Key Performance Indicators

Department of Fish and Game

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Mission

To protect, maintain, and improve the fish, game, and aquatic plant resources of the state, and manage their use and development in the best interest of the economy and the well-being of the people of the state, consistent with the sustained yield principle. Alaska Constitution Article 8, Sec. 4; Alaska Statute (AS) 16.05.020(2)

Key Performance Indicators

• Target: Achieve salmon escapement goals in 80% of monitored systems.
• Target: Update and maintain the Community Subsistence Information System (CSIS), an online public information resource, by including all studies completed during the fiscal year.

• Target: To sustain growth in online renewal revenue.
• Target: Evaluate the number of transfers processed during the calendar year by type.
• Target: Increase sales of hunting and trapping licenses to the three-year average.
• Target: Increase sales of hunting and trapping licenses to the three-year average.
• Target: Return sport fishing license sales and revenue collection to 2008 levels to ensure excellence in fisheries management and research for the benefit of sport anglers, the state"s economy, and future generations of Alaskans.
• Target: To complete the limitation of all 68 limited fisheries.

Performance Detail

Target #1: Review all Fish Habitat and Special Area permits to ensure agency requirements for protection of fish, wildlife, and their habitats are met. Number of Permits Issued Fiscal Year Permits Issued FY 2024 1276 FY 2023 984 FY 2022 1155 FY 2021 1180 FY 2020 1335 FY 2019 1376 Analysis of results and challenges: The increase in the number of permits from 2023 to 2024 reflects what the Section has seen in the additional funding going to projects that would require a Fish Habitat Permit. Target Last Modified: 09/17/2024

Target #2: Maintain total annual value of commercial harvests at over $1 billion annually. Methodology: Exvessel values are calculated using a combination of aggregated price point per species derived from the Commercial Operators Annual Report, fish ticket databases and annual fishery harvest summary reports. Beginning in 2016 Alaska mariculture value is no longer collected or included in the 2016 value total. Exvessel Value of Commercial Harvests in Alaska Year Total Value Target 2023 $1,277 $1,000 2022 $1,742 $1,000 2021 $1,786 $1,000 2020 $1,626 $1,000 2019 $1,746 $1,000 2018 $1,641 $1,000 2017 $1,997 $1,000 2016 $1,783 $1,000 2015 $1,932 $1,000 2014 $1,984 $1,000 2013 $2,094 $1,000 2012 $2,172 $1,000 2011 $2,228 $1,000 2010 $1,764 $1,000 2009 $1,501 $1,000 2008 $1,967 $1,000 2007 $1,789 $1,000 2006 $1,426 $1,000 2005 $1,353 $1,000 2004 $1,233 $1,000 2003 $1,100 $1,000 2002 $1,074 $1,000 2001 $1,040 $1,000 Analysis of results and challenges: The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) contributes to the success of the seafood industry through its scientific management of the various fisheries resources. Scientific management practices allow for the largest harvests that can be biologically sustained over time. ADF&G also plays a vital role by the adoption of regulations and fisheries management plans, in conjunction with the Alaska Board of Fisheries, fishermen, and processors, that provide orderly fisheries producing high quality products in a cost effective manner for utilization by the seafood industry. Target Last Modified: 09/20/2024

Target #3: Enhance angler opportunity by meeting annual projections for number of fish and number of locations stocked as indicated in the Division"s updates to the Statewide Stocking Plan. Methodology: The "Statewide Stocking Plan for Sport Fisheries" is an annual planning document which outlines the fish stocking objectives. The document includes the number and locations of the division"s enhancement efforts for the next five years, and receives additional public input. Note that there"s a significant increase in production in 2012 due to the 2 new sport fish hatcheries being brought into full service. Comparison of Planned v Actual for Number of Release Sites and Numbers Released Year Planned Sites Actual Sites Planned Release (x100K) Actual Release (x100K) 2023 275 -2.14% 269 -3.58% 67.21 -7.94% 70.32 -9.33% 2022 281 +8.49% 279 +8.14% 73.01 +12.98% 77.56 +22.39% 2021 259 -8.80% 258 -5.49% 64.62 -13.32% 63.37 -15.46% 2020 284 +3.65% 273 +5.81% 74.55 +8.82% 74.96 +11.41% 2019 274 -1.79% 258 -6.86% 68.51 -2.80% 67.28 -5.85% 2018 279 +2.57% 277 +4.14% 70.48 +1.59% 71.46 +2.33% 2017 272 -0.37% 266 -1.85% 69.38 +6.22% 69.83 +4.47% 2016 273 +1.11% 271 +2.26% 65.32 -4.19% 66.84 -5.10% 2015 270 -3.57% 265 -2.93% 68.18 +2.17% 70.43 +7.22% 2014 280 -0.71% 273 -0.36% 66.73 -5.02% 65.69 -9.88% 2013 282 -3.75% 274 -3.18% 70.26 -7.42% 72.89 -4.02% 2012 293 +41.55% 283 +47.40% 75.89 +0.46% 75.94 +6.97% 2011 207 -21.59% 192 -24.71% 75.54 -10.52% 70.99 -18.21% 2010 264 255 84.42 86.80 Analysis of results and challenges: Completion of the Ruth Burnett Sport Fish Hatchery in Fairbanks and the William Jack Hernandez Hatchery in Anchorage allowed the division to stabilize fish production while improving the quality of fish released for anglers. During this time, some stocking locations have been eliminated due to lack of effort and/or poor survivals. We anticipate angler demand and participation in stocked fisheries to increase in ensuing years. Please consult the Division of Sport Fish Statewide Stocking Plan for details (link provided below). Related links: Division of Sport Fish Stocking Plan Target Last Modified: 01/06/2025

Target #1: Achieve salmon escapement goals in 80% of monitored systems. Methodology: Regional tabulation of the monitored systems that are within or above the goal range. Salmon Escapement Goals Achieved Year Goals Achieved Target 2023 74% 80% 2022 67% 80% 2021 70% 80% 2020 65% 80% 2019 78% 80% 2018 67% 80% 2017 83% 80% 2016 72% 80% 2015 88% 80% 2014 77% 80% 2013 76% 80% 2012 69% 80% 2011 77% 80% 2010 76% 80% 2009 71% 80% 2008 74% 80% 2007 90% 80% 2006 90% 80% 2005 87% 80% 2004 85% 80% 2003 86% 80% 2002 86% 80% 2001 85% 80% Analysis of results and challenges: Managing commercial, subsistence, and personal use harvests in ways that protect the reproductive potential of fish stocks is the most basic responsibility of the Division of Commercial Fisheries (Division). The Division`s success in performing this function is the most direct indicator of program success, as well as the best indicator of continued healthy fish stocks. Success in achieving salmon escapement goals is probably the most common measure of success that salmon managers and research staff apply to their own performance. Salmon escapement goals are set at levels of escapement that support sustained yield, above levels for which a stock has consistently demonstrated its ability to sustain itself; therefore, not meeting an escapement goal does not imply risk to the viability of the stock. The Division annually deploys and operates numerous weirs, counting towers, and sonar sites to conduct escapement counts. Aerial and foot surveys are also used extensively in the absence of other means of counting escapement. In 2023, there were 257 salmon escapement goals in Alaska. Of the stocks with goals, 216 were adequately assessed in 2023 and of those, 74% met or exceeded their escapement goal. For Chinook salmon, there are currently 51 escapement goals. Despite harvest restrictions for Chinook salmon, challenges in meeting escapement goals have persisted since 2008 (average 52%), with 2023 being the lowest on record with a decrease to 30%. For pink salmon, there are currently 35 escapement goals in even years. In 2023, 86% of the pink salmon goals were met or exceeded, which was a decrease from 94% in 2021. There are currently 75 sockeye escapement goals and 91% were met or exceeded in 2023, which is similar to 2022. There was an increase in the percentage of meeting escapement goals for chum and coho salmon in 2023 compared to 2022. For coho salmon, 83% of the escapement goals were met or exceeded - up 23% from 2022. For chum salmon, 73% of the goals were met or exceeded - an increase from <50% between 2020 and 2022. Target Last Modified: 09/20/2024

Target #2: Update and maintain the Community Subsistence Information System (CSIS), an online public information resource, by including all studies completed during the fiscal year. Methodology: Tally number of communities with quantitative survey data added to the Community Subsistence Information System. Number of Community Studies Formatted for Community Database Fiscal Year Southeast Southcentral & SW Interior, West, Arctic YTD Total FY 2024 0 0% 5 0% 2 0% 14 0% FY 2023 0 0% 5 +400.00% 2 0% 14 +600.00% FY 2022 0 0% 1 0% 0 0% 2 0% FY 2021 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% FY 2020 0 0% 0 -100.00% 0 -100.00% 0 -100.00% Analysis of results and challenges: The CSIS is the State of Alaska"s single source of community-level subsistence harvest information. Stand-alone datasets from annual salmon and halibut harvest surveys are planned for merging into the CSIS, so all harvest information can be available through a single portal. As funding levels decline, capacity to add data to the CSIS is affected. In FY2020, the onset of the global COVID-19 pandemic, and subsequent restrictions and closures imposed to protect public health and safety during the worldwide Covid-19 pandemic significantly affected the section"s normal research activities. Reports and data graphs reflect the loss of data collection. Analysis was delayed until 2022 for all projects launched in 2021 due to the pivot to work affected by the pandemic restrictions. Related links: See Division of Subsistence CSIS Target Last Modified: 01/06/2025

Target #1: To sustain growth in online renewal revenue. Methodology: CFEC revenue reports. CFEC Annual Gross Revenue ($ in thousands) Year Gross Revenue Online Revenue Quarter 3 Quarter 4 YTD Total Quarter 6 Quarter 7 2023 6877 -3.93% 4864 -1.74% 0 0% 0 0% 11741 -3.03% 0 0% 0 0% 2022 7158 +12.55% 4950 +7.80% 0 0% 0 0% 12108 +10.56% 0 0% 0 0% 2021 6360 -17.25% 4592 -9.48% 0 0% 0 0% 10952 -14.16% 0 0% 0 0% 2020 7686 +1.67% 5073 +15.01% 0 0% 0 0% 12759 +6.58% 0 0% 0 0% 2019 7560 +7.75% 4411 +112.07% 0 0% 0 0% 11971 +31.61% 0 0% 0 0% 2018 7016 -5.01% 2080 +69.24% 0 0% 0 0% 9096 +5.58% 0 0% 0 0% 2017 7386 -8.19% 1229 -0.32% 0 0% 0 0% 8615 -7.15% 0 0% 0 0% 2016 8045 -2.58% 1233 +23.67% 0 0% 0 0% 9278 +0.25% 0 0% 0 0% 2015 8258 +0.95% 997 +20.70% 0 0% 0 0% 9255 +2.76% 0 0% 0 0% Analysis of results and challenges: Data provided by CFEC"s Data Processing Section. Target Last Modified: 05/30/2024

Target #2: Evaluate the number of transfers processed during the calendar year by type. Methodology: Report B1420P. Transfers Processed by Licensing Year Emergency Transfers Permanent Transfers Quarter 3 Quarter 4 YTD Total Quarter 6 Quarter 7 2024 672 -10.40% 517 -12.07% 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% 2023 750 -4.09% 588 -33.86% 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% 2022 782 -12.13% 889 -2.95% 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% 0 0% 2021 890 -7.39% 916 +15.80% 0 0% 0 0% 0 -100.00% 0 0% 0 0% 2020 961 +7.74% 791 -12.31% 0 0% 0 0% 1752 -2.34% 0 0% 0 0% 2019 892 -0.89% 902 -0.99% 0 0% 0 0% 1794 -0.94% 0 0% 0 0% 2018 900 +3.45% 911 -2.36% 0 0% 0 0% 1811 +0.44% 0 0% 0 0% 2017 870 +6.75% 933 +3.90% 0 0% 0 0% 1803 +5.25% 0 0% 0 0% 2016 815 +2.90% 898 +8.32% 0 0% 0 0% 1713 +5.68% 0 0% 0 0% 2015 792 -4.58% 829 -28.35% 0 0% 0 0% 1621 -18.42% 0 0% 0 0% 2014 830 -4.49% 1157 -1.03% 0 0% 0 0% 1987 -2.50% 0 0% 0 0% 2013 869 1169 0 0 2038 0 0 Target Last Modified: 05/30/2024

Target #3: Increase sales of hunting and trapping licenses to the three-year average. Methodology: License Statistics by Calendar year. Includes combination licenses. Excludes big game tags. Sales of Hunting and Trapping Licenses Year Resident Non Resident 2023 113154 -7.63% 19439 +3.74% 2022 122496 -3.50% 18739 -2.71% 2021 126937 -2.58% 19260 +36.31% 2020 130302 +9.00% 14130 -11.62% 2019 119547 -2.33% 15988 +8.73% 2018 122397 +0.55% 14704 +16.95% 2017 121724 -22.12% 12573 -37.94% 2016 156300 +12.75% 20261 +20.71% 2015 138625 -0.48% 16785 +4.85% 2014 139300 +1.48% 16009 +1.65% 2013 137264 +0.09% 15749 -1.87% Analysis of results and challenges: These totals are by calendar year and include resident, nonresident and military hunting and trapping licenses. It also includes combination licenses such as Hunting/Fishing. Tag fees paid primarily by nonresidents are not included. The most common resident license is the Hunt/Sport Fish license. One incentive for hunters and trappers to buy licenses is confidence that game populations are abundant and that there are good opportunities to hunt and harvest game. The increased number of resident hunters may be a direct result of Hunter Education program activities. Non-resident numbers likely reflect the state of the economy, as well as increased energy and airfare costs. In the 2016 legislative session HB137 was passed to increase license fees for both resident and non-resident hunters and fishermen. The increase became effective on 1/1/17, however 2017 licenses were available for purchase well before that date. As a result hunters were able to purchase their 2017 licenses at the reduced 2016 rate. This resulted in a spike of license purchases in 2016. Related links: ADF&G License page Target Last Modified: 01/06/2025

Target #4: Increase sales of hunting and trapping licenses to the three-year average. Methodology: License Statistics by Calendar year. Includes combination licenses. Excludes big game tags. Sales of Hunting and Trapping Licenses Year Resident Non Resident 2023 113154 -7.63% 19439 +3.74% 2022 122496 -3.50% 18739 -2.71% 2021 126937 -2.58% 19260 +36.31% 2020 130302 +9.00% 14130 -11.62% 2019 119547 -2.33% 15988 +8.73% 2018 122397 +0.55% 14704 +16.95% 2017 121724 -22.12% 12573 -37.94% 2016 156300 +12.75% 20261 +20.71% 2015 138625 -0.48% 16785 +4.85% 2014 139300 +1.48% 16009 +1.65% 2013 137264 +0.09% 15749 -1.87% Analysis of results and challenges: These totals are by calendar year and include resident, nonresident and military hunting and trapping licenses. It also includes combination licenses such as Hunting/Fishing. Tag fees paid primarily by nonresidents are not included. The most common resident license is the Hunt/Sport Fish license. One incentive for hunters and trappers to buy licenses is confidence that game populations are abundant and that there are good opportunities to hunt and harvest game. The increased number of resident hunters may be a direct result of our Hunter Education program activities. Non-resident numbers likely reflect the state of the economy, as well as increased energy and airfare costs. In the 2016 legislative session HB137 was passed to increase license fees for both resident and non-resident hunters and fishermen. The increase became effective on 1/1/17, however 2017 licenses were available for purchase well before that date. As a result hunters were able to purchase their 2017 licenses at the reduced 2016 rate. This resulted in a spike of license purchases in 2016. Related links: ADF&G License page Target Last Modified: 01/06/2025

Target #5: Return sport fishing license sales and revenue collection to 2008 levels to ensure excellence in fisheries management and research for the benefit of sport anglers, the state"s economy, and future generations of Alaskans. Methodology: Number of licenses issued and net revenue is shown by calendar year and was obtained from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G), Division of Administrative Services (DAS), Licensing Section. Net revenue amount includes the surcharge collected on individual licenses for hatchery bond repayment but does not include king salmon stamp sales. Fishing Licenses Issued by Calendar Year Year Resident Nonresident Total License Issued Target Net Revenue Collected Net Revenue Target 2023 154,432 -0.52% 345,925 +3.93% 500,357 +2.51% 486,405 0% 0 0% 0 0% 2022 155,241 -22.26% 332,844 +7.78% 488,085 -4.01% 486,405 0% 0 0 2021 199,683 +15.05% 308,806 +129.94% 508,489 +65.17% 486,405 0% $16,239.1 M $16,480.1 M 2020 173,558 +7.68% 134,297 -56.16% 307,855 -34.15% 486,405 0% $12,366.8 M $16,480.1 M 2019 161,186 +1.10% 306,322 +0.31% 467,508 +0.58% 486,405 0% $19,992.2 M $16,480.1 M 2018 159,426 -1.90% 305,372 +2.42% 464,798 +0.90% 486,405 0% $19,980.8 M $16,480.1 M 2017 162,513 -20.11% 298,151 -0.90% 460,664 -8.65% 486,405 0% $18,835.8 M $16,480.1 M 2016 203,413 +6.85% 300,862 +4.14% 504,275 +5.21% 486,405 0% $16,893.4 M $16,480.1 M 2015 190,366 +0.44% 288,915 +5.62% 479,281 +3.50% 486,405 0% $16,104.0 M $16,480.1 M 2014 189,540 +1.08% 273,535 +2.73% 463,075 +2.05% 486,405 0% $15,329.4 M $16,480.1 M 2013 187,507 +2.06% 266,271 +4.96% 453,778 +3.74% 486,405 0% $14,936.7 M $16,480.1 M 2012 183,725 -3.38% 253,694 -1.99% 437,419 -2.58% 486,405 0% $14,447.7 M $16,480.1 M 2011 190,148 +1.80% 258,840 +1.33% 448,988 +1.53% 486,405 0% $14,733.4 M $16,480.1 M 2010 186,777 -4.05% 255,432 +1.19% 442,209 -1.09% 486,405 0% $14,641.3 M $16,480.1 M 2009 194,658 +4.48% 252,427 -15.88% 447,085 -8.08% 486,405 0% $14,624.5 M $16,480.1 M 2008 186,311 300,094 486,405 486,405 $16,480.1 M $16,480.1 M Analysis of results and challenges: Both sport fishing license sales and participation have fluctuated since 2008. Resident license peaked in 2016 and in 2021 was nearly equal to that peak. However, resident sales have slumped since that time and likely being driven by ongoing restrictions to salmon fishing opportunities. The COVID pandemic played a significant role in the significant loss of non-resident license sales in 2020, but an uptick in overall sales since that time has brought measures back to above target and appears to on track to do it again in 2024, but sales are not yet final for the current year. Related links: ADF&G License Statistics Target Last Modified: 10/31/2024

Target #6: To complete the limitation of all 68 limited fisheries. Methodology: Adjudications decisions information from Information Technology report B6410P - "Limited Fisheries Status" Total Number of Fisheries Limited Year Completed Remaining 2024 67 0 2023 67 0 2022 67 0 2021 67 1 2020 67 1 2019 64 4 2018 63 5 2017 60 8 2016 60 8 2015 57 11 2014 57 11 2013 56 12 2012 55 13 2011 54 14 2010 52 16 Analysis of results and challenges: The Alaska Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission (the Commission) has the statutory duty to limit entry into commercial fisheries when the statutory and constitutional requirements for doing so are met. The Commission also has the statutory duty to adjudicate numerous claims to limited entry permits so that all applicants can be ranked against each other, in order to award permits to the individuals most dependent on a limited fishery. Target Last Modified: 05/30/2024

Last refreshed: 05/23/2025 05:00 pm