Southeast Alaska has more than 10,000 estuaries that flow into the bays, fjords, and channels, then coalesce to form a single overarching estuary system. For communities in the Panhandle, this literally amounts to a fish factory—one of the greatest on earth—producing over a billion dollars worth of commercial fish alone for world consumption every year.
We can look at the wealth derived from Southeast Alaska’s environment as nature’s dividend. Unlike other industries that must purchase raw materials, the cost of goods for this extraordinary enterprise is virtually zero. No amount of human ingenuity can improve on the Panhandle’s rich and reliable ecological system, nor could we design a more perfect business model.
We call this remarkable ecological and economic system SEABANK.
The economic health of Southeast Alaska is directly tied to the stability and health of our environment. To understand the economic side of this equation, SEABANK draws from research on the dollar value of marine resources harvested in the region—most importantly salmon, halibut, shellfish, and black cod. We further include the value of tourism and ecosystem services which also depend on the natural environment.
Southeast Alaska’s economy is highly dependent on the region’s rich natural resources. SalmonState contracted with McDowell Group, an Alaska-based research and consulting firm, to measure the economic impacts in Southeast Alaska of three transboundary watersheds: Taku, Stikine, and Unuk Rivers.
The Taku River Economy: An Economic Profile of the Taku River AreaThe purpose of this study prepared by the McDowell Group for the United Southeast Alaska Gillnetters is to provide a detailed inventory and economic assessment of the major business and recreational activities currently occurring in the Taku River area. |
SEABANK: Nature's Dividend |
The Taku River Economy: An Economic Profile of the Taku River AreaThe purpose of this study is to provide a detailed inventory and economic assessment of the major business and recreational activities currently occurring in the Taku River area. |
The Economic Value of Alaska’s Seafood Industry 2015This report updates a prior study published in July 2013. The analysis quantifies the regional, statewide, and national economic impacts of Alaska’s seafood industry. |