The historic decline of king salmon across Alaska and on the Kenai River will be the focus of the Kenai River Sportfishing Association’s 2025 Kenai Classic Roundtable taking place from noon to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 20, at the Soldotna Field House.
Eighteen king salmon stocks across the state, from the Yukon River to Southeast Alaska, have been designated stocks of concern due to record low numbers. This year’s roundtable comes at a critical moment for the species.
The event will bring together federal, state and local leaders, along with scientists, fishery managers and community advocates, to examine the causes of the decline and explore collaborative solutions for long-term sustainability. Scheduled speakers include U.S. Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, U.S. Rep. Nick Begich, Alaska Dept. of Fish & Game Commissioner Doug Vincent-Lang, Alaska Board of Fisheries Chair Märit Carlson-Van Dort and Kenai Peninsula Borough Mayor Peter Micciche.
“This isn’t just a conversation about the future of king salmon — it’s about taking responsible conservation actions now so future generations of Alaskans will be able to enjoy fishing for king salmon in our Kenai River,” said Shannon Martin, executive director of KRSA. “By bringing science, policy and community voices together, we’re advancing practical, lasting conservation to protect one of Alaska’s most iconic species.”
The roundtable will feature three panel discussions designed to foster open dialogue, share institutional knowledge, and explore practical solutions. With participation from scientists, policymakers, community leaders and industry voices, the panels will focus on the key biological, regulatory and social dynamics affecting Alaska’s king salmon.
The panel breakouts are:
- “Alaska King Salmon: Where We Are, How We Got Here and Where We’re Going.” Fisheries experts and veteran observers will discuss the history of king salmon, factors driving recent declines, and the outlook for recovery. Topics will include ocean conditions and management practices.
- “Balancing the Scales: Alaska’s Private Nonprofit Hatcheries, Sportfishing and Wild Stocks.” Agency scientists, hatchery managers and sportfishing advocates will explore how hatchery practices impact wild salmon populations, and how science and policy can guide sustainable outcomes.
- “Voices in Governance: From Capitol Hill to the Kenai Peninsula.” Federal, state and local leaders will share their perspectives on legislation, regulation and interagency collaboration to support sustainable fisheries and resilient communities.
The roundtable will be streamed live on KRSA’s YouTube channel.
The Kenai Classic Roundtable is part of the Kenai River Classic, a multi-day sportfishing event that raises funds to support KRSA’s year-round efforts in habitat restoration, youth education, conservation advocacy and science-based policy work.
About KRSA
Founded in 1984, the Kenai River Sportfishing Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring the sustainability of the Kenai River, one of the world’s premier sportfishing destinations. Based in Soldotna, KRSA works across the Kenai River watershed and greater Cook Inlet Basin to protect Alaska’s fisheries for future generations.
