Kenai Commercial Fisher appointed to Alaska BOF

Governor Sarah Palin has appointed Brent Johnson of Clam Gulch to the Alaska Board of Fisheries.  He is a lifelong Alaskan who grew up in Seldovia.

Johnson, a commercial fisherman on the Pennisula, has had people testifying from both sides on his confirmation.  His potential appointment has raised concern from fishing related groups.  Opponents argue that the 7-member board is already stacked in favor of commercial fishing.

Bruce Knowles, on the Mat Su Blue Ribbon Sportsman’s Committee, says the selection is a slap in the face to residents in the Valley and an even harder slap to residents further north.

Johnson would be replacing Fairbanks resident Bonnie Williams, leaving the interior without any sportfishing representation. 

The Kenai River Sportfishing Association has publicly opposed the choice and their executive director, Rick Geese, says that anyone who believes in Alaskan’s subsistence and personal use fishing rights should be appalled by the appointment.

There are others on the Kenai Pennisula that have approved of Palin’s choice.   Members of the United Cook Inlet Drift Association and the Kenai Area Fisherman’s Coalition have supported Johnson’s appointment.

Sportfishing groups as well as the commercial fishing groups are busy contacting legislators trying to sway them on the confirmation this week.