HomeMy WebLinkAbout1988-02-04 Harbor Commission SummaryKENAI HARBOR COMMISSION·
February 4, 1988, 7 pm
Kenai City Hall, Council Chambers
Public Meeting
Leon Quesnel, Chairman, Harbor Commission
Guest Speaker: Douglas Coughenower, University of Alaska, Marine
Advisory Program.
CHAIRMAN QUESNEL:
Chairman Quesnel welcomed Mr. Coughenower and the public for
their attendance, and explained the desire of the Kenai
Harbor Commission to have Mr. Coughenower conduct a study
for the City of Kenai. Chairman Quesnel would like to get
as much information and input from the public to plan for
the future. This would also give Mr. Coughenower and idea
of what the community was looking for in regards to this
study.
MR. COUGHENOWER:
Mr. Coughenower gave his credentials and experience. He
explained his program and directions he uses to gather
information to conduct a commercial fishing industry study.
Mr. Coughenower explained his studies are about the only
thing in the state that looks at the impact of commercial
fishing on a local economy, and proved to be of great
interest in other parts of the state. The local fishing
association in Homer, North Pacific Fisheries Association in
Homer, was who initially contacted Mr. Coughenower to start
this study, and have found it very useful in talking with
the legislatures, and has been in great demand.
Mr. Coughenower went on to say that other communities are
using the Homer study, because it does give some indication
of the economic impact and some of the information could be
applicable to other fishing communities in the state.
There are some other things that are being planned on a
larger scale by other people in the university and by other
organizations in the state that are going to be looking more
and more into the economic impact of fisheries.
Mr. Coughenower explained how he went about getting the
impact information; through the state agencies that keep
fisheries statistics, such as Department of Fish & Game and
Alaska Limited Entry Commission. All landings and fish
tickets are complied and summarized by the limited entry
commission for all fisheries throughout the state. Access
to estimate landings and gross incomes all around the state
KENAI HARBOR COMMISSION
Public Meeting, February 4, 1988
page 2
can be acquired through that process. Surveys are created
by Mr. Coughenower; one, going to the fishermen themselves,
to know how much commercial fishermen earn, then how much do
they spend in a local area. However, not all earnings are
spent locally. In the survey it was asked; how they spent
their money, where it was spent, what percent of their
income was left in the community. A survey was also
conducted of the business community to try and find out from
local businesses; what was their perception of income earned
from the commercial fishing industry. This is very
difficult, as some businesses do not know whether they are
dealing with the commercial fishermen. This is clear to the
business, should it be a processor or someone who does
marine engine repair, or someone who sells fishing gear and
tackle. As for lawyers, dentist, doctors and the grocery
stores, this is considered a gray area.
Another problem is identifying who the businessmen are, who
might be doing business with a fishing industry.
As an example of study figures, in 1985, which was not a
particularly good year for fishermen, the fishing industry
brought into the Homer area economy about $28 million
dollars. This is not just from the harvesters/fishermen,
but the fishing sector, the management sector and then the
business sector. This was approximately 400 full time jobs.
Actually, 1600 jobs were identified which the fishing
industry created, however, some of those jobs were for a
couple of weeks, several months, and some, year around jobs.
Fishing jobs are very diverse in the length and nature.
The statistics from the Limited Entry Commission are at
least a year or two behind and just now coming out with 1986
fishing statistics. They are hoping to finds ways to update
on an annual basis.
Mr. Coughenower asked if something like this would be an
appropriate study for the needs of Kenai. The type of study
needs to be defined for Kenai and surrounding area. Mr.
Coughenower felt, should this be within his ability and time
to do the study, he is willing. He would need an okay from
his supervisors, and a program established to be beneficial
to the Kenai area. This would serve his purpose, to serve
the marine community.
KENAI HARBOR COMMISSION
·
Public Meeting, FebruarY 4, 1988
page 3
The meeting continued with questions and comments from several
persons in attendance relating to what was trying to be
accomplished in this area, avenues to research for the study, and
concerns of the area.
Mr. Coughenower encouraged all present to sign in and participate
in the surveys he would send in gathering information. His
surveys were produced as unbiased reports and would present as
much information as he could find available to him.
Mr. Coughenower would gather information from this meeting. He
will be meeting with the Economic Development Commission and
Harbor Commission jointly, to find what their scopes and
objectives are for this study. He will advise his supervisors of
the program before he can begin.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:50 pm.
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