Legislature(2013 - 2014)CAPITOL 120
01/28/2014 10:00 AM House FISHERIES
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB177 | |
| Overview: Alaska Department of Fish & Game - Division of Commercial Fisheries | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| + | HB 177 | TELECONFERENCED | |
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
HOUSE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON FISHERIES
January 28, 2014
10:04 a.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Paul Seaton, Chair
Representative Eric Feige
Representative Lynn Gattis
Representative Bob Herron
Representative Craig Johnson
Representative Kurt Olson
Representative Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins
MEMBERS ABSENT
All members present
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
HOUSE BILL NO. 177
"An Act relating to interest rates on loans from the commercial
fishing revolving loan fund and the community quota entity
revolving loan fund; and providing for an effective date."
- HEARD & HELD
OVERVIEW: ALASKA DEPARTMENT OF FISH & GAME - DIVISION OF
COMMERCIAL FISHERIES
- HEARD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: HB 177
SHORT TITLE: COMMERCIAL FISHING LOANS
SPONSOR(s): REPRESENTATIVE(s) EDGMON
03/20/13 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/20/13 (H) FSH, FIN
04/02/13 (H) FSH AT 10:00 AM CAPITOL 120
04/02/13 (H) Heard & Held
04/02/13 (H) MINUTE (FSH)
01/28/14 (H) FSH AT 10:00 AM CAPITOL 120
WITNESS REGISTER
REPRESENTATIVE BRYCE EDGMON
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: As sponsor, presented a review of HB 177.
TIM CLARK, Staff
Representative Bryce Edgmon
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided aspects of the slide presentation
during the hearing on HB 177, on behalf of Representative Bryce
Edgmon, sponsor.
JOSEPH JACOBSON, Director
Division of Economic Development
Department of Commerce, Community & Economic Development (DCCED)
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Responded to questions on HB 177.
JIM ANDERSEN, Lending/Collection Manager
Financing Section
Division of Economic Development
Department of Commerce, Community & Economic Development
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Responded to questions on HB 177.
JEFF REGNART, Director
Division of Commercial Fisheries
Alaska Department of Fish & Game (ADF&G)
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented the ADF&G overview of the
Division of Commercial Fisheries.
ACTION NARRATIVE
10:04:23 AM
CHAIR PAUL SEATON called the House Special Committee on
Fisheries meeting to order at 10:04 a.m. Representatives
Seaton, Kreiss-Tompkins, Olson, Feige, and Johnson were present
at the call to order. Representatives Gattis and Herron arrived
as the meeting was in progress.
HB 177-COMMERCIAL FISHING LOANS
10:04:40 AM
CHAIR SEATON announced that the first order of business would be
HOUSE BILL NO. 177, "An Act relating to interest rates on loans
from the commercial fishing revolving loan fund and the
community quota entity revolving loan fund; and providing for an
effective date."
10:05:57 AM
REPRESENTATIVE BRYCE EDGMON, Alaska State Legislature, used a
slide presentation to refresh the committee's understanding of
the bill, which had been held in committee over the interim.
10:06:44 AM
REPRESENTATIVE FEIGE moved to adopt the proposed committee
substitute (CS) for HB 177, labeled 28-LS0607\O, Bullard,
3/26/13, as the working draft. Without objection, Version O was
before the committee.
10:07:10 AM
REPRESENTATIVE EDGMON projected slide 1 and explained that HB
177 restores the ability for the Department of Commerce,
Community, and Economic Development (DCCED), Division of
Economic Development, to offer incentivizing interest rates for
loan programs within the Commercial Fishing Revolving Loan Fund
(CFRLF), a measure altered in 2010 with the passage of HB 20.
The bill will allow fisherman, working in a volatile industry,
the ability to procure loans for the purpose of upgrading
vessels and gear to enhance product quality and repower vessels
with fuel efficient propulsion and generator class engines. He
explained that these types of loans can be difficult to secure
and are often denied by commercial lending agencies. The
purpose of HB 177 is to provide low-cost loans as encouragement
for Alaskan fishermen to improve the efficiency and
profitability of their businesses. He emphasized that many of
these businesses are small "mom and pop" operations, existing
throughout all of Alaska. Access to a state-run loan program
providing favorable interest rates and terms is important
support for Alaskans whose livelihoods are dependent on a
fluctuating fishing industry. He said the bill stipulates that
such loans be offered at 2 percent below the prime rate, with a
floor of 3 percent. Additionally, a technical fix ensures that
income earned on investments of the Community Quota Entity (CQE)
Revolving Loan Fund, revolves back into the fund, as opposed to
the CFRLF, as a whole.
10:10:09 AM
REPRESENTATIVE EDGMON pointed out that the revolving loan
program is comprised of six sections, labeled A through F, as
detailed on the second slide. He explained that Sections A and
B are primarily pertinent to HB 177, addressing the crux of the
CFRLF. Aspects of the sections are tailored to specifically
assist fishermen starting up in the industry, with limited
access to funding sources, as well as to provide support for the
established producers who may have other loan options. He
stated that Section B allows loans up to $200,000 for entry
permits, or a maximum of $100,000 for vessel purchase and gear
upgrades including product quality improvement and engine fuel
efficiency. An established fisherman whose business has
progressed and acquired an appropriate credit history, could be
eligible for the Section A options of loans up to $300,000 for
entry permits or vessel and gear upgrades specific to product
quality improvement and engine fuel efficiency. He briefly
noted that the remaining sections address a variety of loans,
and underscored that they are not in play with regards to HB
177. The sponsor emphasized the residency requirements
indicated on slide 4, paraphrasing the language, which read
[original punctuation provided]:
Section A
Must have been a state resident for a continuous
period of two years immediately preceding date of
application.
Must have possessed a commercial fishing license or
permit for the year preceding the loan application and
for any two years of the past five years.
Also, must have participated in those fisheries during
those periods.
Must not be past due on any child support obligations.
Section B
Must have been a state resident for a continuous
period of two years immediately preceding date of
application.
Must be ineligible for financing through a commercial
bank or through the Commercial Fishing and Agriculture
Bank (CFAB).
Must lack employment opportunities other than
commercial fishing in area of residence, or must be
economically dependent on commercial fishing as a
livelihood and as a traditional way of life.
Must not be past due on any child support obligations.
10:12:34 AM
REPRESENTATIVE EDGMON referred to slide five to compare the
current prime interest rates with what would be allowed under HB
177. He explained that the revolving loan program has been in
operation since the 1970s and is considered integral to
supporting Alaskan fishermen. Characterized as an extremely
successfully program, it has also incentivized generational
continuance/ownership in the fishing fleet.
10:15:14 AM
TIM CLARK, Staff, Representative Bryce Edgmon, Alaska State
Legislature, continued with the slide presentation, paraphrasing
from slide 6, titled "Technical Fix: The Community Quota Entity
Revolving Loan Fund," which read [original punctuation
provided]:
Section 6 of HB 177 establishes that income earned on
investments of the Community Quota Entity Revolving
Loan Fund rolls back into the fund - a feature that is
absent in current statute.
This section also allows monies in the fund to be used
for administering the CQE loan program (in the same
way that CFRLF earnings are used to pay for its
programs' administrative costs).
MR. CLARK emphasized that the administrative costs associated
with the CFRLF have been, and continue to be, entirely satisfied
through the recovery and income activity of this very
successful, self-sustaining program.
10:16:45 AM
REPRESENTATIVE GATTIS asked where earned income generated by the
fund has been deposited, if it is not being returned and
incorporated back into the program.
REPRESENTATIVE EDGMON responded that, in past years, not only
have all administrative costs been covered but the success of
the program has allowed contributions of overflow income to be
deposited to the state's general fund. He deferred to the
department for an update on current practices.
REPRESENTATIVE EDGMON pointed out that the department requested
introduction of this bill and the legislation is fully supported
by the agency.
10:18:26 AM
REPRESENTATIVE FEIGE asked if the program is restricted to
Alaskans residents.
REPRESENTATIVE EDGMON said yes, and he stressed that it carries
a two-year residency requirement prior to making application.
10:19:08 AM
SENATOR OLSON asked about the fiscal note.
MR. CLARK answered that there is a fiscal note, which reflects
reduced income to the fund due to the lower interest rates that
would go into effect. However, he emphasized, the fund is more
than solvent and producing profits since 1985, requiring no
state appropriation.
10:20:51 AM
REPRESENTATIVE EDGMON offered that it would be important to
understand the impact of the bill on commercial lending agencies
and whether there is an unfair undermining of the private sector
by allowing the state to offer low interest loans. However, as
pointed out, commercial agencies are not eager to make high risk
loans, which is the nature of the volatile fishing industry. He
cited the difficulty of obtaining private sector fishing
industry loans in contrast to the productive history of the
state-funded program.
REPRESENTATIVE FEIGE noted the state loan prerequisite for the
applicant to be turned down by a commercial lender. Expressing
concern for the process, he said it could be possible for
someone to solicit a denial letter from a bank in order to
qualify for the state program. He noted his support for the
intent of HB 177 and the need to also support the banking
industry. He asked about applicants gaming the system and if
there needs to be amendments or regulations to ensure the state
does not issue loans obtained through devious actions.
REPRESENTATIVE EDGMON said that there are no specific examples
of anyone entering the state system via underhanded means, and
he offered an anecdotal story to typify how fishermen in his
district have utilized the program. Further, he said that loans
from the fund average $46,000, providing a term savings of
$6,000, which may represent a significant make-or-break amount
to a small business fisherman.
REPRESENTATIVE FEIGE agreed that not all applicants are looking
for an easy means to enter the program, and he suggested that
the banking industry may bring forward specific testimony to
reflect that side of the issue, and validate such concerns.
10:27:18 AM
CHAIR SEATON said DCCED would explain how the specifics of the
application process are handled and noted that a number of young
fishermen, without a loan history or sufficient assets to
satisfy commercial lenders, are particularly served by the state
loan program.
REPRESENTATIVE EDGMON added that any business activity in Alaska
has a higher cost than in the contiguous United States, and he
underscored the need for the state to offer incentives to small
business owners.
REPRESENTATIVE GATTIS offered her personal experience with a
similar state program, the Agricultural Revolving Loan Fund
(ARLF) and said it can be difficult to qualify. She testified
that small businesses, including fisherman and farmers,
typically have difficulty obtaining commercial loans.
10:31:32 AM
JOSEPH JACOBSON, Director, Division of Economic Development,
Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development,
said Alaska's global quality improvement marketing effort has
required fisherman to upgrade equipment and practices to keep
pace. Maximizing product value is essential, he underscored.
He then addressed Representative Feige's concern for a turndown
statement and said that private sector lending institutions are
contacted to verify the validity of a CFRLF applicant's claim of
loan denial.
10:34:32 AM
JIM ANDERSEN, Lending/Collection Manager, Financing Section,
Division of Economic Development, DCCED, assured the committee
that due diligence is given to every applicant that presents a
turndown letter; legitimacy is verified and loan denials are
substantiated. In follow-up, he indicated that the verification
process is required by statute, included in department
regulation, and followed as standard policy.
10:36:25 AM
REPRESENTATIVE KREISS-TOMKINS asked how frequently fraud is
attempted among applicants and whether it is a common practice
to solicit denial letters from banks in order to qualify for a
state-funded loan.
MR. ANDERSEN responded that lenders have reportedly been
solicited for denial letters. He pointed out, however, that if
the applicant meets the commercial terms, the private
institution has the first opportunity to provide the loan.
10:37:57 AM
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON opined that the CFRLF is treated
differently than the CQE, and he asked for an explanation,
specifically that there is no floor for the community quota fund
but there is for the revolving loans.
MR. ANDERSEN explained that the CQE fund is subject to the same
statutes as govern the CFRLF and does have the same structural
parameters: a ceiling no higher than 10.5 percent and a floor
which is currently prime interest rate plus 1 percent and cost
of funds.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON noted that the cost of funds to the state
seems to disappear in HB 177.
MR. ANDERSEN responded that the cost of funds aspect is handled
differently between the CFRLF and the CQE. An alternate loan
structure is in place in the CFRLF to allow for the incentive
program. For further clarification, he explained how two years
ago, changes to the program removed the 3 percent floor
requirement [HB 20, 26th Alaska State Legislature], replacing it
with cost of funds language, and HB 177 reinstates the 3 percent
floor.
CHAIR SEATON recalled that 3 percent was determined as the base
requirement to cover the department's administrative costs.
10:41:44 AM
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON asked for assurance that HB 177 will not
jeopardize the funds future through lack of appropriate cost
recovery. He reminded members that solvency came up in previous
bill versions and cautioned that it is an important point.
CHAIR SEATON indicated that the requirement to recoup the prime
lending rate plus two percent, with a floor of three percent,
provides the appropriate safe guard for the program.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON asked what has changed in the program
that compels the department to request this bill be brought for
consideration.
MR. JACOBSON answered that the bill provides additional
incentives.
MR. ANDERSEN added that the bill reinstalls the interest rate
structure responsible for the historic monetary success and
solvency of the program while restoring the incentive aspects as
well.
10:50:32 AM
REPRESENTATIVE FEIGE expressed concern that the principle of the
fund be maintained and grown, and he stated support for the
legislation, noting that the default rate is minimal and
administrative costs appear to be in line for continued success.
10:52:45 AM
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON stated support for the repowering of the
program and said he had no questions regarding the financial
quality of the fund. He noted the importance for state loan
programs to be considered equally and said the solvency of one
entity should not jeopardize another. Some programs may
represent a means for communities to recoup waning economies,
and caution should be taken regarding the possibility for
regional disparities, he finished.
10:55:17 AM
CHAIR SEATON said that the quota program refers to the federal
quotas on halibut and black cod, versus the state fishing vessel
permits for individual purchase. These are two separate issues,
and he acknowledged the distinction for the committee.
MR. JACOBSON interjected that HB 177 requires accrued interest
be returned to the fund, thus strengthening the program;
functionally there is no change from a borrowers standpoint. To
a follow-up question, he said that gains remain in the fund.
10:57:40 AM
REPRESENTATIVE GATTIS requested a graph be generated to
illustrate fund activity over the last ten years and a similar
one projecting expected outcomes with and without the proposed
change.
MR. ANDERSEN said there is no concern for loss of revenue or
fund solvency, rather the bill is intended to reinstall the
program incentives that were altered two years ago.
REPRESENTATIVE GATTIS maintained her interest in a visual
illustration of the fund.
10:59:32 AM
REPRESENTATIVE OLSON requested that a representative from CFAB
be available at a subsequent meeting.
CHAIR SEATON closed public testimony and announced HB 177 held
over.
11:01:10 AM
The committee took an at-ease from 11:01 a.m. to 11:06 a.m.
^OVERVIEW: Alaska Department of Fish & Game - Division of
Commercial Fisheries
OVERVIEW: Alaska Department of Fish & Game - Division of
Commercial Fisheries
11:06:21 AM
CHAIR SEATON announced that the final order of business would be
an overview from the Alaska Department of Fish & Game (ADF&G) of
the Division of Commercial Fisheries.
11:06:34 AM
JEFF REGNART, Director, Division of Commercial Fisheries, Alaska
Department of Fish & Game, began the presentation by reading the
mission statement of the division, which states [original
punctuation provided]:
Manage subsistence, commercial, and personal use
fisheries in the interest of the economy and general
wellbeing of the citizens of the state, consistent
with the sustained yield principal, and subject to
allocations through public regulatory processes
MR. REGNART said the division's primary responsibilities are
[original punctuation provided]:
Manage subsistence, commercial, and personal use
fisheries within state waters
Manage shellfish species and some groundfish out to
200 miles
Conduct applied research on Alaska's aquatic resources
Plan and permit salmon hatcheries and mariculture
operations
Negotiate fishing agreements subject to the Pacific
Salmon Treaty and Alaska-Yukon Treaty
Coordinate with federal and international fisheries
management agencies
11:08:08 AM
MR. REGNART said the core services included in today's report
are harvest management; stock assessment and applied research;
aquaculture permitting; and customer service and public
involvement. He said the harvest management practices include:
supporting the Board of Fisheries in establishing regulations
and management plans; opening and closing fishing areas and
setting fishing times; collecting harvest and biological data;
and writing annual management reports to synthesize information.
MR. REGNART expanded on the harvest management component,
describing how the in-season practices employ a cadre of
managers proximate to the fisheries who utilize a broad
authority to open and close the focus areas. Applied science
ensures that management of Alaska's fisheries are consistent
with the sustained yield principle, he explained. The managed
fisheries range from the seine fishing efforts of Southeast
Alaska, extend to the harvest areas of the Aleutian Islands, as
well as north to the Bering Sea crab boats delegated for state
management by the federal government, as the range exceeds the
three mile limit.
11:10:41 AM
MR. REGNART described stock assessment and research techniques,
which include: Salmon Escapement Enumeration via weirs, towers,
sonar, foot/aerial surveys; juvenile salmon estimation;
groundfish and shellfish surveys; herring spawn deposition and
hydro acoustic surveys; aerial surveys for herring; dive
surveys; and biological, genetic, coded-wire tag sampling.
11:11:30 AM
REPRESENTATIVE FEIGE asked about the enumeration process and how
the department accounts for declines and surpluses.
MR. REGNART responded that a large part of the enumeration is
following-up with studies to understand the fluctuations.
CHAIR SEATON announced that a presentation on the sonar programs
would come before the committee at a future meeting.
11:14:47 AM
MR. REGNART projected images to illustrate a variety of methods
used by the division to enumerate managed species, including a
variety of weirs and gill nets for adult fish as well as
pictures of means used to survey populations of shellfish,
octopus, and other species.
11:16:00 AM
MR. REGNART reported that aquaculture permitting is also handled
by the division for private nonprofit salmon hatcheries, aquatic
shellfish hatcheries, and aquatic shellfish farms. In response
to a question from Chair Seaton, Mr. Regnart said the division
permits shellfish farms with consideration given to the presence
or absence of a species, water quality, site selection, and
whether the species will impact existing ocean life.
11:18:24 AM
REPRESENTATIVE FEIGE mentioned rearing techniques and said
hatchery facilities can be expensive. He asked whether the
division is considering how to minimize cost and maximize
performance, perhaps through methods other than industrial
hatcheries, like incubator boxes.
MR. REGNART concurred that hatchery facilities are a costly
endeavor and said support is offered by the division biologists
who provide a voice of experience to user groups working on
species augmentation on a smaller scale.
REPRESENTATIVE FEIGE noted that genetics are also a concern in
regards to hatcheries, and he asked about this issue.
MR. REGNART said the division maintains a strict policy
regarding hatchery donor stocks and genetic diversity in order
to assure sustainability and compatibility. In-stream
incubation boxes are not a concern, as the eggs and smolt are
maintained in the source stream.
11:24:24 AM
MR. REGNART reported that salmon hatchery programs are conducted
in partnership with operators to increase salmon harvests, while
protecting wild stocks. Research has increased consumer
confidence in Alaskan salmon by assuring the marketplace that
these products come from a sustainably managed program. The
result is a long-term program that puts more dollars in
fishermen's pockets. He said that, through the legislative
backed hatchery/wild research project, the department has
partnered with hatchery operators to study the interactions of
hatchery stocks with wild stocks to address long-standing
questions that have not been solved through the current
technology and information. A $3.5 million appropriation was
provided to the department specifically for this effort, he
said. Along with the appropriation and cooperation of private
non-profit hatcheries, the processors purchasing Alaskan fish
contribute $500,000 per year to help fund this long-term
project.
11:26:57 AM
MR. REGNART said the division maintains customer service and
public involvement via a number of avenues, which are to design
and maintain division website; publish brochures and other
informational materials on divisional programs; produce custom
reports from fish ticket and other databases; and develop and
administer divisional publication policies and procedures. Mr.
Regnart said laboratories are maintained to handle pathology
studies, coded wire tag and otolith aging, and genetic stock
identification.
11:28:00 AM
MR. REGNART described the data processing requirements
maintained by the division, which include: fish tickets systems;
e-Landing electronic catch reporting system; Internet-accessible
in-season catch and escapement databases; geographical
information system (GIS) databases; Internet-accessible news
release database; seafood processor/buyer intent to operate
system; commercial Operator Annual Reports (COAR); and databases
for biological data.
CHAIR SEATON referred to the e-Landing electronic catch
reporting system, recalling difficulties when the program was
first instituted, and he asked how the process is working.
MR. REGNART said that the ability to capture data now exists.
11:29:48 AM
REPRESENTATIVE FEIGE addressed the topic of databases for
biological data and said the ability for transmission of
paperless reports now exists. He asked whether the department
is digitizing data for this type of dissemination, stressing the
benefit for informational access.
MR. REGNART replied that it is an on-going endeavor; the state
library system is the primary access point.
REPRESENTATIVE FEIGE noted that some state agencies have
received additional funding to accomplish the digitalization of
backlogged material and asked if ADF&G requires additional
support to accomplish similar goals. He then asked if a large
backlog still exists in the division.
MR. REGNART offered to provide that information.
11:33:17 AM
CHAIR SEATON asked whether data is available prior to formal
publication of reports and if statute needs to be invoked to
allow data access in a timelier manner.
MR. REGNART said delays in reporting do exist, but data can be
procured through the division, when possible. He said the
Division of Commercial Fisheries works with non-governmental
agencies to provide as much information, in as timely a manner,
as possible. The primary concern is to have the data fact-
checked prior to dissemination. To a follow-up question, he
said that neither statute nor regulation requires a formal
report be published prior to the release of information.
11:36:16 AM
MR. REGNART described the organization of the division,
comprised of four regions and the divisional headquarters, as
follows:
Southeast Fisheries Management Region - Douglas
Central Fisheries Management Region - Anchorage
A-Y-K Fisheries Management Region - Anchorage
Westward Fisheries Management Region - Kodiak
Divisional Headquarters - Juneau
11:37:20 AM
MR. REGNART said the fiscal year (FY) 2015 includes: 309
permanent staff; 432 seasonal staff; 20 permanent offices; 84
seasonal offices/field camps; and 6 research vessels.
MR. REGNART provided a pie chart to illustrate the budget
request for FY15, of $73,260 [million]. The complete budget is
parsed as follows: Unrestricted GF (67.7%); Designated GF
(5.8%); Federal (12.7%); and Other Sources (13.8).
11:37:59 AM
MR. REGNART stated that the economic impact of the seafood
industry on Alaska's economy, as summarized from the McDowell
Group report of 2013 for the 2011 season, is as follows:
Generated 63,100 Alaskan jobs in seafood harvesting,
processing sectors, and support industries, and
approximately 41,530 of these employees were Alaskan
residents.
Generated $1.73 billion in direct payments to labor
with $1.28 billion going to Alaska residents and
generated total seafood sales of $4.6 billion.
MR. REGNART explained that the exvessel value is used to
describe the success of fisheries. He provided a bar graph to
illustrate the performance of Alaska's commercial fisheries,
which indicated that the overall price for fish has been good.
11:39:03 AM
MR. REGNART described the divisional highlights of 2013. He
said the commercial salmon harvest value approached $700
million, close to the record high set in 1988; the Western
Alaska salmon stock identification program was completed,
representing the largest genetic stock identification project
undertaken; the commercial shellfish harvest value approached a
record of $350 million; and the Chinook Salmon Symposium was
conducted, which included distribution of materials to product
marketers regarding Alaska's approach to sustainable fisheries.
11:40:57 AM
REPRESENTATIVE FEIGE directed attention to the committee handout
titled "Alaska Department of Fish & Game Division of Commercial
Fisheries," page 25, containing the McDowell Group 2013 economic
summary, to note that the seafood industry generates 63,100 jobs
employing 41,530 Alaskan residents. He asked whether a
statistic could be extracted from these totals specifically for
the Bristol Bay Region.
MR. REGNART agreed to provide the information.
11:42:01 AM
CHAIR SEATON reported having attended the Chinook Symposium and
the Arctic Yukon-Kuskokwim (AYK) Sustainable Salmon Initiative
meetings and said there appeared to be two very different
approaches being taken to address the on-going Chinook salmon
issue. He reported that the AYK meeting identified a number of
key questions, which were then released for request for proposal
(RFP) action in order to gather data and provide responses via
scientific prove/disprove methods. Conversely the symposium
identified knowledge gaps without specific questions being
identified or means for answering those questions via scientific
theory, he said. The symposium did identify the need for
informative data, but there did not appear to be a plan to
scientifically test theories and provide answers regarding the
decline in Chinook populations in identified watersheds. He
conjectured that data could be collected, but without
specification, the information may not withstand scientific
challenges and support a workable theory for solving the Chinook
salmon problem. He asked how the department is handling that.
MR. REGNART responded that the division approach is towards
applied science to fill in the gaps and gain a greater
understanding of Chinook productivity and run totals. Through
determining that the fecundity of a fish is within a standard
range, and that the fry through smolt survival is within
expectations, the conclusion can be drawn that something needs
to be addressed during the ocean phase. He reported that,
currently, division studies are being focused on the freshwater
phase of the Chinook life cycle. The applied science approach
and gap analysis is providing a fuller understanding of this
aspect of the Chinook issue. Additionally, the division is
working in concert with federal agencies to obtain a better
understanding of the ocean phase, including distribution,
feeding habits, and general health/mortality. The ongoing ocean
work will answer such variables as changes in oceanic currents,
food availability, predatory influences, and other challenges
that an ocean-going salmon experiences prior to return.
11:46:48 AM
CHAIR SEATON expressed concern that, although general knowledge
may be increased, presenting specific theories to be proven or
disproven regarding Chinook populations of the AYK area is
important. He requested the division provide the committee with
the theories currently being applied to the decline of the AYK
Chinook stocks, including the testing methods.
CHAIR SEATON referred to the committee packet and noted that it
contained an additional departmental report, titled "Chinook and
Sockeye Salmon Migration Patterns in Cook Inlet, 2013," which he
asked be postponed to a future meeting due to time constraints.
11:51:38 AM
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the committee, the House
Special Committee on Fisheries meeting was adjourned at 11:52
a.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| HB 177 Blank CS.PDF |
HFSH 1/28/2014 10:00:00 AM |
HB 177 |
| HB 177 CFRLF Historical Information.pdf |
HFSH 1/28/2014 10:00:00 AM |
HB 177 |
| HB 177 CFRLF Overview with Example Programs.pdf |
HFSH 1/28/2014 10:00:00 AM |
HB 177 |
| HB 177 Current and HB177 Interest Rates.pdf |
HFSH 1/28/2014 10:00:00 AM |
HB 177 |
| HB 177 Product Quality and Engine Efficiency Loans Through 3.6.13.pdf |
HFSH 1/28/2014 10:00:00 AM |
HB 177 |
| HB 177 Sectional Summary.pdf |
HFSH 1/28/2014 10:00:00 AM |
HB 177 |
| HB 177 Sponsor Statement.pdf |
HFSH 1/28/2014 10:00:00 AM |
HB 177 |
| HB 177.pdf |
HFSH 1/28/2014 10:00:00 AM |
HB 177 |
| HB 177 CSHB177(FSH) Sectional Summary.pdf |
HFSH 1/28/2014 10:00:00 AM |
HB 177 |
| HB 177 Changes in CSHB177(FSH).pdf |
HFSH 1/28/2014 10:00:00 AM |
HB 177 |
| HB177-DCCED-DED-03-29-13.pdf |
HFSH 1/28/2014 10:00:00 AM HFSH 2/4/2014 10:00:00 AM |
HB 177 |
| UFA SUPPORT HB 177 Revolving Loan Fund 4 1 2013.pdf |
HFSH 1/28/2014 10:00:00 AM |
HB 177 |
| HB 177 Product Quality and Engine Efficiency Loans as of 1 15 2014.pdf |
HFSH 1/28/2014 10:00:00 AM HFSH 2/4/2014 10:00:00 AM |
HB 177 |
| 2014 H-FSH Commerical Fisheries Divsion Overview.pdf |
HFSH 1/28/2014 10:00:00 AM |
ADFG Commfish overview |
| uci_kintama_2013.pdf |
HFSH 1/28/2014 10:00:00 AM |
ADFG Commfish overview |
| HB 177 CDFU support.pdf |
HFSH 1/28/2014 10:00:00 AM HFSH 2/4/2014 10:00:00 AM |
HB 177 |
| HB 177 Power Point Presentation.pdf |
HFSH 1/28/2014 10:00:00 AM HFSH 2/4/2014 10:00:00 AM |
HB 177 |