Mail-in Application Form

Dear Members & Friends, We enter 2010 with significant challenges. In addition to working through the continued down economy, we face halibut regulations that will have devastating results, increased pressure on rockfish, more than 20 statewide Board of Fisheries proposals that must be defeated, and legislative actions that must be stopped or supported.

SEAGO has solidified its position in the Alaska sportfishing industry by speaking out with the voice of reason on key issues and taking a professional approach to problem solving. Every day we are working in the trenches, educating decision-makers, building coalitions, and ensuring that your interests are being promoted.

Your contribution is vital. This year we must fight the battle in three arenas: the Board of Fisheries, the Alaska legislature, and multiple federal agencies from Alaska to Washington, DC. The issues we face have escalated substantially and the need to act has never been more urgent. Please take a moment to read the letter from our President, Tom Ohaus, (below) for more information. Frankly, without your financial support we can’t continue.

Your membership will help you stay informed, speak up, and be heard. Please join us today to make our fisheries accessible, sustainable, and more fishable, in 2010 and years to come. Together we can meet this exciting challenge and launch 2010 on a solid financial footing and stronger than ever.

Finally, we need your financial support in order to continue to be a strong voice for you. We recognize that 2010 is going to be another difficult year and have adjusted our fee schedule accordingly.

On behalf of everyone at SEAGO, I want offer my sincere thanks for your continued support of our organization.

Sincerely,

Tom Ohaus
President

Since the beginning of the year, SEAGO has solidified its leadership role speaking out as the voice of reason throughout Southeast Alaska. In the face of an unprecedented economic slowdown, we fought off more than 50 toxic proposals at the Board of Fisheries meeting in Sitka, halted bad nominations and regulations in the Alaska legislature, solicited federal funding for salmon sustainability initiatives, and worked hard to preserve our halibut fishery. Here is a brief summary of our recent accomplishments (For more information read through our monthly newsletters):

• Participated in every Board of Fisheries meeting during the year - Feb, Mar, April, Oct, and Dec ‘09.
• Led efforts to defeat 50+ toxic proposals at the Southeast-wide Sitka BOF meeting in February.
• Played a key role in supporting sportfishing interests during the 2009 Alaska legislature session -  one on one meetings with legislators, public testimony on the various issues, defeated poor BOF nominee, supported BOF nomination of K. Johnstone,  sport fish guide bill support, support for the logbook program , etc.
• Wrote Governor Palin arguing unprofessional actions taken by the Board of Fisheries in Petersburg and Sitka that led to procedural and organizational changes.
• Spoke out to the Secretary of Commerce, NMFS, and NPFMC about the upcoming halibut moratorium implementation, unfairness of the 1-halibut rule, and the Catch Sharing Plan.
• Solicited the Alaska Clearinghouse for federal economic recovery funding requests.
• Represented sport fishing interests at the IPHC meeting in Vancouver, BC in January, ’09.
• Represented sport fisherman at the North Pacific Fishery Management Council (NPFMC) meetings.
• Played a key role in the formation of the statewide Alaska Fishing Alliance.
• Introduced the Save Alaska Sportfishing Program – adding the voice of individual sport fishermen to speak out to legislators and regulators.
• Supported guides cited for bogus saltwater logbook violations.
• Pacific Salmon Treaty Funding - SEAGO called on Alaska federal legislators for funding of vital initiatives and participated in the joint steering committee for funds deployment.
• Provided input to ADF&G Five year Strategic Plan.
• Volunteered at the 16th annual Kenai Classic sponsored by the Kenai River Sportfishing Association.
• Implemented a “News from around the Web” to keep our members informed about both Alaska and national fishing related issues.
• Began efforts to support rockfish conservation through planning for a deep release program.
• Assembled a strong Board of Directors and built a core base organization of dedicated sport fishing guides and lodge owners.
• Supported efforts by the Charter Halibut Taskforce.
• Hired an experienced Executive Director who has worked tirelessly to forge industry relationships and implement change in our regulatory organizations.
• Participated in the Sportfish Guides Services Board Task Force.
• Became the VOICE OF REASON for Southeast by building a broad ranging coalition of experts in fishing science/biology, executives from other sport fishing groups, technology and political experts to ensure we represent the broad voice of all groups across Southeast.

Your membership and participation are key to us. Our industry can no longer rely on the efforts of a few well intentioned volunteers. In order for charter fishing to survive and continue to make major contributions to the coastal communities of Alaska we need a well funded organization and professional representation.

In recognition of the difficult economy, we have lowered our fees and created a flexible payment program for 2009.

• Installment payment plan – pay one half of your membership fee now and the remainder at the end of the fishing season in September.

• Pay what you can – More than anything else we want your participation in SEAGO. We want your insights & ideas, comments, opinions, and your participation in our various activities.

How much are membership fees? Much less than the cost of bad regulations!

We have simplified our fee structure into two categories, full and associate members.

• What is a Full Member? - If you own the boat or lodging, you fit in the Full Membership dues category. We made the fee structure based on the size of your business which allows you to pay according to your stake in the outcomes.

• Who can be an Associate Member? - Anyone who supports SEAGO but is not a charter fishing business owner. Associate memberships are for employees of charter businesses, other business owners (i.e. local merchants, tackle stores, fuel vendors, restaurants) and individuals who support our vision.

It’s very simple, just fill out the application form and mail it to us along with your check to:

South East Alsaka Guides Organization
P.O. Box 422
Sitka, Alaska 99835

Corporate sponsors – We have a special program for companies who wish to become SEAGO sponsors. Contact our President, Tom Ohaus, directly at (925) 366-6638, or by email at tom@seagoalaska.org for details.

Sport fishing in Alaska is constantly threatened by other interests. See some of the challenges we face in a short video about the program.

Please lend your voice to SEAGO. Together we can deliver a strong message for fair access and sustainable management of our great fisheries.

Sign up here!

SEAGO has built a coalition with recreational anglers to make our combined efforts more effective. The Save Alaska Sportfishing Program is an effective way for the individual angler to be heard by decision makers.  As sportfishers join forces with guides and lodge owners, SEAGO will magnify their voices in speaking out on key issues.  Together we will deliver a strong message to legislators and regulators for fair access and sustainable management of our great fisheries.  View a short video about the program