Lake Trout (scientific name Salvelinus namaycush) is known to be a very long-lived, slow-growing species of fish.  Sport fishing for lake trout is one of the most rewarding year-round activities in Alaska.  Unfortunately, this popularity leaves the lake trout populations highly susceptible to over-harvest.

Alaska lake trout populations in road-accessible areas have consistently decreased over the past decade or more, while fisheries management has not changed to meet the new demands placed upon the species.  Continued harvest at the current rate may hasten the demise of the trophy lake trout.

We would like to prevent further damage to the limited road-accessible lake trout populations in Alaska and support regrowth. This petition is to propose new studies on lake trout to inform management that allows for a sustainable fishery, and to propose management guidelines that will protect sport fishing for generations.  Scientifically-informed lake trout management can regrow the accessible populations to a healthy level before they become obsolete.