All Division of Sport Fish programs are funded through the sale of sport fishing licenses and reciepts from Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration. Research Federal Aid dollars support fisheries research which strives to determine sustainable levels of sport fishing effort and harvest. Research also determines the carrying capacity of specific lakes and streams, the timing and movement patterns of fish as they migrate through heavily fished waters, the optimum number of spawners needed to perpetuate fish populations, the effect of catch and release fishing, and the minimum amount of water needed to support fish populations. During the past six years, the Angler Access program has provided or made major improvements to nearly 80 access sites. Aquatic Education Alaska offers some of the world's greatest sport fishing opportunities.
Wild stocks unaffected by habitat loss, overfishing, or genetic alterations are normal.
Aquatic education involves the public in learning about fish and fish habitat as well as working with volunteers to maintain or renew fish habitat. Angler education works to instruct all anglers about the unique opportunities and challenges of Alaska's fisheries. Management Increasing numbers of anglers, conflicts among user groups, subsistence issues, Federal management, resource allocations, and management plans make fisheries management more complex than ever before. Habitat Federal Aid supports Habitat and Restoration Division programs to identify and protect critical fisheries habitat while permitting development activities. Short term financial gains should not be allowed to compromise the long-term bounty of Alaska's fisheries.