2023 Kamchatka Steelhead Project

Photo by Todd Harris

Update from TCA

Photo by Todd Harris

KSP 2023 Update

 Since 2020, beginning with the COVID pandemic and followed by the on-going Ukraine-Russia war, we have been unable to confidently provide for expedition participation by non-Russian sponsors. Over this period, as you know (and with your direct support), we have funded a multi-month-long presence on Kvachina/Snotalvayam and Utkholok rivers to continue the long-standing scientific monitoring program and anti-poaching presence that your donations have supported since 1994.

These adverse conditions will again limit our ability to conduct full-scale operations in 2023. Although Justin Miller demonstrated that it was possible for adventurous western anglers to travel to and from Kamchatka to participate in KSP field activities, TCA will not advise that this is a safe option in light of the unequivocal Department of State admonition for US citizens to leave Russia.

Over these past three years, I have greatly appreciated your support for the KSP and our limited field activities that has secured our on-going scientific analysis, anti-poaching presence and protected 34 years of wild steelhead conservation gains.

Despite having to postpone western sponsor participation in KSP field activities, we will again fund a months-long scientific/anti-poaching presence – a barebones field program that still requires an annual expenditure approaching $100,000. TCA has secured a substantial portion of these funds from friends and supporters in each of the past three years – and for that we and Kamchatka wild steelhead will be eternally grateful.

As you know, your tax deductible, restricted donations to TCA sponsoring and supporting the KSP, like other donations to not-for-profit entities, are not refundable. However, we recognize that the lengthy delay in resumption of full-scale KSP operations imposes uncertainty about when sponsors might again join future expeditions. In recognition of your loyalty and support, TCA will roll over all 2023 bookings to 2024, and any 2024 booking over to 2025. 

The inconveniences of having the trip of a lifetime on hold chafe at all of us. But make no mistake about our resolve – The Kamchatka Steelhead Project is still providing wild steelhead conservation by preventing poaching, and allowing Dr. Kirill Kuzishchin and his small team continue the world’s most extensive wild steelhead research program on the planet.

I hope you all know how much I miss being in Kamchatka – it is heart-breaking but I will not give up hope and we hope you will not give up either.

If you missed it, you will find Professor Kuzishchin’s 2022 Report and Justin Miller’s Travel Report Here.

If you need a Kamchatka “fix” then check out this list of KSP videos and articles from over the years that we recently compiled – it will confirm that the KSP is worth waiting for and protecting so it is there in the years to come.

Again, TCA and I, personally, appreciate sincerely your strong and loyal support which has resulted directly in the remarkable recovery of steelhead in our project rivers, each of which support 100% wild runs - with total returns to small rivers that are substantially more numerous than recent total returns to the huge Skeena watershed. There is no other place like it on earth and it is this way due to your commitments and support.

Thank you for helping us sustain these accomplishments!

Thank you!

Pete Soverel, KSP Director

Pete Soverel, TCA Board Chairman and KSP Founder

David Moskowitz, TCA Executive Director