MEMORANDUM

TO: Pete Sprague, Assembly President

Members of the Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly

FROM: Chris Moss, Assembly Member

Milli Martin, Assembly Member

Ron Long, Assembly Member

DATE: March 25, 2004

SUBJECT: Ordinance No. 2003-19-44, Appropriating $30,000 for the Coho Enhancement Project

The Cook Inlet Aquaculture Association and the State of Alaska have developed successful coho enhancement projects in the Homer and Seward areas. These projects have attracted thousands of visitors who have had a positive impact on the Kenai Peninsula's economy. The proposed ordinance will provide the means to continue and expand expected returns of coho salmon in the Homer and Seward areas, thereby increasing visitation and the desired positive economic impact.

These projects will provide a stable fishery resource allowing for more secure economic activity. The increased number of released fish will stabilize the return, preventing the peaks and valleys of natural cycles. They will also provide benefit to local users who rely on fish for consumption.

There is strong local interest in expanding these projects; however, the State's current fiscal situation does not allow for expanded fish production without local participation. Both the Homer and Seward communities have been actively developing a local match for this project.

In addition to attracting thousands of visitors and spurring economic development, this project will relieve pressure on local native coho stocks and their habitats. Benefits of the project are economic and sustainable.