Legislature(2023 - 2024)
2024-01-26 House Journal
Full Journal pdf2024-01-26 House Journal Page 1361 HB 295 HOUSE BILL NO. 295 by the House Rules Committee by request of the Governor, entitled: "An Act relating to salmon hatchery permits; and authorizing the sale of salmon to permitted persons for stocking lakes." was read the first time and referred to the House Special Committee on Fisheries. The following fiscal note(s) apply: 1. Zero, Dept. of Fish & Game 2024-01-26 House Journal Page 1362 The Governor's transmittal letter dated January 24 follows: "Dear Speaker Tilton: Under the authority of Article III, Section 18 of the Alaska Constitution, I am transmitting a bill relating to the sale of salmon by private nonprofit hatcheries (PNP) to private persons for purposes of stocking lakes. Salmon hatcheries are governed by AS 16.10.375 - 16.10.480. The Commissioner of the Department of Fish and Game (DFG) is empowered by AS 16.10.400 to issue permits to nonprofit corporations for construction and operations of salmon hatcheries. This bill is intended to provide an exception to the limitations on sale of salmon by PNP hatcheries. Sale of salmon eggs are not included in the exception. The bill would clarify that nothing in a PNP hatchery permit may prohibit the sale of salmon by a hatchery to a person for the purpose of stocking lakes in the State. A person who wishes to purchase salmon under this bill would need to first obtain a fish transport permit under 5 AAC 41.005, which is required to collect, transport, possess, propagate, export from the State, or release into waters of the State, any aquatic organisms. Permitting provides DFG the ability to evaluate proposed stocking locations, land ownership, and possible impacts to wild fish populations. This process will ensure that fish sold to the public will not adversely affect Alaska's wild fish populations. I urge your prompt and favorable action on this measure. Sincerely, /s/ Mike Dunleavy Governor"