Legislature(2001 - 2002)
02/12/2001 06:03 PM House FSH
| Audio | Topic |
|---|
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
HJR 10-GROUNDFISH FISHERIES AND STELLER SEA LION CO-CHAIR WILSON announced that the first order of business would be HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 10, "Relating to the management of the Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands and Gulf of Alaska groundfish fisheries and the protection and restoration of the Steller sea lion." Number 0084 REPRESENTATIVE SCALZI, sponsor of HJR 10, made a motion to adopt the proposed committee substitute (CS) for HJR 10, version 22- LS0339\O, Utermohle, 2/12/01, as a work draft. REPRESENTATIVE SCALZI reviewed the "very minimal" changes encompassed [in Version O]. On page 2, line 2, of Version O, "National Marine Fisheries Service" language has been replaced by the following language: "United States District Court order". On page 2, line 12,the language "Restrictions in the salmon and herring fisheries" was added to this section, which read: WHEREAS the November 30, 2000, biological opinion for the Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands and Gulf of Alaska groundfish fisheries that was prepared by the National Marine Fisheries Service had the effect of closing the majority of the groundfish fishery and suggested similar restrictions in the salmon and herring fisheries; and REPRESENTATIVE SCALZI explained that this language was added due to concerns from "industry folks" that salmon and herring were mentioned in the biological opinion, which raises a "red flag." He expressed the need to be conscious that the National Marine Fisheries Service and the North Pacific Fishery Management Council may find that evidence is needed to restrict those two fisheries. Certainly, "we" want to make everyone aware of the seriousness of this issue. REPRESENTATIVE SCALZI directed the committee's attention to page 3, lines 8-15, of Version O, which was rewritten to strengthen the language to direct agencies to develop sound management programs, and to develop measures for minimal impacts on industry. This is the intent of this resolution. House Joint Resolution 10 is not an "attack resolution"; it is not out to "slam" the National Marine Fisheries Service, the biological opinion, or the departments involved with coming up with the reasoning for why the measures were taking place. REPRESENTATIVE SCALZI explained that HJR 10 addresses two items: Essentially, we want to say that we are in favor of the restoration of the sea lions but at the same time we want to use scientific management, good biological evidence, and any of these measures that the National Marine Fisheries Service and North Pacific Fisheries Management Council deem necessary. REPRESENTATIVE SCALZI mentioned that some of the evidence is present in the sponsor statement. He then said Dr. Trites's presentation to the House Special Committee on Fisheries a few weeks ago "overwhelmingly showed that evidence that is now curtailing the fishery certainly is lacking a good scientific data." Number 0379 STEPHANIE MADSEN, Pacific Seafood Processors, stated that Pacific Seafood Processors supports HJR 10 and thanks the sponsor and committee members for supporting the resolution. She showed the committee a cartoon from a recent issue of the Alaska Journal of Commerce. The cartoon talks about Steller sea lion management applied to endangered bears. On the cartoon, there is a sign that says, "Due to declining bear populations, no berry picking." From a fishing perspective, that is how "we" [Pacific Seafood Processors] feel, that "we" are "being broad- brushed." Although there are not many theories that have been reviewed and analyzed, there is one theory "out there" that points the finger at "us." To conclude, "we appreciate the support and looking at the additional information and really the desire to base it on valid scientific information." Number 0496 REPRESENTATIVE DYSON made a motion to move CSHJR 10, version 22- LS0339\O, Utermohle, 2/12/01, from committee with individual recommendations and the attached zero fiscal note. There being no objection, CSHJR 10(FSH) moved from the House Special Committee on Fisheries.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|