Kenai Attorney Jim Butler appeared in front of the Kenai City Council to discuss the concerns he has for the Kenai River Dipnet Fishery. An issue that was first brought in front of the Board of Fish at the Anchorage meeting was brought to the Kenai City Council on Wednesday. Butler feels the beaches around the mouth of the Kenai River are being impacted in a negative way due to the abuse from dipnetters. He spoke to us after the meeting. He said the growth of the dipnetting has impacted migratory bird habitat and wetland areas. Butler told the councilmembers that they have tools to address this. We asked him to explain these tools. He said there are environmental tools for protection that can be used by the city. Butler also told the city council there needs to be a timeout on the dipnet fishery. The council took no action on the recommendations by Butler.
