02/26/2013 10:00 AM House FISHERIES
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB49 | |
| HB110 | |
| Adjourn |
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| *+ | HB 49 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 110 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
HOUSE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON FISHERIES
February 26, 2013
10:03 a.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Paul Seaton, Chair
Representative Eric Feige
Representative Lynn Gattis
Representative Bob Herron
Representative Craig Johnson
Representative Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins
MEMBERS ABSENT
Representative Kurt Olson
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
HOUSE BILL NO. 49
"An Act establishing the Alaska Chinook salmon research and
restoration endowment fund and relating to grants from the
fund."
- HEARD & HELD
HOUSE BILL NO. 110
"An Act prohibiting the use of barbed hooks in certain
freshwater areas."
- HEARD & HELD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: HB 49
SHORT TITLE: CHINOOK RESEARCH & RESTORATION ENDOWMENT
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) HERRON
01/16/13 (H) PREFILE RELEASED 1/11/13
01/16/13 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
01/16/13 (H) FSH, FIN
02/26/13 (H) FSH AT 10:00 AM CAPITOL 120
BILL: HB 110
SHORT TITLE: BARBED HOOKS
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) SEATON
02/11/13 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
02/11/13 (H) FSH, RES
02/21/13 (H) FSH AT 10:00 AM CAPITOL 120
02/21/13 (H) Heard & Held
02/21/13 (H) MINUTE(FSH)
02/26/13 (H) FSH AT 10:00 AM CAPITOL 120
WITNESS REGISTER
ROB EARL, Staff
Representative Bob Herron
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: On behalf of Representative Herron, prime
sponsor, provided a PowerPoint presentation entitled, "HB 49 -
Chinook Salmon Research and Restoration Endowment," and dated
February 26, 2013.
KAREN GILLIS, Executive Director
Bering Sea Fishermen's Association
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 49.
STEVE RUNYAN
Willow, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 49 and in
opposition to HB 110.
DAVID MARTIN
Clam Gulch, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified during the hearing on HB 49 and
in support of HB 110.
PETE WEDIN, Representative
Alaska Marine Conservation Council (AMCC); Business Owner
Homer, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 49.
LYNN WHITMORE
Anchor Point, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified during the hearing on HB 49.
ERO STEVE WALLI
Anchor Point, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 110.
BURKE WALDRON, Captain
Alaska Wildlife Troopers
Department of Public Safety (DPS)
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions during hearing on
HB 110.
CHARLES SWANTON, Director
Division of Sport Fish
Alaska Department of Fish & Game (ADF&G)
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions during hearing on
HB 110.
ACTION NARRATIVE
10:03:19 AM
CHAIR PAUL SEATON called the House Special Committee on
Fisheries meeting to order at 10:03 a.m. Present at the call to
order were Representatives Seaton, Herron, Kreiss-Tompkins, and
Johnson. Representatives Gattis and Feige arrived as the
meeting was in progress.
HB 49-CHINOOK RESEARCH & RESTORATION ENDOWMENT
10:03:49 AM
CHAIR SEATON announced that the first order of business would be
HOUSE BILL NO. 49, "An Act establishing the Alaska Chinook
salmon research and restoration endowment fund and relating to
grants from the fund."
10:04:33 AM
REPRESENTATIVE HERRON, speaking as the prime sponsor, explained
that HB 49 creates a salmon research and restoration fund in the
Department of Revenue (DOR) with the intent that revenue
generated off the interest of the fund would be issued to
qualifying organizations in partnership with the Alaska
Department of Fish & Game (ADF&G). Representative Herron
advised that Chinook salmon is the state fish, a staple food for
residents throughout Alaska, economically important to
commercial fisheries, a prized sport fishery, and holds an
important place in Alaskan culture and way of life. Chinook
salmon is also a "trend" species that tells us whether there are
issues in its life environment, thus the importance of the bill.
10:06:45 AM
ROB EARL, Staff, Representative Herron, Alaska State
Legislature, provided a PowerPoint presentation entitled, "HB 49
- Chinook Salmon Research and Restoration Endowment," on behalf
of Representative Herron, prime sponsor. Mr. Earl said the bill
establishes the Alaska Chinook salmon research and restoration
fund in DOR and which is managed by the commissioner of DOR.
The amount of the endowment will be a separate budget item, and
the bill does not create a dedicated fund or mandate funding
[slide 2]. He explained that the fund creates a grant account
in the general fund (GF) and an appropriation amount will be
identified by the commissioner on an annual basis. This amount
may then be appropriated by the legislature for the uses of the
grant account described on page 2, line 30, of the bill. The
grant account can be used for research and restoration projects,
reimbursements to DOR and the Department of Commerce, Community
& Economic Development (DCCED) for costs associated with the
fund, and for matching funds for private and federal grants
[slide 4]. The bill also establishes an endowment fund board
in DCCED to administer the grant program. Members of the board
consist of the commissioner of ADF&G or designee, and one public
member appointed by the governor from each of six regions across
Alaska [slide 5]. The six regions are based on boundaries
established by ADF&G resource management regions and are set in
statute by the bill from page 3, line [30] through page 5, line
10. One of the duties of the board is to identify an
organization to support its duties [slide 7]. In addition, on
page 6, line 24, the bill directs that the board prioritize
grants based on which Chinook salmon stocks in the last 10 years
were either listed as stocks of concern, subject to disaster
declaration, closed or restricted, or significantly declined
[slide 8].
10:11:18 AM
CHAIR SEATON asked whether the four abovementioned bullet points
on the slide entitled, "HB 49 - Grant Prioritization" are listed
in order of priority.
MR. EARL responded that the items are not prioritized, but the
board is directed to give weight to all of these factors.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON asked whether ADF&G has been consulted
regarding setting the boundaries in statute and if doing so
would raise management issues.
MR. EARL advised that the proposed regions relate closely to
ADF&G resource management regions. He was unsure of any issues
that may arise, and pointed out the boundary between region 3
and region 5 is not the same as the ADF&G resource management
boundary.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON clarified that the bill does not set the
boundaries for ADF&G, but just for the purposes of the proposed
board.
MR. EARL concurred.
CHAIR SEATON confirmed that setting these boundaries does not
change the boundaries of the management areas that are set in
code.
MR. EARL said correct.
10:14:11 AM
REPRESENTATIVE GATTIS asked why the bill only establishes the
study of Chinook salmon.
MR. EARL restated that Chinook salmon is the first species that
is affected by environmental changes thus the study of Chinook
will predict declines for all species.
REPRESENTATIVE GATTIS advised her constituents are interested in
all species.
REPRESENTATIVE HERRON interjected that the deliberation process
may reveal that all salmon are of concern, and that all should
be studied; however, Chinook salmon is the first focus of
attention.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON observed there could be a considerable
difference between the concerns of constituents from Kodiak and
of those from Palmer. He asked whether the sponsor would
consider changing the region boundary between region 3 and
region 5, so that region 5 [encompasses the entire Aleutian
chain].
MR. EARL explained that Kodiak was always part of region 3 in
the resource management boundary, and the change is to the "slim
edge" of the peninsula.
REPRESENTATIVE HERRON pointed out the bill establishes the board
boundaries and not ADF&G management areas, so an amendment would
be acceptable.
10:18:21 AM
CHAIR SEATON directed attention to page 1, line 11, of the bill
that read:
(3) income earned on investments of fund assets if
that income is appropriated by the legislature to the
fund.
CHAIR SEATON recalled that interest is often retained in the
fund. He asked why the intent is to only retain interest in
the fund if it is appropriated by the legislature.
REPRESENTATIVE HERRON deferred to the drafter of the bill.
REPRESENTATIVE GATTIS asked for a comparison between the
proposed bill and the governor's proposed Chinook study.
REPRESENTATIVE HERRON said HB 49 creates a fund that will
generate a revenue stream to be used for many years of
continuing research, in partnership with ADF&G and other
organizations. The governor's proposal provides ADF&G $10
million per year through the capital budget for three years,
although the actual amount needed in a particular year is
unknown. Also, the governor's proposal may not be sufficiently
accountable for salmon research.
10:22:34 AM
REPRESENTATIVE GATTIS surmised the sponsor feels the group
supporting HB 49 is better prepared to move forward.
REPRESENTATIVE HERRON opined discussion of HB 49 is an
opportunity to determine the best procedure because there is
disagreement on how to address the recognized analysis gap. He
urged for a research revenue stream for partnered research
projects based over many years and funded by money in a savings
account rather than through a capital budget request.
REPRESENTATIVE GATTIS agreed that resources should not be
managed except through scientific research and data.
CHAIR SEATON understood that a five-year research project will
not address issues for salmon with a five- to six-year life
cycle, and he agreed that funding for continuous research would
be productive over time.
10:25:23 AM
KAREN GILLIS, Executive Director, Bering Sea Fishermen's
Association, informed the committee her organization has been
researching and monitoring salmon since 1994. Since 1997,
Alaska has declared or accepted 23 salmon-related disaster
declarations. Although some Alaska salmon fisheries are
successful, others face severe challenges. She said current
information confirms the inability to resolve the basic issues
of the recent salmon declines, even as these declines lead areas
of Alaska into greater poverty. The Bering Sea Fishermen's
Association recommends a two-pronged approach: monitoring and
management as done by ADF&G, and research and restoration of
salmon stocks. Both of these components are necessary to
understand and manage salmon stocks. The approach by ADF&G does
not address current declines, and will not provide answers about
influences on salmon returns, or at what point to enhance their
survival. Federal disaster funds have been the sole support for
research and restoration efforts in the Arctic-Yukon-Kuskokwim
(AYK) regions prior to 2010. Through the AYK Sustainable Salmon
Initiative (AYK SSI) the state appropriated $5.5 million and
learned that although research began in the AYK region in 2002,
the myriad of variables that inhibit restoration remain unclear.
An endowment will continue to build on knowledge and thus inform
and improve management decisions and forecasting to reduce
extreme harvest level variations. The primary means to affect
salmon are by the regulation of fisheries through gear,
geographic limits, timing, and duration of fisheries. To
provide answers, a life-cycle approach is needed to gather
knowledge, illuminate human impact and fully understand the
natural world and how to achieve sustainability. Improved
monitoring, process-oriented studies, modeling, and policy
development are necessary to forecast and address changes. The
basic questions to be answered are:
· What is happening to salmon stocks?
· Are there better management tools?
· Are the calculations of escapement goals appropriate?
· Are there restoration methods to increase survivability?
· Are there forecasting tools for river systems?
MS. GILLIS stated that the endowment can produce answers to the
causes of declines and improve direction for the state through
consistent funding during variations in salmon abundance,
eliminating political pressure, and allowing for a long-term
solution focused on research. Consistent financing also means
research projects that match salmon life-cycle, from brood year
to returning adult. In addition, HB 49 will allow for multi-
disciplinary research to redefine problems outside of the normal
boundaries, and for high quality, long-term research in response
to changing environmental conditions. Alaska has a unique
resource that requires an investment from the state to protect
the sustainability of its Chinook salmon stocks. She recalled
that similar legislation was introduced last year and any
concerns raised at time have been addressed. Passage of this
legislation will ensure that the state can deal with any future
disaster declarations for the Yukon River. Ms. Gillis reminded
the committee that the Alaska State Constitution mandates that
all state resources are managed for sustainable harvest; in
fact, not directing funds to ensure that resources are managed
fails to provide Alaskans their constitutional rights. She
concluded that the Alaska Chinook Salmon Research and
Restoration fund provides research and restoration mechanisms
necessary for today's crisis.
10:35:05 AM
CHAIR SEATON noted that at the AYK SSI conference in December,
he learned research was focused on seven theories and further
scientific research was requested to verify or refute each
theory and report back. This approach - in a manner similar to
that of HB 49 - tests particular theories and finds answers,
instead of just collecting information without proposing further
testing and finding an answer. He asked whether there is
funding still available from the $5.5 million appropriated to
AYK SSI.
MS. GILLIS agreed the structure of AYK SSI provides the ability
to draw from scientists around the world and "prove ourselves
right or wrong." The last appropriation was in fiscal year 2013
(FY 13) for 90 percent of the total, and an additional $2.5
million will shortly be dedicated for projects, leaving a small
amount to direct toward expert panels.
CHAIR SEATON stressed the difference between "finding things to
spend money on, and going out with directed research proposals
to answer questions." At the AYK SSI conference, stakeholders
from across the area were coming forward and testing theories.
10:39:47 AM
CHAIR SEATON opened public testimony on HB 49.
10:39:57 AM
STEVE RUNYAN disclosed he is a member of the Susitna Valley Fish
& Game Advisory Committee, ADF&G, and is representing himself in
support of HB 49. He urged for serious consideration of the
bill because there are gaps in salmon research, especially on
Chinook salmon. He and the Susitna Valley Fish & Game Advisory
Committee believe issues that need to be addressed are: the
effect of severe drought conditions on salmon production in
streams; the effect of major floods in 2006 and 2012; and
productivity problems in the marine environment during various
stages of the life-cycle of salmon. Gaps in research hamper the
management of the fisheries as well as restoration efforts. The
Susitna Valley Fish & Game Advisory Committee has been advised
by ADF&G that the average sport harvest in the Susitna River
drainage was 25,000 Chinook salmon in the '90s and has declined
to about 10,000 and below. The decline is damaging economically
to the sport fishery and to the tourism industry. Mr. Runyan
expressed his concern that there is no language in the bill to
ensure that all interested groups are represented on the
proposed board.
10:43:53 AM
DAVID MARTIN stated his support for some elements of the bill;
however, he said the intent of the bill should be addressed to
all salmon because salmon are managed as a whole. He supports
funding some research, but the appointees to the board suggest
that politics will become involved. His past experience is that
some ongoing studies do not look at the issue as a whole, but
ignore elements such as the freshwater environment. Other
issues that affect the salmon are the presence of pike and hook
and release mortality. Mr. Martin urged not to create another
layer of bureaucracy with no solutions or results because there
are things that can be done immediately.
CHAIR SEATON asked how appointees to the board can be made to
represent an area and all of the concerns of a region.
MR. MARTIN said under the structure of the bill it could be
difficult to remove the politics and have the best
representation of the resource. He suggested a vetting process
by fishing advisory groups in each area. Selected projects
should be those desired by the people in the area, scientists
and biologists, or regional managers.
10:51:31 AM
PETE WEDIN, Representative, Alaska Marine Conservation Council
(AMCC), and charter fishing business owner, said he was
representing AMCC and himself as a business owner who depends on
Chinook salmon for a portion of his livelihood. He informed the
committee AMCC is comprised of seafood harvesters from all over
Alaska dedicated to protecting the long-term health of Alaska's
oceans and coastal communities. Chinook salmon are important to
Alaskans nutritionally, culturally, and economically, because of
tourism and commercial fisheries. Stable, long-term funding of
Chinook salmon research is needed to fill the existing gaps in
knowledge of environmental conditions, freshwater habitat,
population trends, and the causes of the declines of Chinook
salmon in freshwater and marine environments. He urged for the
research to draw on the best available science, and facilitate
efforts among diverse partners and Native organizations. Mr.
Wedin pointed out that the bill's research endowment fund could
leverage additional matching funds. In response to Chair
Seaton, he recommended vetting members of the proposed board
through the 82 advisory committees (ACs) of the Joint Board of
Fisheries and Game, ADF&G, which represent a cross-section of
stakeholders. He stated that AMCC supports HB 49 as a good step
toward stable funding for Chinook salmon research.
10:54:17 AM
LYNN WHITMORE said he was representing himself and disclosed
that he has been a member of the Homer Advisory Committee,
ADF&G, for 17 years. He urged for the committee to find a way
to assure parity among the user groups by gleaning information
from the ACs and taking the politics out of the appointment
process. If the proposed board is successful, he suggested the
research not be limited to Chinook salmon, but that the board
may take the opportunity to address other fisheries issues, such
as undercover and other enforcement operations on the high seas.
Mr. Whitmore opined large boards can be difficult and advised
keeping the board small.
10:57:00 AM
CHAIR SEATON, after ascertaining no one else wished to testify,
closed public testimony on HB 49.
REPRESENTATIVE HERRON, in response to previous testimony,
suggested drafting an amendment that would delete all references
in the bill to "Chinook" and insert "wild."
CHAIR SEATON cautioned that changing the bill from a target
species and expanding it may disperse its focus from a statewide
concern for Chinook to looking at all fisheries - from Norton
Sound to Southeast - with limited dollars. In the future, the
proposed program could be expanded, but at this time expansion
has the potential to slow the process down.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON agreed that maintaining a focus on
Chinook would be most productive, unless additional funding was
provided.
CHAIR GATTIS stated her support for maintaining a focus on
Chinook salmon, which are a concern of her constituency.
11:01:08 AM
REPRESENTATIVE FEIGE warned that expanding research to all
stocks would result in a dilution of effort. Referring to the
structure of the board, he said the credibility of the board
members will be critical to the success of the research program.
A geographical distribution is acceptable, and he suggested
there be a nomination process or selection by those from the
local area. He opined seats assigned for special interests such
as sport, commercial, and subsistence fishing do not need to be
assigned geographically, as long as a balance is maintained.
REPRESENTATIVE HERRON restated that Chinook salmon research will
reveal threats to all salmon.
[The conceptual amendment was treated as withdrawn.]
CHAIR SEATON stated that the appointment of board members will
require further discussion and public comment.
11:05:20 AM
REPRESENTATIVE HERRON moved Amendment 1 which read:
Page 1, line 2, following "fund":
Insert "; and providing for an effective date"
Page 7, following line 15:
Insert new material to read:
"(b) Under AS 37.14.660, enacted by sec. 1
of this Act, for the first three fiscal years
after the effective date of this Act, as soon as
practicable after July 1 of each fiscal year, the
commissioner of revenue shall identify as
available for appropriation to the Alaska Chinook
salmon research and restoration grant account
established under AS 37.14.655, and the
legislature may appropriate to the grant account,
five percent of the market value of the Alaska
Chinook salmon research and restoration endowment
fund.
* Sec. 3. This Act takes effect July 1, 2013."
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON objected for the purpose of discussion.
REPRESENTATIVE HERRON said the amendment clarifies that the
revenue is available for appropriation and 5 percent of the
market value of the fund may be appropriated.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON removed his objection.
CHAIR SEATON paraphrased Amendment 1.
There being no further objection, Amendment 1 was adopted.
11:07:31 AM
REPRESENTATIVE HERRON moved Amendment 2 which read:
Page 5, following line 12:
Insert a new subsection to read:
"(c) Except as provided in
AS 37.14.680(b)(5), the board shall act by a vote
of a majority of the members of the board."
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON objected for the purpose of discussion.
REPRESENTATIVE HERRON said Amendment 2 inserts a new subsection.
CHAIR SEATON paraphrased Amendment 2.
REPRESENTATIVE GATTIS asked why there are six board members
instead of seven.
REPRESENTATIVE HERRON explained that the commissioner of ADF&G,
or designee, is the seventh member.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON said the exception in the amendment
refers to AS 37.14.680(b)(5), which provides that the awarding
of grants must be by unanimous vote.
REPRESENTATIVE HERRON stressed that all of the board's other
business would be under normal parliamentary procedure.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON removed his objection.
CHAIR SEATON clarified the amendment.
11:10:14 AM
There being no further objection, Amendment 2 was adopted.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON asked whether the proposed statute would
allow the board to vote telephonically; if members must vote in
person, he suggested that it may be necessary to lower the
voting threshold to five members to allow for illness or
absences.
11:10:53 AM
CHAIR SEATON reviewed other questions for the sponsor to
address.
[HB 49 was heard and held.]
HB 110-BARBED HOOKS
11:12:07 AM
CHAIR SEATON announced that the final order of business would be
HOUSE BILL NO. 110, "An Act prohibiting the use of barbed hooks
in certain freshwater areas."
11:13:10 AM
CHAIR SEATON, speaking as the sponsor, clarified that the intent
of the bill is not to create additional catch and release
fisheries, but to lower the mortality of fish that are released
in catch and release fisheries. He opened public testimony on
HB 110.
11:15:18 AM
STEVE RUNYAN informed the committee he is representing himself
and disclosed he is a former chair and current vice-chair of the
Susitna Valley Fish & Game Advisory Committee, Alaska Department
of Fish & Game (ADF&G). He opined the issues addressed by HB
110 should be decided by the Board of Fisheries (BOF), ADF&G, on
a case-by-case basis under the realm of BOF statewide
regulations. However, directing comments to the legislation as
proposed, he said ADF&G has testified that transitioning from
single hooks to single, barbless hooks provides minimal benefit
to fish mortality. Further studies have shown no difference
between hook and release with barbless or barbed hooks, and one
study which showed a very small, incremental difference. With
the use of flies, there is a 1.0 percent to 1.5 percent change
between barbless flies and single hook flies. He opined the
greatest change in mortality has been shown to be a change from
multiple or treble hooks to a single hook, which is reflected in
ADF&G's measures to reduce fish mortality. A barbless
restriction places an undue burden upon the general public; in
fact, a blanket restriction will place a severe handicap on
anglers in times of low abundance of one species. Mr. Runyan
stated his opposition to HB 110.
CHAIR SEATON asked Mr. Runyan to provide the above referenced
studies for their inclusion in the committee packet.
11:20:16 AM
DAVID MARTIN said he was representing himself and disclosed he
is the chair of the Central Peninsula Advisory Committee, ADF&G,
and has been involved with various fishing groups for over 30
years. He testified in support of HB 110 because fishing
pressure on the catch and release fisheries has grown
significantly in the last few years. The use of barbless hooks
is not uncommon and the advisory committee heard testimony about
rainbow trout that are injured by hooks. It is not difficult to
create a barbless hook by simply crimping it with pliers. He
cautioned that "we shouldn't be playing with our food source for
recreational purposes and if we do have catch and release
fisheries ... when you're in [a] low abundance situation and
therefore we should give every opportunity and take every
precaution to improve a released fish's survival." Another
alternative would be to catch and keep one or two fish instead
of hooking and releasing twenty or thirty with high mortality.
Mr. Martin concluded that restrictions are necessary.
11:23:46 AM
LYNN WHITMORE appreciated the comments by the previous speaker
who cautioned against the legislature interfering with the
regulation process. However, he agreed that the time for
barbless hooks has come because his experience is that fish are
injured by the cumulative effects of catch and release with
barbed hooks. Studies reveal that hook placement is a more
important factor than that of barbs on hooks. Also, it is
difficult to find manufactured barbless fly hooks, and he
questioned how enforcement will view hooks that are pinched
down. Mr. Whitmore said he supports the efforts of HB 110.
11:25:59 AM
ERO STEVE WALLI, stated his strong support for HB 110, and
provided a short history of his experience fishing for over 50
years. He said barbless hooks will help fish and also
questioned whether squeezing a barb down will make a barbless
hook.
11:27:38 AM
BURKE WALDRON, Captain, Alaska Wildlife Troopers, Department of
Public Safety (DPS), informed the committee there is no
definition of barbed or barbless hook, or whether a hook pinched
down acts as a barbless hook, in present regulation or in the
proposed bill. This situation would pose an enforcement issue
and concern for the division.
CHAIR SEATON asked Captain Waldron for assistance in clarifying
the intention of the bill.
REPRESENTATIVE GATTIS observed the bill has a zero fiscal note
attached. She inquired as to whether additional wildlife
troopers would be needed to enforce this legislation.
CAPTAIN WALDRON said the fiscal note is indeterminate to DPS at
this time. The fiscal note will be determined once the proposed
legislation is completed. He further advised other issues with
the legislation are related to sport fishing definitions,
freshwater versus saltwater, and the lack of penalty and
liability provisions. In addition, as the legislation is
written, all convictions would be misdemeanors.
REPRESENTATIVE KREISS-TOMKINS asked how the management of ADF&G
would respond to a restriction on barbed hooks.
11:33:37 AM
CHARLES SWANTON, Director, Division of Sport Fish, Alaska
Department of Fish & Game (ADF&G), said the Division of Sport
Fish has discretion regarding the proposed legislation and the
protection of salmon stocks for the purpose of meeting
escapement goals. If deemed appropriate, current emergency
order (EO) authority could be used to implement the intent of
the bill following a sufficient definition of barbless hooks.
11:34:48 AM
CHAIR SEATON expressed his concern that issuance of an EO in the
middle of season to require a change of gear does not take the
place of public notice or inform the user group, thus is less
than optimal. Also, higher mortality is exactly what is not
desired for a catch and release fishery. The purpose of the
bill is to minimize mortality rates in catch and release
fisheries. He asked whether ADF&G disagrees with studies that
conclude that barbless hooks reduce mortality in catch and
release fisheries.
MR. SWANTON advised ADF&G has not conducted studies specifically
on the benefits of a barbless versus a barbed hook. Studies
have been done to quantify catch and release mortality such as
the ADF&G's seminal work on the catch and release mortality on
king salmon. Two studies were done on coho salmon in intertidal
areas where coho are highly stressed. He said:
If in fact, we were faced with what one could consider
single digits of benefit from a barbless to a barbed
hook or going in that order, we probably, in the
situations that we're in with regards to these things,
we probably would, much to my chagrin ... we would
probably just close those fisheries, rather than try
to assimilate a 3 or 4 or 5 percent savings in terms
of mortality from a barbed, to a barbless hook.
11:39:25 AM
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON noted his appreciation to the sponsor for
bringing forward the legislation, which he considered a gear
type discussion.
CHAIR SEATON, speaking as the sponsor, addressed the issue of
legislating fish and game matters. He pointed out that the
legislature has regulated the size of vessels and outlawed
certain types of gear under statewide parameters. It seems
appropriate that the legislature consider issues such as
mortality that affects recreational opportunities for fishing.
Chair Seaton urged members of the public and advisory committees
to also submit data to BOF.
[HB 110 was heard and held.]
11:41:08 AM
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the committee, the House
Special Committee on Fisheries meeting was adjourned at 11:41
a.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| HB0049A.pdf |
HFSH 2/26/2013 10:00:00 AM HFSH 3/19/2013 10:00:00 AM |
HB 49 |
| HB 49 Chinook Research - Sponsor Statement.pdf |
HFSH 2/26/2013 10:00:00 AM HFSH 3/19/2013 10:00:00 AM |
HB 49 |
| HB 49 - Chinook Research Sectional Analysis FINAL.pdf |
HFSH 2/26/2013 10:00:00 AM HFSH 3/19/2013 10:00:00 AM |
HB 49 |
| HB 49 Amendment A.1.pdf |
HFSH 2/26/2013 10:00:00 AM |
HB 49 |
| HB 49 - BBNA LTR of Support.pdf |
HFSH 2/26/2013 10:00:00 AM HFSH 3/19/2013 10:00:00 AM |
HB 49 |
| HB 49 - Chinook Research (Gov's $30M itemized).pdf |
HFSH 2/26/2013 10:00:00 AM HFSH 3/19/2013 10:00:00 AM |
HB 49 |
| HB 49 - Chinook Research Endowment - Map (4.9.12).pdf |
HFSH 2/26/2013 10:00:00 AM |
HB 49 |
| HB 49 - Chinook Research Powerpoint.pdf |
HFSH 2/26/2013 10:00:00 AM HFSH 3/19/2013 10:00:00 AM |
HB 49 |
| HB 49 BSFA Back Up 2.22.13.pdf |
HFSH 2/26/2013 10:00:00 AM HFSH 3/19/2013 10:00:00 AM |
HB 49 |
| HB 49 -Kawerak Ltr of support 2-21-13.pdf |
HFSH 2/26/2013 10:00:00 AM |
HB 49 |
| HB49 - AVCP LTR of Support.pdf |
HFSH 2/26/2013 10:00:00 AM |
HB 49 |
| HB0110A.pdf |
HFSH 2/21/2013 10:00:00 AM HFSH 2/26/2013 10:00:00 AM HFSH 3/12/2013 10:00:00 AM HFSH 3/21/2013 10:00:00 AM |
HB 110 |
| HB 110 Sponsor Statement.pdf |
HFSH 2/21/2013 10:00:00 AM HFSH 2/26/2013 10:00:00 AM HFSH 3/12/2013 10:00:00 AM HFSH 3/21/2013 10:00:00 AM |
HB 110 |
| Barbed and Barbless Hooks and their effect on Juvenile and Adult Salmonoid Mortality.pdf |
HFSH 2/21/2013 10:00:00 AM HFSH 2/26/2013 10:00:00 AM HFSH 3/12/2013 10:00:00 AM HFSH 3/21/2013 10:00:00 AM |
HB 110 |
| Washington State News Release Barbless Hooks on Colombia River.pdf |
HFSH 2/21/2013 10:00:00 AM HFSH 2/26/2013 10:00:00 AM HFSH 3/12/2013 10:00:00 AM HFSH 3/21/2013 10:00:00 AM |
HB 110 |
| ADF&G Notice - Recommended use of Barbless Hooks Susitna River.pdf |
HFSH 2/21/2013 10:00:00 AM HFSH 2/26/2013 10:00:00 AM HFSH 3/12/2013 10:00:00 AM HFSH 3/21/2013 10:00:00 AM |
HB 110 |
| ADF&G Notice - Recommended use of Barbless Hooks Chitna, Copper, Gakona, Gulkana.pdf |
HFSH 2/21/2013 10:00:00 AM HFSH 2/26/2013 10:00:00 AM HFSH 3/12/2013 10:00:00 AM HFSH 3/21/2013 10:00:00 AM |
HB 110 |
| Mortality of coho salmon caught and released using sport tackle in the Little Susitna River, Alaska.pdf |
HFSH 2/21/2013 10:00:00 AM HFSH 2/26/2013 10:00:00 AM HFSH 3/12/2013 10:00:00 AM HFSH 3/21/2013 10:00:00 AM |
HB 110 |
| PVOA_HB 110_Comments.pdf |
HFSH 2/26/2013 10:00:00 AM HFSH 3/12/2013 10:00:00 AM HFSH 3/21/2013 10:00:00 AM |
HB 110 |
| Please be advised I oppose HB 110.pdf |
HFSH 2/26/2013 10:00:00 AM HFSH 3/12/2013 10:00:00 AM HFSH 3/21/2013 10:00:00 AM |
HB 110 |
| Bendock and Alexandersdottir 1993.pdf |
HFSH 2/26/2013 10:00:00 AM HFSH 3/12/2013 10:00:00 AM HFSH 3/21/2013 10:00:00 AM |
HB 110 |
| Amendment 2.pdf |
HFSH 2/26/2013 10:00:00 AM |
HB 49 |