Bait
Groceries
Restaurants
Heating & cooking fuel
Fish processing
Rentals
Overnight accommodations
Derby
Souvenirs & gifts
Other entertainment expenses
Other
Sub-Total
Package Expenditures (millions)

$0.6
$3.8
$0.4
$0.1
$0.1
$0.0
$0.0
$0.5
$0.4
$0.0
$0.2
$0.1
$0.6
$0.0
$0.1
$0.0
$0.0
$7.0
na

$9.4
$0.1
$0.0
$0.5
$2.2
$0.6
$0.8
$5.9
$3.6
$0.3
$0.7
$0.3
$2.1
$0.0
$0.2
$0.2
$0.1
$27.0
na

$1.4
$17.7
$6.4
$0.8
$0.1
$0.1
$0.2
$1.6
$1.9
$0.0
$2.4
$2.0
$3.7
$0.0
$0.8
$0.1
$0.1
$39.3
$18.9

$3.7
$0.0
$11.0
$1.2
$0.5
$0.2
$0.3
$3.5
$2.6
$0.1
$1.8
$3.6
$7.2
$0.0
$1.0
$0.3
$0.1
$37.0
$1.7

$15.1
$21.7
$17.8
$2.6
$2.8
$0.9
$1.3
$11.4
$8.7
$0.4
$5.1
$6.0
$13.6
$0.1
$2.0
$0.6
$0.3
$110.3
$20.6

$0.4
$2.1
$0.0
$0.0
$0.1
$0.0
$0.0
$0.2
$0.2
$0.0
$0.3
$0.0
$0.3
$0.0
$0.0
$0.0
$0.0
$3.8
na

$3.2
$0.0
$0.0
$0.0
$0.6
$0.2
$0.4
$1.4
$0.8
$0.1
$0.3
$0.4
$0.7
$0.1
$0.0
$0.0
$0.0
$8.4
na

$1.6
$20.1
$8.9
$0.9
$0.1
$0.1
$0.2
$1.9
$2.5
$0.0
$6.1
$1.6
$5.9
$0.1
$1.4
$0.2
$0.3
$51.7
$16.3

$1.2
$0.0
$1.7
$0.2
$0.1
$0.1
$0.2
$0.8
$0.5
$0.0
$0.8
$0.5
$0.5
$0.0
$0.2
$0.1
$0.0
$6.9
$0.3

$6.4
$22.2
$10.7
$1.1
$0.9
$0.3
$0.8
$4.4
$4.1
$0.2
$7.5
$2.6
$7.4
$0.2
$1.6
$0.2
$0.3
$70.8
$16.6

SALTWATER ANGLERS
Trip Expenditures (millions)
Fuel & oil for transportation
Guide and charter fees
Air travel
Transportation services
Boat launch & dockage fees
Ice
Bait
Groceries
Restaurants
Heating & cooking fuel
Fish processing
Rentals
Overnight accommodations
Derby
Souvenirs & gifts
Other entertainment expenses
Other
Sub-Total
Package Expenditures (millions)

35

 Table A 4. IMPLAN sector assignments: Trip and guide spending
Economic survey trip spending
categories

IMPLAN Sector(s)

Sector description

156, 159

Petroleum refineries/Petroleum lubricating oil
and grease manufacturing

Guide and charter fees

na

Guide business survey spending categories

Airfare to and from Alaska

408

Air transportation

Fuel and oil for vehicles, boats, planes

Commercial travel within Alaska

409, 410, 412

Rentals (boat, equipment, autos)

443

General and consumer goods rental except
video tapes

Derby tickets

515

Business and professional associations

Boat launch and dock fees

494, 496

Air, water, and intra-urban transportation

Other amusement, gambling, and recreation
industries

Ice

85

Soft drink and ice manufacturing

Bait (natural bait only)

14

Fishing

Groceries, food, liquor bought in stores
Restaurants, bars, take-out food
Lodging (hotels, campgrounds, cabins)

PCE

Personal consumption expenditures

501, 502, 503

Food services and drinking places

499,500

Hotels, motels and other lodging;
campgrounds

Souvenirs and gifts

406

Miscellaneous store retailers

Processing and taxidermy

492

Independent artists, writers, and performers

Other entertainment expenses

496

Other amusement, gambling, and recreation
industries

Guide business survey spending
categories

IMPLAN Sector(s)

Sector description

Business & guide license/permit

523

Other state government enterprises

Fishing licenses (for anglers)

523

Other state government enterprises

Fuel & oil
Restaurants & prepared meals
Wages, salaries, and payments to
owners
Equipment purchases
Equipment rental

Equipment maintenance & repair
Bait
Groceries
Lodging
Airline tickets
Other public transportation
Business services (accounting, legal,
advertising, etc.)
Real estate in the CI region

156, 159
501, 502, 503

286, 344, 349, 364, 385

Engine equipment, light duty truck, trailer,
boat, and sporting goods manufacturing

445

Commercial equipment rental and leasing

504, 506, 507, 508
17
PCE
499, 500
408
409, 410, 412

447, 448, 457, 465, 466, 470
440
42, 51

Taxes

531, 533

Other (boat launch fees)

Food services and drinking places

5001

Utilities

Insurance

Petroleum refineries/Petroleum lubricating oil
and grease manufacturing

437
408, 445, 496

Auto repair, electronic equipment repair,
commercial machinery repair, personal goods
repair
Commercial fishing
Personal consumption expenditures
Hotels, motels and other lodging
Air transportation
Air, water, and intra-urban transportation
Legal services, accounting services,
advertising, business support, security
services, other support services
Real estate
Electricity, water, sewage, and other systems
State and local government, non-education
Insurance carriers
Air transport, machinery and equipment rental,
other recreation industries

 Table A 5. IMPLAN sector assignments: Equipment and real estate spending
Economic survey equipment spending
categories

IMPLAN Sector

Sector description

Equipment
Rods and reels

385

Sporting and athletic goods manufacturing

Tackle (lines, leaders, lures, etc.)

385

Sporting and athletic goods manufacturing

Tackle boxes

385

Sporting and athletic goods manufacturing

Electronics (e.g., depth finders)

315

Search, detection, and navigation instruments

Nets

385

Sporting and athletic goods manufacturing

Misc. fishing equipment

385

Sporting and athletic goods manufacturing

Shellfish fishing equip.

385

Sporting and athletic goods manufacturing

Taxidermy

492

Independent artists, writers, and performers

Books and magazines

418, 419

Book and periodical publishers

Smokers, vacuum sealers, etc.

329

Household appliance manufacture

Coolers, fish boxes

385

Sporting and athletic goods manufacturing

Clothing

129

Other cut and sew apparel manufacturing

Boots, waders, other footwear

132

Footwear manufacturing

Life jackets, PFDs

129

Other cut and sew apparel manufacturing

Boats, canoes, kayaks, etc.

364

Boat building

Boat motors

286

Other engine equipment manufacturing

Trailers, hitches, etc.

286

Other engine equipment manufacturing

Bear spray, bug spray, etc.

385

Sporting and athletic goods manufacturing

Firearms

259

Small arms manufacturing

Cameras, binoculars

272

Optical instrument and lens manufacturing

Tents, backpacks, sleeping bags

385

Sporting and athletic goods manufacturing

Camping trailer

349

Travel trailer and camper manufacturing

Other camping equipment

385

Sporting and athletic goods manufacturing

Trucks, SUVs, RVs

343, 344

Automobile and light truck manufacturing

Planes and related equip

357

Aircraft manufacturing

ATVs, snow machines

367

All other transportation equipment manufacturing

Registration and excise taxes

523

Other state government enterprises

Vehicle, boat, plane repairs

504

Automotive, electronic, machinery and household
repair

Other equipment

385

Sporting and athletic goods manufacturing

Cabins-existing sales

440

Real estate

Land leased for fishing

440

Real estate

Cabin-new construction

59

construction
structures

63

Maintenance and repair of residential structures

144

Prefabricated wood building manufacturing

Real Estate used primarily for fishing

Maintained and repaired residential
structures
Purchase or construction of boat docks,
sheds, or outbuildings

37

of

new

single-family

residential

 Table A 6. Sportfishing guide operations business survey results
Fresh water guides
Salt water guides
Percent
Percent
purchased
purchased
Percent
in Cook
Percent
in Cook
of Total
Inlet
of Total
Inlet
Business expenses
Business & guide
license/permit
5.5%
90%
4.6%
89%
Fishing licenses (for anglers)
0.3%
98%
0.1%
100%
Fuel & oil
14.4%
90%
23.0%
84%
Restaurants & prepared meals
2.6%
96%
1.2%
100%
Wages, salaries, and
payments to owners
21.0%
95%
21.7%
89%
Equipment purchases
11.5%
96%
12.7%
100%
Equipment rental
0.2%
90%
0.1%
99%
Equipment maintenance &
repair
5.9%
90%
8.8%
89%
Bait
2.6%
97%
3.9%
99%
Groceries
3.6%
98%
1.3%
99%
Lodging
3.4%
98%
2.3%
95%
Airline tickets
1.5%
92%
0.8%
89%
Other public transportation
0.1%
90%
0.1%
84%
Business services (accounting,
legal, advertising, etc.)
7.3%
93%
5.1%
85%
Real estate in the CI region
3.8%
95%
2.3%
95%
Utilities
3.4%
98%
1.6%
100%
Taxes
4.8%
96%
4.3%
100%
Insurance
4.9%
87%
4.2%
89%
Other (boat launch fees)
3.0%
95%
2.1%
95%
Total
100%
na
100%
na

38

 Table A 7. Economic contributions of sportfishing trip and package spending by residency, guide usage (2017)
Resident
Guided
Unguided

Non-resident
Guided
Unguided

Resident

TOTAL
Non-resident

All
Anglers

ALL ANGLERS
Direct effects
Output (millions)

$8.3

$32.1

$94.4

$36.3

$40.4

$130.6

$171.1

Labor Income (millions)

$2.8

$9.3

$32.7

$12.3

$12.1

$45.0

$57.1

Employment
Multiplier effects
Output (millions)

88

331

1,128

443

419

1,571

1,990

$6.7

$20.9

$80.0

$27.6

$27.6

$107.6

$135.2

Labor Income (millions)

$2.2

$6.4

$26.0

$8.6

$8.6

$34.6

$43.2

42

122

507

169

163

675

839

Employment
Total effects
Output (millions)

$15.0

$53.0

$174.4

$63.8

$68.0

$238.2

$306.2

Labor Income (millions)

$4.9

$15.7

$58.7

$20.9

$20.6

$79.6

$100.3

Employment

130

453

1,634

612

583

2,246

2,828

 Table A 8. Economic contributions of sportfishing trip and package spending by residency, guide usage, and
water type (2017)
Resident
Guided
FRESHWATER ANGLERS
Direct effects
Output (millions)

Non-resident

Unguided

Guided

TOTAL

Unguided

Resident

All

Non-resident

Anglers

$5.3

$24.4

$43.2

$30.4

$29.7

$73.6

$103.3

Labor Income (millions)
Employment
Multiplier effects

$1.8
53

$7.1
251

$15.4
460

$10.5
363

$8.9
304

$25.8
823

$34.7
1,127

Output (millions)

$4.3

$15.8

$37.1

$23.2

$20.2

$60.3

$80.4

Labor Income (millions)

$1.4

$4.9

$12.1

$7.3

$6.3

$19.4

$25.6

27

92

233

141

119

374

493

Output (millions)

$9.6

$40.2

$80.3

$53.6

$49.9

$133.9

$183.7

Labor Income (millions)
Employment

$3.2
79

$11.9
343

$27.5
692

$17.7
505

$15.1
423

$45.2
1,197

$60.3
1,619

SALTWATER ANGLERS
Direct effects
Output (millions)

$3.0

$7.7

$51.2

$5.9

$10.7

$57.0

$67.8

Labor Income (millions)

$1.0

$2.2

$17.3

$1.8

$3.2

$19.1

$22.4

Employment
Total effects

Employment
Multiplier effects
Output (millions)

35

80

668

80

116

748

863

$2.4

$5.1

$42.9

$4.4

$7.4

$47.3

$54.7

Labor Income (millions)

$0.8

$1.5

$13.9

$1.4

$2.3

$15.3

$17.6

15

30

274

27

45

301

346

Output (millions)

$5.4

$12.8

$94.1

$10.3

$18.2

$104.3

$122.5

Labor Income (millions)

$1.7

$3.8

$31.2

$3.2

$5.5

$34.4

$39.9

50

110

942

107

160

1,049

1,209

Employment
Total effects

Employment

40

 Angler Survey Packages
Wave I: Residents only
-Advance postcard
-First letter and survey
-Thank you/reminder postcard
-Second letter
-Email messages
Wave II: Residents and non-residents
-Advance postcard
-First letter and survey
-Thank you/reminder postcard
-Second letter
-Email messages

 SURVEY WAVE I: ADVANCE POSTCARD
Pre-post card (FRONT)
COOK INLET SPORTFISHING ECONOMIC STUDY
c/o Southwick Associates
PO Box 6435
Fernandina Beach, Florida 32035

<<First name>> <<Last Name>>
<<Address>>
<<City>>, <<State>> <<Zip>>

Postcard (BACK)
Dear Angler,
The Matanuska-Susitna Borough has contracted Southwick Associates to
conduct a study of the economic importance of sportfishing in the Cook Inlet
region. The project is being conducted in cooperation with the Alaska
Department of Fish & Game with funding provided by the Borough and the
Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development.
You were selected to be part of this study as a result of purchasing an Alaska
sportfishing license in 2017. In approximately 7-10 days, you will be receiving
a survey from Southwick Associates in the mail. When it arrives, please take a
few minutes to complete and return the survey. Thank You!
Matanuska-Susitna
Borough

Alaska Department
of Fish & Game

42

 SURVEY WAVE I: FIRST LETTER

{Date}
Dear Alaska angler:
The Matanuska-Susitna Borough has contracted Southwick Associates to conduct a study of the
economic importance of sportfishing in the Cook Inlet Region. The project is being conducted with
cooperation from the Alaska Department of Fish & Game and funding support from the Borough
and the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development.
You have been selected at random to be a part of this study from a sample of anglers who
purchased an Alaska sportfishing license in 2017. Even if you did not fish in the Cook Inlet
Region, we would still like to hear from you. You are one of a small group of people who have
been selected to represent all Alaska anglers, so it is very important that we hear from you. The
entire survey should only take you about 10 minutes to complete.
The information that you provide will be kept confidential and will only be used by the project
contractor, Southwick Associates, Inc. (www.SouthwickAssociates.com) to produce summary
estimates of the economic importance of sportfishing in the Cook Inlet Region of Alaska.
After you complete the survey, please return it in the enclosed postage-paid envelope. If you
prefer, you can take the survey online at:
www.surveygizmo.com/s3/3694062/AK-Cook-Inlet-2017
Your Access Code for the online survey is <<SA_UID>>.
To show our appreciation for your participation, all completed surveys will be entered into a
drawing to be held at the end of the study for a gift certificate worth $500 at the sporting goods
retailer of your choice.
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns about the study, you may contact Lisa Bragg
at LBragg@SouthwickAssociates.com or 904-277-9765. I would like to thank you in advance for
agreeing to participate in this important study.
Sincerely,

Rob Southwick / President
Southwick Associates
Project sponsored by:
Matanuska-Susitna Borough

With assistance from: Alaska
Department of Fish and Game

PO Box 6435 ■ Fernandina Beach, FL 32035 ■ Office (904) 277-9765

43

 SURVEY WAVE I: SURVEY

Cook Inlet Sportfishing Economic Survey
This survey asks about your fishing activity and spending in the
Cook Inlet Region during the first six months of 2017.
The Matanuska-Susitna Borough has contracted Southwick
Associates to conduct this study in cooperation with the Alaska
Department of Fish & Game.

<<merge SA_UID>>
Please note that the Cook Inlet Region includes both the saltwater inlet portion
above Kodiak Island as well as the freshwater rivers that drain into the Cook Inlet.

44

 Please note that “sportfishing” is defined as the taking of fish and shellfish (clams, crabs,
shrimp, etc.) under Alaska sportfishing license regulations, including personal use fishing (e.g.
dip netting). Please do not report activities and expenditures associated with subsistence
fishing.
Section A – GENERAL:
In this section, we are interested in learning some general information about your
sportfishing activities in the Cook Inlet Region. Please refer to the detailed map at the
front of this survey.
1. Did you go sportfishing in the Cook Inlet Region of Alaska between January 1st and
June 30th, 2017? (see map)
 Yes
Please continue to Question 3 below.
 No
2. Did you purchase any fishing equipment, fishing-related gear, or real estate in the Cook
Inlet Region of Alaska in the last twelve months? (see map)
 Yes
Please continue to Question 16 on page 5.
 No
Please skip to Question 18 on page 6.
3. Did you buy an Alaska sportfishing license in 2017 primarily to go personal use fishing
(e.g. dip netting, gill netting, etc.)?
 Yes
 No
4. As best as possible, please report the number of days you went sportfishing in the Cook
Inlet Region between November 1, 2016 and December 31, 2016. (Please enter “0” if
you did not fish in this period.)
Number of saltwater fishing days
________
Number of freshwater fishing days ________

Section B – SPORTFISHING ACTIVITY:
In this section, we want to know how often you went sportfishing in the Cook Inlet
Region between January 1st and April 30th, 2017 and between May 1st and June 30th,
2017.
5. January through April: How many days did you go freshwater and saltwater fishing in
the Cook Inlet Region between January 1, 2017 and April 30, 2017? (mark ‘0’ if you
did not fish in the Cook Inlet region in January through April)
Freshwater:
_____days in January through April
Saltwater:
_____days in January through April
6. May through June: How many days did you go freshwater and saltwater fishing in
the Cook Inlet Region between May 1, 2017 and June 30, 2017? (mark ‘0’ if you did
not fish in the Cook Inlet region in May through June)
Freshwater:
_____days in May through June
Saltwater:
_____days in May through June
7. For the entire period between January 1 and June 30, 2017, please tell us how many
days you fished for these species. If you fished for more than one species on the same

45

 day mark each species as one day. Please note the species you targeted might not
necessarily have been the fish actually caught on the trip. (Report days for all that apply)
Species
King Salmon (Chinook)
Silver Salmon (Coho)
Red Salmon (Sockeye)
Other Salmon (Pink, Chum)
Steelhead
Trout (rainbow, cutthroat, lake trout, etc.)
Halibut
Other saltwater (Lingcod. Rockfish, Shark, etc.)
Other freshwater (Dolly Varden, Arctic Grayling, Northern
Pike, Burbot, etc.)
Shellfish (clams, crab, shrimp, etc.)

Total days
Jan. 1 through
June 30, 2017
_______days
_______days
_______days
_______days
_______days
_______days
_______days
_______days
_______days
_______days

Section C – THE LAST TIME YOU WENT SPORTFISHING:
Now we would like to know about the last time you went sportfishing in the Cook Inlet
Region between January 1st and June 30th, 2017. Please remember, “sportfishing”
includes personal use (e.g., dip netting) and shellfish fishing, but does not include
subsistence fishing.
8. In what month did you last go sportfishing in the Cook Inlet Region between January 1
and June 30, 2017?
□ January
□ February
□ March
□ April
□ May
□ June

46

 9. Fishing trips often include time for fishing, travel, and non-fishing activities. How long
was this last fishing trip (including fishing days, travel days, and non-fishing days)? Note
that single-day trips do not need to take a whole day. For example, if the last time you
went fishing you only fished for a few hours after work, this would be counted as ‘1’ day.

Total days on your last fishing trip to Cook Inlet Region:

______ days

10. How many days did you actually fish the last time you went fishing in the Cook Inlet
Region? (Count partial days of fishing as ‘1’ day)
Fishing days on your last trip to Cook Inlet Region:
______ days
11. Would you still have taken this trip even if you were not able to go fishing?
Definitely “No”
Maybe “No”
Not sure
Maybe “Yes” Definitely “Yes”
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
12. Was this trip primarily……….? (check one)
□ rod & reel sportfishing
□ dip netting (personal use)
□ shellfish fishing
13. Was this trip primarily in……….? (check one)
□ freshwater
□ saltwater
14. Did you pay for a guide or a charter boat on this trip?
□ Yes
□ No

47

 In this next section, we ask about your spending on your last fishing trip to the Cook
Inlet Region that occurred between January 1 through June 30, 2017 (the trip
described in Questions 8 through 14.
15. As best as possible, please tell us how much you spent on the following TRIP-RELATED
items ON THE TRIP DESCRIBED ABOVE. Please only include amounts that you spent
within the COOK INLET REGION. Include money that you spent for other people on
your trip; do not include money that other people spent on your behalf. We will ask
about your equipment purchases in later questions.

Items purchased on last trip in Cook Inlet Region
(between January 1 and June 30, 2017)

Amount Spent
in Cook Inlet
Region

Fuel and oil for your car, truck, boat, airplane, ATV, and/or other
$
transportation
Guide and charter fees
$
Transportation services (air taxis, boat ferries, shuttle vans, taxis,
$
etc.)
Boat launch and dockage fees
$
Ice
$
Bait (natural bait only, do not include lures)
$
Groceries, food, liquor bought in stores (not in restaurants or
$
bars)
Restaurants, bars, and take-out food purchases
$
Heating and cooking fuels
$
Fish processing and shipping
$
Rentals (boats, equipment, autos, etc.)
$
Overnight accommodations (hotels/motels, B&B's,
$
campgrounds, cabin rentals, etc.)
Derby tickets
$
Souvenirs and gifts
$
Other entertainment expenses during fishing trip (movies, etc.)
$
Other (please specify): _________________
$
Section D – FISHING EQUIPMENT EXPENDITURES:
NOTE: In this section, we want to know about sportfishing and related equipment you
purchased in the Cook Inlet Region during the last 12 months, including equipment
purchased for sportfishing, personal use (e.g., dipnet) and/or shellfish fishing.
16. As best as possible, please tell us how much you spent on the following fishing
equipment items IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS. Only report purchases made within the
Cook Inlet Region – excluding purchases from catalogs or online web sites. Include
money that you spent for other people; do not include money that other people spent on
your behalf. Please write in the amount that you spent in the Cook Inlet region. Since
some items can be used for non-fishing activities, please estimate the percentage that
the purchased fishing related gear is used for sportfishing.

48

 Fishing equipment purchased
WITHIN COOK INLET REGION
DURING THE PAST 12 MONTHS

Total Amount
Spent in the
Cook Inlet
Region

FISHING EQUIPMENT:
Licenses and stamps
$
Rods, reels, & components
$
Fishing tackle (lines, leaders, lures, creels, stringers,
$
etc.)
Tackle boxes, cases to protect fishing equipment
$
Depth finders, fish finder, other electronics
$
Landing nets, dipnets & gillnets
$
Miscellaneous fishing equipment (knives, scales,
$
etc.)
Shellfish fishing equipment (shovels, pots, buckets,
$
etc.)
Fishing mounting (taxidermy)
$
Books and magazines devoted to fishing
$
FISHING-RELATED GEAR OR OTHER NON-FISHING PURCHASES:
Items to store/preserve fish (smoker, vacuum sealer,
$
etc.)
Coolers, fish boxes
$
Clothing (fishing vest, raingear, heat net, etc.)
$
Boots, shoes, waders, and other footwear
$
Life jackets
$
Boats, canoes, rafts, kayaks, and other watercraft
$
Boat motors
$
Trailers, hitches, and accessories
$
Bear spray, bug spray, sun screen
$
Firearms for personal protection
$
Cameras, binoculars, sun glasses
$
Tents, screen rooms, tarps, backpacks, sleeping
$
bags
Camping trailer (pop-ups, self-contained, 5th wheel)
$
Other camping equipment (stoves, grills, lanterns,
$
etc.)
Vehicles (trucks, SUVs, motorhomes, etc.)
$
Airplanes and related equipment
$
ATVs, snow machines
$
Boat/camper registrations and excise taxes
$
Vehicle, boat, or airplane repair/maintenance
$
Other (please specify): _______________________ $

49

% Used for
sportfishing

100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

 17. Please report how much you spent IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS on any real estate
located in the Cook Inlet Region that was purchased or used primarily for sportfishing
purposes. (If you spent nothing, enter ‘0’)

Total
Amount
Spent

Real estate spending in the past 12 months
primarily for fishing in the Cook Inlet Region
Purchases of lots, existing houses and cabins, and/or land
Leases of land, cabins, boat slips, and storage (do not include
any short-term rentals that were already reported as a trip-related
expense)
Construction of houses and cabins, and repair or maintenance
expenses (not including boat docks, sheds, or outbuildings)
Purchase or construction of boat docks, sheds, or outbuildings

$
$
$
$

Section E – BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
To help us learn more about who fishes in the Cook Inlet Region, please answer these
final questions. All answers you provide will be kept fully confidential. Your answers
help us ensure the survey best represents ALL Cook Inlet Region anglers, even those
not surveyed.
18. Is your primary residence within the Cook Inlet Region?
□ Yes
□ No
19. What is your gender?
□ Male □ Female
20. In what year were you born?_________________
21. Which category best describes the highest level of education you have completed?
□

Did not graduate from high school

□
□

High school graduate or GED
1-3 years college (some college)

□ College graduate (bachelor’s degree or
equivalent)
□ Postgraduate, master’s degree, doctorate, law
degree, other professional degree

22. Which best describes your household’s annual, before-tax income? (check one)
□
□
□
□

Less than $10,000
$10,000 - $19,999
$20,000 - $29,999
$30,000 - $39,999

□
□
□

$40,000 - $49,999
$50,000 - $74,999
$75,000 - $99,999

□
□
□

$100,000 - $149,999
$150,000 - $199,999
$200,000 or more

Thank you for taking our survey!
If you have any additional comments you wish to share about this study, please provide
them here:

50

 SURVEY WAVE I: REMINDER POSTCARD
Thank you/Reminder-post card (FRONT)
COOK INLET SPORTFISHING ECONOMIC STUDY
c/o Southwick Associates
PO Box 6435
Fernandina Beach, Florida 32035

<<First name>> <<Last Name>>
<<Address>>
<<City>>, <<State>> <<Zip>>

Postcard (BACK)
Dear Angler,
Recently, you received a survey from Southwick Associates asking about
your sportfishing activities in the Cook Inlet Region of Alaska. If you have
already completed and returned your survey, thank you! If you have not yet
completed the survey, we ask you to take a few minutes to do so and return
your completed survey in the postage paid envelope included in the package. It
is very important that we hear from you, even if you did not fish in the Cook
Inlet Region last year.
Southwick Associates was contracted by the Matanuska-Susitna Borough to
conduct this study. The project is being conducted with cooperation from the
Alaska Department of Fish & Game and funding support from the Borough and
the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development.
Thank You!

51

 SURVEY WAVE I:

SECOND LETTER

{Date}
Dear Alaska angler:
In July, we sent a survey to you asking about your sportfishing activities in the Cook Inlet Region
during the first six months of 2017. Many of the other anglers who received the survey have
already responded, but we have not yet received your completed questionnaire.
We are conducting the survey to provide a better understanding of the importance of sportfishing
to the Cook Inlet Region’s economy. Information about your experience is very valuable to this
study because you have been chosen to represent many other sport anglers in Alaska. Therefore,
it is very important that we hear from you.
Enclosed is a replacement questionnaire. Your responses to the survey questions will be kept
strictly confidential. Please take a few minutes to respond to the survey and return it in the
postage-paid envelope. If you prefer, you can take the survey online at:
www.surveygizmo.com/s3/3694062/AK-Cook-Inlet-2017
Your Access Code for the online survey is <<SA_UID>>.
The Matanuska-Susitna Borough contracted Southwick Associates to conduct this study. The
project is being conducted with cooperation from the Alaska Department of Fish & Game and
funding support is provided by the Borough and the Department of Commerce, Community, and
Economic Development.
All completed surveys will be entered into a drawing to be held at the end of the study for a gift
certificate worth $500 at the sporting goods retailer of your choice.
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns about the study, you may contact Lisa Bragg
at LBragg@SouthwickAssociates.com or 907-277-9765. I would like to thank you in advance for
agreeing to participate in this important study.
Sincerely,

Rob Southwick/ President
Southwick Associates
Project sponsored by:
Matanuska-Susitna Borough

In cooperation with: Alaska
Department of Fish and Game

PO Box 6435 ■ Fernandina Beach, FL 32035 ■ Office (904) 277-9765

52

 SURVEY WAVE I: INITIAL AND REMIDER EMAIL INVITATIONS
Dear Alaska angler:
The Matanuska-Susitna Borough has contracted Southwick Associates to conduct a study of
the economic importance of sportfishing in the Cook Inlet region. The project is being conducted
with cooperation from the Alaska Department of Fish & Game.
Please take a few minutes to complete our survey. The information that you provide will be kept
confidential. The entire survey should only take you about 10 minutes to complete. Even if you
did not fish in the Cook Inlet region, we would still like to hear from you.

Click Here to Start the Survey
To show our appreciation for your participation, all completed surveys will be entered into a
drawing to be held at the end of the study for a gift certificate worth $500 at the sporting
goods retailer of your choice.
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns about the study, you may contact Lisa Bragg
at LBragg@SouthwickAssociates.com or 904-277-9765. Thank you for participating in this
important study.
Sincerely,
Rob Southwick/President

A cooperative project with:

53

 SURVEY WAVE II: ADVANCE POSTCARD
COOK INLET SPORTFISHING ECONOMIC STUDY
c/o Southwick Associates
PO Box 6435
Fernandina Beach, Florida 32035

Angler name and address

Pre-post card (FRONT)
Postcard (BACK)

Dear Angler,
The Matanuska-Susitna Borough has contracted Southwick Associates to
conduct a study of the economic importance of sportfishing in the Cook Inlet
region. The project is being conducted in cooperation with the Alaska
Department of Fish & Game with funding provided by the Borough and the
Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development.
You were selected to be part of this study as a result of holding an Alaska
sportfishing license in 2017. In approximately 7-10 days, you will be receiving
a survey from Southwick Associates in the mail. When it arrives, please take a
few minutes to complete and return the survey. Thank You!
Matanuska-Susitna
Borough

Alaska Department
of Fish & Game

54

 SURVEY WAVE II: LETTER

{Date}
Dear Alaska angler:
The Matanuska-Susitna Borough has contracted Southwick Associates to conduct a study of the
economic importance of sportfishing in the Cook Inlet region. The project is being conducted with
cooperation from the Alaska Department of Fish & Game and funding support from the Borough
and the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development.
You have been selected at random to be a part of this study from a sample of anglers who held
an Alaska sportfishing license in 2017. You are one of a small group of people who have been
selected to represent all anglers who fish in Alaska, so it is very important that we hear from you.
Even if you did not fish in the Cook Inlet region, we would still like to hear from you. The entire
survey should only take you about 10 minutes to complete.
The information that you provide will be kept confidential and will only be used by the project
contractor, Southwick Associates, Inc. (www.SouthwickAssociates.com) to produce summary
estimates of the economic importance of sportfishing in the Cook Inlet Region of Alaska.
After you complete the survey, please return it in the enclosed postage-paid envelope. If you
prefer, you can take the survey online by
typing this web address
(http://sgiz.mobi/s3/AKCookInlet2017) directly
into the address bar of your browser. Your
Access Code for the online survey is XXX.
To show our appreciation for your participation, all completed surveys will be entered into a
drawing to be held at the end of the study for a gift certificate worth $500 at the sporting goods
retailer of your choice.
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns about the study, you may contact Lisa Bragg
at LBragg@SouthwickAssociates.com or 904-277-9765. I would like to thank you in advance for
agreeing to participate in this important study.
Sincerely,

Rob Southwick / President
Southwick Associates
Project sponsored by:
Matanuska-Susitna Borough

With assistance from: Alaska
Department of Fish and Game

PO Box 6435 ■ Fernandina Beach, FL 32035 ■ Office (904) 277-9765

55

 SURVEY WAVE II: RESIDENT SURVEY

Cook Inlet Sportfishing Economic Survey
This survey asks about your fishing activity and spending in the
Cook Inlet region during May to October 2017.
The Matanuska-Susitna Borough has contracted Southwick
Associates to conduct this study in cooperation with the Alaska
Department of Fish & Game.

<<merge ID>>
Please note that the Cook Inlet region includes both the saltwater inlet portion
above Kodiak Island as well as the freshwater rivers that drain into the Cook Inlet.

56

 Please note that “sportfishing” is defined as the taking of fish and shellfish (clams, crabs,
shrimp, etc.) under Alaska sportfishing license regulations, including personal use fishing (e.g.
dip netting). Please do not report activities and expenditures associated with subsistence
fishing.
Section A – GENERAL:
In this section, we are interested in learning some general information about your
sportfishing activities in the Cook Inlet region. Please refer to the detailed map at the
front of this survey.
23. Did you go sportfishing in the Cook Inlet region of Alaska between May 1st through
October 31st, 2017? (see map)
□ Yes
Please skip to Question 3 below.
□ No
24. Did you purchase any fishing equipment, fishing-related gear, or real estate that you
acquired primarily for fishing purposes in the Cook Inlet region of Alaska in the last
twelve months? (see map)
 Yes
Please skip to Question 24 on page 7.
 No
Please skip to Question 26 on page 8.
25. Did you by an Alaska sportfishing license in 2017 primarily to go personal use fishing
(e.g. dip netting, gill netting, etc.)?
□ Yes
□ No
26. As best as possible, please report the number of days you went sportfishing in the Cook
Inlet region between November 1, 2016 and December 31, 2016. (Please enter “0” if
you did not fish in this period.)
Number of saltwater fishing days________
Number of freshwater fishing days________

Section B – SPORTFISHING ACTIVITY:
In this section, we want to know how often you went sportfishing in the Cook Inlet
region between May 1st and June 30th, 2017 and between July 1st and October 31st,
2017.
27. May through June: How many days did you go freshwater and saltwater fishing in the
Cook Inlet region between May 1, 2017 and June 30, 2017? (mark ‘0’ if you did not fish
in the Cook Inlet region in May through June)
Freshwater:
_____days in May through June
Saltwater:
_____days in May through June
28. July through October: How many days did you go freshwater and saltwater fishing in
the Cook Inlet region between July 1, 2017 and October 31, 2017? (mark ‘0’ if you did
not fish in the Cook Inlet region in July through October)
Freshwater:
_____days in July through October
Saltwater:
_____days in July through October

57

 29. For the entire period between May 1 and October 31, 2017, please tell us how many
days you fished for these species. If you fished for more than one species on the same
day mark each species as one day. Please note the species you targeted might not
necessarily have been the fish actually caught on the trip. (Report days for all that apply)
Species Targeted
King Salmon (Chinook)
Silver Salmon (Coho)
Red Salmon (Sockeye)
Other Salmon (Pink, Chum)
Steelhead
Trout (rainbow, cutthroat, lake trout, etc.)
Halibut
Other saltwater (Lingcod. Rockfish, Shark, etc.)
Other freshwater (Dolly Varden, Arctic Grayling, Northern
Pike, Burbot, etc.)
Shellfish (clams, crab, shrimp, etc.)

Total days
May 1 through
Oct 31, 2017
_______days
_______days
_______days
_______days
_______days
_______days
_______days
_______days
_______days
_______days

Section C1 – LAST TIME YOU WENT SPORTFISHING IN MAY OR JUNE 2017:
Now we would like to know about the last time you went sportfishing in the Cook Inlet region
between May 1st and June 30th, 2017. Please remember, “sportfishing” includes personal use
(e.g., dip netting) and shellfish fishing, but does not include subsistence fishing.
30. In what month did you last go sportfishing in the Cook Inlet region between May 1 and
June 30, 2017?
□ May
□ June
□ I did not fish between May 1st and June 30th (skip to Q16 in section C2)

*** THESE NEXT QUESTIONS REFER TO THE LAST TIME YOU WENT
SPORTFISHING IN THE COOK INLET REGION BETWEEN MAY 1ST AND JUNE
30TH, 2017***
31. Fishing trips often include time for fishing, travel, and non-fishing activities. How long
was this last fishing trip including fishing days, travel days, and non-fishing days? Note
that single-day trips do not need to take a whole day. For example, if the last time you
went fishing MAY through JUNE you only fished for a few hours after work, this would
be counted as ‘1’ day.
Total days on your last fishing trip in Cook Inlet region: _______days
32. How many days did you actually fish during your fishing trip in the Cook Inlet region
between May 1st and June 30th? (Count partial days of fishing as ‘1’ day)
Fishing days on your last trip in Cook Inlet region: _________days

58

 33. Would you still have taken this trip even if you were not able to go fishing?
Definitely “No”
Maybe “No”
Not sure
Maybe “Yes” Definitely “Yes”
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
34. Was this trip primarily……….? (check one)
□ rod & reel sportfishing
□ dip netting (personal use)
□ shellfish fishing
35. Was this trip primarily in……….? (check one)
□ freshwater
□ saltwater
36. Did you pay for a guide or a charter boat on this trip?
□ Yes
□ No
In this next section, we ask about your spending on your last fishing trip to the Cook Inlet
region that occurred between May 1 through June 30, 2017 (the trip described in Question 8
through 14).
37. As best as possible, please tell us how much you spent on the following TRIP-RELATED
items ON THE TRIP DESCRIBED ABOVE. Please only include amounts you spent in
the COOK INLET REGION. Include money that you spent for other people on your trip;
do not include money that other people spent on your behalf. We will ask about your
equipment purchases in later questions.
Items purchased on last trip to Cook Inlet region
Amount Spent in
(between May 1 and June 30, 2017)
Cook Inlet region
Fuel and oil for your car, truck, boat, airplane, ATV, and/or other
$
transportation
Guide and charter fees
$
Airline tickets
$
Transportation services (air taxis, boat ferries, shuttle vans, taxis,
$
etc.)
Boat launch and dockage fees
$
Ice
$
Bait (natural bait only, do not include lures)
$
Groceries, food, liquor bought in stores (not in restaurants or bars)
$
Restaurants, bars, and take-out food purchases
$
Heating and cooking fuels
$
Fish processing and shipping
$
Rentals (boats, equipment, autos, etc.)
$
Overnight accommodations (hotels/motels, B&B's, campgrounds,
$
cabin rentals, etc.)
Derby tickets
$
Souvenirs and gifts
$
Other entertainment expenses during fishing trip (movies, etc.)
$
Other (please specify): _________________
$

59

 Section C2 – LAST TIME YOU SPORTFISHED DURING JULY THROUGH
OCTOBER 2017:
Now we would like to know about the last time you went sportfishing in the Cook Inlet
region between July 1st and October 31st, 2017. Please remember, “sportfishing”
includes personal use (e.g., dip netting) and shellfish fishing, but does not include
subsistence fishing.
38. In what month did you last go sportfishing in the Cook Inlet region between July 1 and
October 31st of 2017?
□ July
□ August
□ September
□ October
□ I did not fish between July 1st and October 31st (skip to Q24 in section D)

THESE NEXT QUESTIONS REFER TO THE LAST TIME YOU WENT
SPORTFISHING IN THE COOK INLET REGION BETWEEN JULY 1ST AND
OCTOBER 31st, 2017
39. Fishing trips often include time for fishing, travel, and non-fishing activities. How long
was this last fishing trip including fishing days, travel days, and non-fishing days? Note
that single-day trips do not need to take a whole day. For example, if the last time you
went fishing JULY through OCTOBER you only fished for a few hours after work, this
would be counted as ‘1’ day.
Total days on your last fishing trip in Cook Inlet region: _______days
40. How many days did you actually fish during your fishing trip in the Cook Inlet region
between July 1st and October 31st? (Count partial days of fishing as ‘1’ day)
Fishing days on your last trip in Cook Inlet region: _________days
41. Would you still have taken this trip even if you were not able to go fishing?
Definitely “No”
Maybe “No”
Not sure
Maybe “Yes” Definitely “Yes”
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
42. Was this trip primarily……….? (check one)
□ rod & reel sportfishing
□ dip netting (personal use)
□ shellfish fishing
43. Was this trip primarily in……….? (check one)
□ freshwater
□ saltwater
44. Did you pay for a guide or a charter boat on this trip?
□ Yes
□ No

60

 In this next section, we ask about your spending on your last fishing trip to the Cook
Inlet Region that occurred between July 1 through October 31, 2017 (the trip
described in Question 16 through 22).
45. As best as possible, please tell us how much you spent on the following TRIP-RELATED
items ON THE TRIP DESCRIBED ABOVE. Please only include amounts you spent in
the COOK INLET REGION. Include money that you spent for other people on your trip;
do not include money that other people spent on your behalf. We will ask about your
equipment purchases in later questions.

Items purchased on last trip to Cook Inlet region
(between July 1 and October 31, 2017)
Fuel and oil for your car, truck, boat, airplane, ATV, and/or other
transportation
Guide and charter fees
Airline tickets

Amount Spent
in Cook Inlet
region
$
$
$

Transportation services (air taxis, boat ferries, shuttle vans,
taxis, etc.)
Boat launch and dockage fees
Ice

$
$
$

Bait (natural bait only, do not include lures)
Groceries, food, liquor bought in stores (not in restaurants or
bars)
Restaurants, bars, and take-out food purchases

$

Heating and cooking fuels

$

Fish processing and shipping
Rentals (boats, equipment, autos, etc.)
Overnight accommodations (hotels/motels, B&B's,
campgrounds, cabin rentals, etc.)
Derby tickets
Souvenirs and gifts
Other entertainment expenses during fishing trip (movies, etc.)
Other (please specify): _________________

$
$

61

$
$

$
$
$
$
$

 Section D-FISHING EQUIPMENT EXPENDITURES:
NOTE: In this section, we want to know about sportfishing and related equipment you
purchased in the Cook Inlet Region during the last 12 months, including equipment purchased
for personal use (e.g., dipnet) and/or shellfish fishing.
46. As best as possible, please tell us how much you spent on the following fishing
equipment in the last 12 months. Only report purchases made within the Cook Inlet
Region – excluding purchases from catalogs and online web sites. Include purchases
you made for yourself and for others. Please write in the amount spent and the percent
of time that item was used for sportfishing in the Cook Inlet Region.
Total Amount
Fishing equipment purchased
Spent in the
% Used for
WITHIN COOK INLET REGION
Cook Inlet
sportfishing
DURING THE PAST 12 MONTHS
region
Licenses and stamps
$
100%
Rods, reels, & components
$
100%
Fishing tackle (lines, leaders, lures, creels, stringers, etc.)
$
100%
Tackle boxes, cases to protect fishing equipment
$
100%
Depth finders, fish finder, other electronics
$
100%
Landing nets, dipnets & gillnets
$
100%
Miscellaneous fishing equipment (knives, scales, etc.)
$
100%
Shellfish fishing equipment (shovels, pots, buckets, etc.)
$
100%
Fishing mounting (taxidermy)
$
100%
Books and magazines devoted to fishing
$
100%
Items to store/preserve fish (smoker, vacuum sealer, etc.)
Coolers, fish boxes
Clothing (fishing vest, raingear, head net, etc.)
Boots, shoes, waders, and other footwear
Life jackets
Boats, canoes, rafts, kayaks, and other watercraft
Boat motors
Trailers, hitches, and accessories
Bear spray, bug spray, sun screen
Firearms for personal protection
Cameras, binoculars, sun glasses
Tents, screen rooms, tarps, backpacks, sleeping bags
Camping trailer (pop-ups, self-contained, 5th wheel)
Other camping equipment (stoves, grills, lanterns, etc.)
Vehicles (trucks, SUVs, motorhomes, etc.)
Airplanes and related equipment
ATVs, snow machines
Boat/camper registrations and excise taxes
Vehicle, boat, or airplane repair/maintenance
Other (please specify): _______________________

62

$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$

%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

 47. Please report how much you spent in 2017 on any real estate located in the Cook Inlet
region that was purchased or used primarily for sportfishing purposes. (If you spent
nothing, enter ‘0’)

Total
Amount
Spent

Real estate spending in the last 12 months
for fishing in the Cook Inlet region
Purchases of lots, existing houses and cabins, and/or land
Leases of land, cabins, boat slips, and storage (do not include any
short-term rentals that were already reported as a trip-related expense)
Construction of houses and cabins, and repair or maintenance
expenses (not including boat docks, sheds, or outbuildings)
Purchase or construction of boat docks, sheds, or outbuildings

$
$
$
$

Section E-BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
To help us learn more about who fishes in the Cook Inlet region, please answer these
final questions. All answers you provide will be kept fully confidential. Your answers
will help us evaluate the survey to best represent ALL Cook Inlet region anglers, even
those not surveyed.
48. Is your primary residence within the Cook Inlet region?
□ Yes
□ No
49. What is your gender?
o

Male

Female

50. In what year were you born?______________________
51. Which category best describes the highest level of education you have completed?
□

Did not graduate from high school

□

□

1-3 years college (some college)

□



High school graduate or GED

College graduate (bachelor’s degree or
equivalent)
Postgraduate, master’s degree, doctorate, law degree, other professional degree

52. Which best describes your household’s annual, before-tax income? (check one)
□

Less than $10,000

□

$40,000 - $49,999

□

$100,000 - $149,999

□

$10,000 - $19,999

□

$50,000 - $74,999

□

$150,000 - $199,999

□

$20,000 - $29,999

□

$75,000 - $99,999

□

$200,000 or more

□

$30,000 - $39,999

Thank you for taking our survey!
If you have any additional comments you wish to share about this study, please
provide them here:

63

 SURVEY WAVE II: NON-RESIDENT SURVEY

Cook Inlet Sportfishing Economic Survey
This survey asks about your fishing activity and spending in the
Cook Inlet region during May to October 2017.
The Matanuska-Susitna Borough has contracted Southwick
Associates to conduct this study in cooperation with the Alaska
Department of Fish & Game.

<<merge ID>>
Please note that the Cook Inlet region includes both the saltwater inlet portion
above Kodiak Island as well as the freshwater rivers that drain into the Cook Inlet.

64

 Please note that “sportfishing” is defined as the taking of fish and shellfish (clams, crabs,
shrimp, etc.) under Alaska sportfishing license regulations, including personal use fishing (e.g.
dip netting). Please do not report activities and expenditures associated with subsistence
fishing.
Section A – GENERAL:
In this section, we are interested in learning some general information about your
sportfishing activities in the Cook Inlet region. Please refer to the detailed map at the
front of this survey.
53. Did you go sportfishing in the Cook Inlet region of Alaska between May 1st through
October 31st, 2017? (see map)
□ Yes
Please skip to Question 3 below.
□ No
54. Did you purchase any fishing equipment, fishing-related gear, or real estate that you
acquired primarily for fishing purposes in the Cook Inlet region of Alaska in the last
twelve months? (see map)
 Yes
Please skip to Question 25 on page 8.
 No
Please skip to Question 27 on page 9.
55. As best as possible, please report the number of days you went sportfishing in the Cook
Inlet region for each of the two time periods listed below. (Please enter “0” if you
did not fish in this period.)
Number of saltwater
fishing days
_________
_________

November through December, 2016
January through April, 2017

Number of freshwater
fishing days
_________
_________

Section B – SPORTFISHING ACTIVITY:
In this section, we want to know how often you went sportfishing in the Cook Inlet
region between May 1st and June 30th, 2017 and between July 1st and October 31st,
2017.
56. May through June: How many days did you go freshwater and saltwater fishing in the
Cook Inlet region between May 1, 2017 and June 30, 2017? (mark ‘0’ if you did not fish
in the Cook Inlet region in May through June)
Freshwater:
_____days in May through June
Saltwater:
_____days in May through June
57. July through October: How many days did you go freshwater and saltwater fishing in
the Cook Inlet region between July 1, 2017 and October 31, 2017? (mark ‘0’ if you did
not fish in the Cook Inlet region in July through October)
Freshwater:
_____days in July through October
Saltwater:
_____days in July through October
58. For the entire period between May 1 and October 31, 2017, please tell us how many
days you fished for these species. If you fished for more than one species on the same

65

 day mark each species as one day. Please note the species you targeted might not
necessarily have been the fish actually caught on the trip. (Report days for all that apply)
Species Targeted
King Salmon (Chinook)
Silver Salmon (Coho)
Red Salmon (Sockeye)
Other Salmon (Pink, Chum)
Steelhead
Trout (rainbow, cutthroat, lake trout, etc.)
Halibut
Other saltwater (Lingcod. Rockfish, Shark, etc.)
Other freshwater (Dolly Varden, Arctic Grayling, Northern
Pike, Burbot, etc.)
Shellfish (clams, crab, shrimp, etc.)

Total days
May 1 through
Oct 31, 2017
_______days
_______days
_______days
_______days
_______days
_______days
_______days
_______days
_______days
_______days

Section C1 – LAST TIME YOU WENT SPORTFISHING IN MAY OR JUNE 2017:
Now we would like to know about the last time you went sportfishing in the Cook Inlet
region between May 1st and June 30th, 2017. Please remember, “sportfishing”
includes personal use (e.g., dip netting) and shellfish fishing, but does not include
subsistence fishing.
59. In what month did you last go sportfishing in the Cook Inlet region between May 1 and
June 30, 2017?
□ May
□ June
□ I did not fish between May 1st and June 30th (skip to Q16 in section C2)

THESE NEXT QUESTIONS REFER TO THE LAST TIME YOU WENT
SPORTFISHING IN THE COOK INLET REGION BETWEEN MAY 1ST AND JUNE
30TH, 2017
60. Fishing trips often include time for fishing, travel, and non-fishing activities. How long
was this last fishing trip including fishing days, travel days, and non-fishing days? Note
that single-day trips do not need to take a whole day. For example, if the last time you
went fishing MAY through JUNE you only fished for a few hours after work, this would
be counted as ‘1’ day.
Total days on your last fishing trip in Cook Inlet region: _______days

66

 61. How many days did you actually fish during your fishing trip in Cook Inlet region
between May 1st and June 30th? (Count partial days of fishing as ‘1’ day)
Fishing days on your last trip in Cook Inlet region: _________days
62. Would you still have taken this trip even if you were not able to go fishing?
Definitely “No”
Maybe “No”
Not sure
Maybe “Yes” Definitely “Yes”
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
63. Was this trip primarily……….? (check one)
□ rod & reel sportfishing
□ shellfish fishing
64. Was this trip primarily in……….? (check one)
□ freshwater
□ saltwater
65. Did you pay for a guide or a charter boat on this trip?
□ Yes
□ No

In this next section, we ask about your spending on your last fishing trip to the Cook
Inlet region that occurred between May 1 through June 30, 2017 (the trip described
in Question 8 through 13).
66. As best as possible, please tell us how much you spent PRIOR TO DEPARTING ON
YOUR TRIP for any pre-purchased travel packages such as cruises, travel tours, guided
trips, etc.

Travel package purchased for last trip to Cook Inlet region
(between May 1 and June 30, 2017)

Amount spent
on trip to Cook
Inlet region

Pre-arranged cruise, package tour or chartered trip (including
$
fishing excursions purchased through a cruise line)
Which of the following were included in the pre-arranged package?
 Yes
Transportation to or from Alaska
Transportation once you arrived in Alaska
 Yes
Fishing guides and/or charter boats
 Yes
Lodging
 Yes
Meals
 Yes
Fishing license
 Yes

67








No
No
No
No
No
No

 67. As best as possible, please tell us how much you spent on the following TRIP-RELATED
items ON THE TRIP DESCRIBED ABOVE. Do not include any package spending
already reported in Question 14. Please only include amounts you spent in the COOK
INLET REGION. Include money that you spent for other people on your trip; do not
include money that other people spent on your behalf. We will ask about your
equipment purchases in later questions.

Items purchased on last trip to Cook Inlet region
(between May 1 and June 30, 2017)
Fuel and oil for your car, truck, boat, airplane, ATV, and/or other
transportation
Guide and charter fees
Airline tickets
Transportation services (air taxis, boat ferries, shuttle vans,
taxis, etc.)
Boat launch and dockage fees
Ice
Bait (natural bait only, do not include lures)
Groceries, food, liquor bought in stores (not in restaurants or
bars)
Restaurants, bars, and take-out food purchases
Heating and cooking fuels
Fish processing and shipping
Rentals (boats, equipment, autos, etc.)
Overnight accommodations (hotels/motels, B&B's,
campgrounds, cabin rentals, etc.)
Derby tickets
Souvenirs and gifts
Other entertainment expenses during fishing trip (movies, etc.)
Other (please specify):_________________

Amount Spent
in Cook Inlet
region
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$

Section C2 – LAST TIME YOU SPORTFISHED DURING JULY THROUGH
OCTOBER 2017:
Now we would like to know about the last time you went sportfishing in the Cook Inlet
region between July 1st and October 31st, 2017. Please remember, “sportfishing”
includes personal use (e.g., dip netting) and shellfish fishing, but does not include
subsistence fishing.
68. In what month did you last go sportfishing in the Cook Inlet region between July 1 and
October 31st of 2017?
□ July
□ August
□ September
□ October
□ I did not fish between July 1st and October 31st (skip to section D)

68

 THESE NEXT QUESTIONS REFER TO THE LAST TIME YOU WENT
SPORTFISHING IN THE COOK INLET REGION BETWEEN JULY 1ST AND
OCTOBER 31st, 2017
69. Fishing trips often include time for fishing, travel, and non-fishing activities. How long
was this last fishing trip including fishing days, travel days, and non-fishing days? Note
that single-day trips do not need to take a whole day. For example, if the last time you
went fishing JULY through OCTOBER you only fished for a few hours after work, this
would be counted as ‘1’ day.
Total days on your last fishing trip in Cook Inlet region: _______days
70. How many days did you actually fish during your fishing trip in the Cook Inlet region
between July 1st and October 31st? (Count partial days of fishing as ‘1’ day)
Fishing days on your last trip in Cook Inlet region: _________days
71. Would you still have taken this trip even if you were not able to go fishing?
Definitely “No”
Maybe “No”
Not sure
Maybe “Yes” Definitely “Yes”
❑
❑
❑
❑
❑
72. Was this trip primarily……….? (check one)
□ rod & reel sportfishing
□ shellfish fishing
73. Was this trip primarily in……….? (check one)
□ freshwater
□ saltwater
74. Did you pay for a guide or a charter boat on this trip?
□ Yes
□ No

69

 In this next section, we ask about your spending on your last fishing trip to the Cook
Inlet region that occurred between July 1 through October 31, 2017 (the trip
described in Question 17 through 23).
75. As best as possible, please tell us how much you spent PRIOR TO DEPARTING ON
YOUR TRIP for any pre-purchased travel packages such as cruises, travel tours, guided
trips, etc.
Travel package purchased for last trip to Cook Inlet region
Amount spent on trip
(between July 1 and October 31, 2017)
to Cook Inlet region
Pre-arranged cruise, package tour or chartered trip (including
$
fishing excursions purchased through a cruise line)
Which of the following were included in the pre-arranged package?
 Yes
 No
Transportation to or from Alaska
Transportation once you arrived in Alaska
 Yes
 No
Fishing guides and/or charter boats
 Yes
 No
Lodging
 Yes
 No
Meals
 Yes
 No
Fishing license
 Yes
 No
76. As best as possible, please tell us how much you spent on the following TRIP-RELATED
items ON THE TRIP DESCRIBED ABOVE. Do not include any package spending
already reported in Question 23. Please only include amounts you spent in the COOK
INLET REGION. Include money that you spent for other people on your trip; do not
include money that other people spent on your behalf. We will ask about your
equipment purchases in later questions.
Items purchased on last trip to Cook Inlet region
Amount Spent in
Cook Inlet region
(between July 1 and October 31, 2017)
Fuel and oil for your car, truck, boat, airplane, ATV, and/or other
transportation
Guide and charter fees
Airline tickets
Transportation services (air taxis, boat ferries, shuttle vans, taxis, etc.)
Boat launch and dockage fees
Ice
Bait (natural bait only, do not include lures)
Groceries, food, liquor bought in stores (not in restaurants or bars)
Restaurants, bars, and take-out food purchases
Heating and cooking fuels
Fish processing and shipping
Rentals (boats, equipment, autos, etc.)
Overnight accommodations (hotels/motels, B&B's, campgrounds, cabin
rentals, etc.)
Derby tickets
Souvenirs and gifts
Other entertainment expenses during fishing trip (movies, etc.)
Other (please specify): _________________

70

$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$

 Section D-FISHING EQUIPMENT EXPENDITURES:
NOTE: In this section, we want to know about sportfishing and related equipment
you purchased in the Cook Inlet region during the last 12 months, including
equipment purchased for personal use (e.g., dipnet) and/or shellfish fishing.
77. As best as possible, please tell us how much you spent on the following fishing
equipment in the last 12 months. Only report purchases made within the
Cook Inlet region – excluding purchases from catalogs and online web sites.
Include purchases you made for yourself and for others. Please write in the
amount spent and the percent of time that item was used for sportfishing in the
Cook Inlet Region.
Total Amount
Fishing equipment purchased
Spent in the
% Used for
WITHIN COOK INLET REGION
Cook Inlet
sportfishing
DURING THE PAST 12 MONTHS
region
Licenses and stamps
$
100%
Rods, reels, & components
$
100%
Fishing tackle (lines, leaders, lures, creels, stringers, etc.)
$
100%
Tackle boxes, cases to protect fishing equipment
$
100%
Depth finders, fish finder, other electronics
$
100%
Landing nets, dipnets & gillnets
$
100%
Miscellaneous fishing equipment (knives, scales, etc.)
$
100%
Shellfish fishing equipment (shovels, pots, buckets, etc.)
$
100%
Fishing mounting (taxidermy)
$
100%
Books and magazines devoted to fishing
$
100%
Items to store/preserve fish (smoker, vacuum sealer, etc.)
Coolers, fish boxes
Clothing (fishing vest, raingear, head net, etc.)
Boots, shoes, waders, and other footwear
Life jackets
Boats, canoes, rafts, kayaks, and another watercraft
Boat motors
Trailers, hitches, and accessories
Bear spray, bug spray, sun screen
Firearms for personal protection
Cameras, binoculars, sun glasses
Tents, screen rooms, tarps, backpacks, sleeping bags
Camping trailer (pop-ups, self-contained, 5th wheel)
Other camping equipment (stoves, grills, lanterns, etc.)
Vehicles (trucks, SUVs, motorhomes, etc.)
Airplanes and related equipment
ATVs, snow machines
Boat/camper registrations and excise taxes
Vehicle, boat, or airplane repair/maintenance
Other (please specify): _______________________

71

$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$

%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%
%

 78. Please report how much you spent in 2017 on any real estate located in the
Cook Inlet region that was purchased or used primarily for sportfishing
purposes. (If you spent nothing, enter ‘0’)

Total
Amount
Spent

Real estate spending in the last 12 months
for fishing in the Cook Inlet region
Purchases of lots, existing houses and cabins, and/or land
Leases of land, cabins, boat slips, and storage (do not include
any short-term rentals that were already reported as a trip-related
expense)
Construction of houses and cabins, and repair or maintenance
expenses (not including boat docks, sheds, or outbuildings)
Purchase or construction of boat docks, sheds, or outbuildings

$
$
$
$

Section E-BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
To help us learn more about who fishes in the Cook Inlet region, please answer
these final questions. All answers you provide will be kept fully confidential.
Your answers will help us evaluate the survey to best represent ALL Cook Inlet
region anglers, even those not surveyed.
79. What is your gender?
□ Male Female
80. In what year were you born?______________________
81. Which category best describes the highest level of education you have
completed?
□

Did not graduate from high school

□

□

1-3 years college (some college)

□



High school graduate or GED

College graduate (bachelor’s degree or
equivalent)
Postgraduate, master’s degree, doctorate, law degree, other professional degree

82. Which best describes your household’s annual, before-tax income? (check one)
□
□

Less than $10,000
$10,000 - $19,999

□
□

$40,000 - $49,999
$50,000 - $74,999

□
□

$100,000 - $149,999
$150,000 - $199,999

□

$20,000 - $29,999

□

$75,000 - $99,999

□

$200,000 or more

□

$30,000 - $39,999

Thank you for taking our survey!
If you have any additional comments you wish to share about this study,
please provide them here:

72

 SURVEY WAVE II: REMINDER POSTCARD
Thank you/Reminder-post card (FRONT)
COOK INLET SPORTFISHING ECONOMIC STUDY
c/o Southwick Associates
PO Box 6435
Fernandina Beach, Florida 32035

Angler name and address

Postcard (BACK)
Dear Angler,
Recently, you received a survey from Southwick Associates asking about your
sportfishing activities in the Cook Inlet region of Alaska. If you have already
completed and returned your survey, thank you! If you have not yet completed the
survey, we ask you to take a few minutes to do so and return your completed survey
in the postage paid envelope included in the package. It is very important that we
hear from you, even if you did not fish in the Cook Inlet region last year.
Southwick Associates was contracted by the Matanuska-Susitna Borough to
conduct this study. The project is being conducted with cooperation from the
Alaska Department of Fish & Game and funding support from the Borough and
the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development.
Thank You!

73

 SURVEY WAVE II: SECOND LETTER
{Date}
Dear Alaska angler:
We recently sent a survey to you asking about your sportfishing activities in the Cook Inlet
region during May through October of 2017. Many of the other anglers who received the
survey have already responded, but we have not yet received your completed
questionnaire.
We are conducting the survey to provide a better understanding of the importance of
sportfishing to the Cook Inlet region’s economy. Information about your experience is very
valuable to this study because you have been chosen to represent many other sport
anglers who fish in Alaska. Therefore, it is very important that we hear from you.
Enclosed is a replacement questionnaire. Your responses to the survey questions will
be kept strictly confidential. Please take a few minutes to respond to the survey and
return it in the postage-paid
envelope. If you prefer, you can
take the survey online by typing
this web address
(http://sgiz.mobi/s3/AKCookInlet2017) directly into the address bar of your browser.
Your Access Code for the online survey is XXX.
The Matanuska-Susitna Borough contracted Southwick Associates to conduct this study.
The project is being conducted with cooperation from the Alaska Department of Fish &
Game and funding support is provided by the Borough and the Department of Commerce,
Community, and Economic Development.
All completed surveys will be entered into a drawing to be held at the end of the study for
a gift certificate worth $500 at the sporting goods retailer of your choice.
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns about the study, you may contact Lisa
Bragg at LBragg@SouthwickAssociates.com or 904-277-9765. I would like to thank you
in advance for agreeing to participate in this important study.
Sincerely,

Rob Southwick / President
Southwick Associates

Project sponsored by:
Matanuska-Susitna Borough

With assistance from: Alaska
Department of Fish and Game

PO Box 6435 ■ Fernandina Beach, FL 32035 ■ Office (904) 277-9765

74

 SURVEY WAVE II: INITIAL EMAIL INVITATION
Dear Alaska angler:
The Matanuska-Susitna Borough has contracted Southwick Associates to conduct a study of
the economic importance of sportfishing in the Cook Inlet region. The project is being conducted
with cooperation from the Alaska Department of Fish & Game.
Please take a few minutes to complete our survey. The information that you provide will be kept
confidential. The entire survey should only take you about 10 minutes to complete. Even if you
did not fish in the Cook Inlet region, we would still like to hear from you.
Click Here to Start the Survey
To show our appreciation for your participation, all completed surveys will be entered into a
drawing to be held at the end of the study for a gift certificate worth $500 at the sporting goods
retailer of your choice.

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns about the study, you may contact Lisa Bragg
at LBragg@SouthwickAssociates.com or 904-277-9765. Thank you for participating in this
important study.
Sincerely,
Rob Southwick/President

A cooperative project with:

75

 SURVEY WAVE II: SECOND REMINDER EMAIL
Dear Alaska angler:
We want to ensure that your voice is heard in the Cook Inlet region. The Matanuska-Susitna
Borough has contracted Southwick Associates to conduct a study of the economic importance of
sportfishing in the Cook Inlet region. The project is being conducted with cooperation from the
Alaska Department of Fish & Game.
Please take a few minutes to complete our survey. The information that you provide will be kept
confidential. The entire survey should only take you about 10 minutes to complete. Even if you
did not fish in the Cook Inlet region, we would still like to hear from you.
Click Here to Start the Survey
To show our appreciation for your participation, all completed surveys will be entered into a
drawing to be held at the end of the study for a gift certificate worth $500 at the sporting goods
retailer of your choice.

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns about the study, you may contact Lisa Bragg
at LBragg@SouthwickAssociates.com or 904-277-9765. Thank you for participating in this
important study.
Sincerely,
Rob Southwick/President
Southwick Associates
A cooperative project with Matanuska-Susitna Borough and the Alaska Department of Fish and
Game.

76

 SURVEY WAVE II: THIRD AND FINAL REMINDER EMAIL
Dear Alaska angler:
Recently you were asked to participate in a survey about sportfishing in the Cook Inlet region.
Even if you did not fish in the Cook Inlet region, we would still like to hear from you. We have
contracted Southwick Associates to conduct the study of the economic importance of sportfishing
in the Cook Inlet region. The project is being conducted with cooperation from the Alaska
Department of Fish & Game.
Please take a few minutes to complete our survey. The information that you provide will be kept
confidential. The entire survey should only take about 10 minutes to complete.
Click Here to Start the Survey
To show our appreciation for your participation, all completed surveys will be entered into a
drawing to be held at the end of the study for a gift certificate worth $500 at the sporting goods
retailer of your choice.
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns about the study, you may contact Lisa Bragg
at LBragg@SouthwickAssociates.com or 904-277-9765. Thank you for participating in this
important study.
Sincerely,
Brianne Blackburn, Environmental Planner
Matanuska-Susitna Borough

77

 Sportfishing Guide Business Operation Survey

{Date}
The Matanuska-Susitna Borough has contracted Southwick Associates to conduct a study
of the economic importance of sportfishing in the Cook Inlet region. The project is being
conducted with cooperation from the Alaska Department of Fish & Game and funding
support from the Borough and the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic
Development.
You have been selected at random to be a part of this study from a sample of businesses
that held an Alaska Sportfishing Guide Business license in 2017. Even if you did not
operate guide services in the Cook Inlet Region, we would still like to hear from you. You
are one of a small group of businesses that have been selected to represent the Alaska
sportfishing guide and outfitter industry, so it is very important that we hear from you. The
entire survey should take only about 10 minutes to complete.
The information that you provide will be kept confidential and will only be used by the
project contractor, Southwick Associates, Inc. (www.SouthwickAssociates.com) to
produce summary estimates of the economic importance of sportfishing in the Cook Inlet
region of Alaska.
To access the survey, please click the link below:
<<link>>
If you have any questions, comments, or concerns about the study, you may contact Lisa
Bragg at LBragg@SouthwickAssociates.com or 904-277-9765. I would like to thank you
in advance for agreeing to participate in this important study.

Sincerely,

Rob Southwick / President
Southwick Associates
Project sponsored by:
Matanuska-Susitna Borough

PO Box 6435 ■ Fernandina Beach, FL 32035 ■ Office (904) 277-9765

78

With assistance from: Alaska
Department of Fish and Game

 Sportfishing Guide Business Survey
Cook Inlet region
Please note that the Cook Inlet region includes both the saltwater inlet portion above
Kodiak Island as well as the freshwater rivers that drain into the Cook Inlet.

Cook Inlet region

79

 1. Approximately how many years has your company been providing sportfishing guide
services for hire in Alaska? ___________years
2. Did you offer sportfishing guide services for hire in the Cook Inlet region in 2017?
 Yes
Skip to Question 4
 No
3. Did you make business expense purchases for your sportfishing guide service for
hire in the Cook Inlet region in 2017?
 Yes
Skip to Question 5
 No
If you selected “No”, you have reached the end of the survey. Thank you for
your time!
4.

What types of services do you provide for your clients on a typical guided
sportfishing trip? “Provide” means your business arranged and paid for the service
on behalf of your client.
(Check all that apply)
Freshwater
Saltwater
Trips
Trips

EXAMPLE:
Fishing licenses ..................................................................
Lodging ................................................................................
Meals.....................................................................................
Fish Processing (your business cleans and packages fish for
the client, not subcontracted to another) ................................
Transportation to and from the Cook Inlet region .............
Transportation within the Cook Inlet region ......................
Other (please specify) __ (guiding/safety equipment) ____
5. In order to determine the contribution of sportfishing guide business activities to the
Cook Inlet regional economy, we need to know general information about how your
business expenses were distributed in 2017 and where those expenses occurred.
We do not need to know your actual business expenses.
In the first column of the table below, write in the percent that each category
contributes to your total business expenses in 2017. Include expenses you incur for
the business and on behalf of your clients (e.g., licenses, lodging, meals, etc.) The
total for the first column should add to 100%.
In the second column, report the approximate percentage of each business expense
that you purchase from sources within the Cook Inlet region. These are business
expenses incurred by you as the owner, not expenses incurred by your clients.

80

 BUSINESS EXPENSES in 2017

Percent
of Total

EXAMPLE: Business services .............................
Business and guide licenses & permits .................
Licenses purchased for your paying anglers
Fuel and oil (boat, plane, car/truck, etc.) ...................
Restaurants and prepared meals............................
Wages, salaries and payments to owners (hired
labor and your own pay) ............................................
Equipment purchases (boats, motors, vehicles,
trailers, gear, etc.) ...............................................
Equipment rental .....................................................
Equipment maintenance and repair .......................
Bait............................................................................
Groceries ..................................................................
Lodging (for you, employees and provided to
clients) .......................................................................
Airline tickets ...........................................................
Other public transportation.....................................
Business services (accounting, advertising, legal,
etc.) ...........................................................................
Real estate located in the Cook Inlet region ..........
Utilities......................................................................
Taxes ........................................................................
Insurance..................................................................
Other (please specify) _____IE: boat launch fees_ ...
TOTAL

%

Percentage
purchased in
the Cook
Inlet region
%

If you have any additional comments about the survey or the information
you provided, please provide them here.

81