03/02/1998 03:37 PM Senate RES

             SJR 33 - SUPPORT AMERICAN FISHERIES ACT                           
                                                                               
CHAIRMAN HALFORD called the Senate Resources Committee meeting to              
order at 3:37 p.m. and announced SJR 33 to be up for consideration.            
                                                                               
SENATOR TAYLOR moved to adopt the proposed committee substitute                
(63\B Utermohle) to  SJR 33.  There were no objections and it was              
so ordered.                                                                    
                                                                               
CHAIRMAN HALFORD explained that the committee substitute simplifies            
the legislation and provides some direction as far as maximum                  
utilization of species taken, reduction of by-catch, minimization              
of habitat impacts, and maximization of economic impacts.                      
                                                                               
SENATOR MACKIE, sponsor, said he supported the changes which key in            
on the areas he is concerned with.                                             
                                                                               
SENATOR SHARP noted that it still has the 75 percent minimum                   
requirement for ownership and asked if there was a size limit.                 
                                                                               
CHAIRMAN HALFORD answered that it doesn't refer specifically to a              
size limit, but it limits the maximum length, tonnage, and                     
horsepower to 165 ft., 750 tons, and 3,000 shaft horsepower.                   
                                                                               
SENATOR SHARP asked if they would be grandfathered in if they                  
reached 75 percent ownership.                                                  
                                                                               
SENATOR MACKIE said he thought it was important to remove that,                
because it is subject to change or negotiation as the bill moves               
through Congress.  The statement placing limitations is good and               
the new language in the front part of the resolution makes a good              
policy statement in terms of what the State of Alaska values as our            
management principals and reducing by-catch.                                   
                                                                               
SENATOR TAYLOR moved to pass CSSJR 33(RES) from Committee with                 
individual recommendations.  There were no objections and it was so            
ordered.