2020-01-22                     Senate Journal                      Page 1540
SB 159                                                                                                                        
SENATE BILL NO. 159 BY THE SENATE RULES COMMITTEE                                                                               
BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR, entitled:                                                                                           
                                                                                                                                
            "An Act relating to salt water sport fishing operators                                                             
            and salt water sport fishing guides; and providing for                                                             
          an effective date."                                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                
was read the first time and referred to the Resources and Finance                                                               
Committees.                                                                                                                     
                                                                                                                                
The following fiscal information was published today:                                                                           
 Fiscal Note No. 1, Department of Fish and Game                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
Governor's transmittal letter dated January 21:                                                                                 
                                                                                                                                
Dear President Giessel:                                                                                                         
                                                                                                                                
Under the authority of Article III, Section 18, of the Alaska                                                                   
Constitution, I am transmitting a bill regarding sportfish guide and                                                            
operator licensing.                                                                                                             
                                                                                                                                
This bill would reinstitute the salt water sport fishing guide and                                                              
operator licensing standards, salt water guide and operator fees, and                                                           
logbook reporting requirements for salt water guides. The logbook                                                               
data provided by salt water fishing guides provides critical information                                                        
that informs in season management. The Board of Fisheries                                                                       
management plans also benefit from updated and complete                                                                         
information.                                                                                                                    
                                                                                                                                

2020-01-22                     Senate Journal                      Page 1541
The data obtained through the logbook reporting requirement is                                                                  
critical for the Department of Fish and Game to successfully uphold                                                             
the State of Alaska’s Pacific Salmon Treaty obligations. Under the                                                              
treaty the state is required to issue logbooks and collect data, however                                                        
the mandate is unfunded. This bill would re-establish the license fees                                                          
for sport salt water fishing guide services to cover the costs of the                                                           
mandated program.                                                                                                               
                                                                                                                                
I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure.                                                                        
                                                                                                                                
Sincerely,                                                                                                                      
/s/                                                                                                                             
Mike Dunleavy                                                                                                                   
Governor