Coast Guard to reconsider “common-sense” guide regs for Western Alaska

A petition from Bristol Bay-area sport fishing lodges has reached the top desk of the U.S. Coast Guard. At issue in the petition are new rules that Western Alaska lodge owners say will make it nearly impossible for them to hire local guides.(Photo courtesy of Hannah Colton)The new Coast Guard rules require fishing guides to get 90 days of sea-time per waterway to get a restricted license (ROUPV) to guide on that particular waterway. The alternative is to go for a full unrestricted license, which