Residents in Alaska cruise destination Sitka are set to vote on imposing possible cruise ship limits. Enough signatures were gathered to trigger a public vote on the issue, which will take place later this spring.
Sitka residents will get to vote on defined limits for cruise ships based on an annual and daily cap. It calls for an annual cap of 300,000 cruise passengers and no more than 4,500 passengers daily. Additionally, it would put a limit on port calls to six days a week. These limits apply to all cruise ships with a capacity for more than 250 overnight passengers.
Cruise lines would need to apply for a dock permit and a mechanism would be established to fine cruise lines if the new rules are violated. This applies to ships of all sizes.
Cruise Ship Vote Set for Late May
Municipal Clerk Sara Peterson has set a tentative date for the ballot on Friday, May 30, which would need to be approved by assembly members.
The cruise ship limit ballot question was driven by Sitka advocacy group, Small Town SOUL, after three previous attempts failed to pass the city assembly’s legal review process. This time it secured more than the 613 signatures required under Sitka’s Home Rule Charter. Post-pandemic, Sitka has seen a significant increase in cruise ship traffic, but also anger over the increased congestion, and environmental concerns, its supporters say.
In opposition, a pro-cruise tourism group has been established, made up of local business owners. ‘Safeguard Sitka’s Future’ has hosted information sessions promoting cruise tourism as Sitka’s primary economic driver. With the ballot confirmed, both opposing groups will have to register as lobby groups with the Alaska Public Offices Commission.
Cruise Lines International Association responded to the ballot approval: “We believe ongoing, collaborative dialogue with local communities is the best way to jointly manage sustainable tourism while supporting local businesses that rely on cruise tourism.”
