Legislature(2015 - 2016)GRUENBERG 120
03/24/2016 10:00 AM House FISHERIES
Note: the audio ![]()
and video ![]()
recordings are distinct records and are obtained from different sources. As such there may be key differences between the two. The audio recordings are captured by our records offices as the official record of the meeting and will have more accurate timestamps. Use the icons to switch between them.
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| Alaska Board of Fisheries (bof) | |
| HB300 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| *+ | HB 300 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
HOUSE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON FISHERIES
March 24, 2016
10:08 a.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Louise Stutes, Chair
Representative Neal Foster
Representative Charisse Millett
Representative Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins
Representative Dan Ortiz
MEMBERS ABSENT
Representative Bob Herron
Representative Craig Johnson
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
CONFIRMATION HEARINGS(S):
Fishermen's Fund Advisory Panel
Renee Weddle Alward - Homer
- CONFIRMATION(S) ADVANCED
Alaska Board of Fisheries (BOF)
Israel Payton - Wasilla
Robert Ruffner - Soldotna
- CONFIRMATION(S) ADVANCED
HOUSE BILL NO. 300
"An Act relating to management of enhanced stocks of fish;
authorizing the operation of nonprofit shellfish hatcheries;
relating to application fees for salmon and shellfish hatchery
permits; and providing for an effective date."
- MOVED CSHB 300(FSH) OUT OF COMMITTEE
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: HB 300
SHORT TITLE: FISH/SHELLFISH HATCHERY/ENHANCE. PROJECTS
SPONSOR(s): RULES BY REQUEST OF THE GOVERNOR
02/05/16 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
02/05/16 (H) FSH, FIN
03/24/16 (H) FSH AT 10:00 AM GRUENBERG 120
WITNESS REGISTER
RENEE ALWARD, Appointee
Homer, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the Fishermen's
Fund Advisory Panel.
ISREAL PAYTON, Appointee
Wasilla, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the Alaska Board
of Fisheries (BOF).
RICHARD MCGAHAN SR., Fisherman
Nikiski, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to the appointment
of Israel Payton to the Alaska Board of Fisheries.
FRED STURMAN, Fisherman
Soldotna, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to the appointment
of Israel Payton to the Alaska Board of Fisheries (BOF).
SAM COTTEN, Commissioner
Alaska Department of Fish & Game (ADF&G)
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Responded to questions during the
confirmation hearings of appointees to the Alaska Board of
Fisheries (BOF).
PAUL SHADURA, II, Spokesperson
South K-Beach Independent Fishermen's Association (SOKI)
Kenai, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of Alan Cain, Israel
Payton and Robert Ruffner as appointees to the Alaska State
Board of Fisheries (BOF).
BIRCH YUKNIS, Member
Matanuska-Susitna Fisheries Advisory Committee
Wasilla, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the appointment of
Israel Payton to the Alaska Board of Fisheries (BOF).
ROBERT RUFFNER, Appointee
Alaska Board of Fisheries (BOF)
Soldotna, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as appointee to the Alaska Board
of Fisheries (BOF).
RICHARD MCGAHAN
Nikiski, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the appointment of
Robert Ruffner to the Alaska Board of Fisheries (BOF).
FRED STURMAN
Soldotna, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the appointment of
Robert Ruffner to the Alaska Board of Fisheries (BOF).
SAM COTTEN, Commissioner
Alaska Department of Fish & Game (ADF&G)
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Introduced HB 300 on behalf of the
governor.
FOREST BOWERS, Deputy Director
Division of Commercial Fisheries
Alaska Department of Fish & Game (ADF&G)
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Responded to questions during the hearing
on HB 300.
HEATHER MCCARTY, Spokesperson
Central Bering Sea Fishermen's Association
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 300.
JULIE DECKER, Executive Director
Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation
Wrangell, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 300.
NANCY HILLSTRAND
Pioneer Alaskan Fisheries
Kachemak Bay, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to HB 300.
GINNY ECKERT, PhD, Professor
University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF)
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 300.
CHRIS MIERZEJEK, Director of Administration
Community Development Quota (CDQ)
Aleutian Pribilof Island Community Development Association
(APICDA)
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of HB 300.
ACTION NARRATIVE
10:08:16 AM
CHAIR LOUISE STUTES called the House Special Committee on
Fisheries meeting to order at 10:08 a.m. Representatives
Stutes, Foster, Millett, and Ortiz were present at the call to
order. Representative Kreiss-Tomkins arrived as the meeting was
in progress.
^CONFIRMATION HEARING(S):
CONFIRMATION HEARING (S):
^Fishermen's Fund Advisory Panel
Fishermen's Fund Advisory Panel
^Alaska Board of Fisheries (BOF)
Alaska Board of Fisheries (BOF)
10:08:43 AM
CHAIR STUTES announced that the first order of business would be
confirmations to the Fishermen's Fund Advisory Panel and the
Alaska Board of Fisheries (BOF).
CHAIR STUTES reminded members that signing the reports regarding
appointments to boards and commissions in no way reflects
individual members' approval or disapproval of the appointees,
and that the nominations are merely forwarded to the full
legislature for confirmation or rejection.
10:09:24 AM
RENEE ALWARD, Appointee, provided a brief biography and work
history which included participation in many areas of the
fishing industry, as well as employment as support staff in the
medical field. She cited her interests in serving on the board,
stating commitment to the health and longevity of Alaska's
sustainable fisheries. The passion she holds for the industry,
as well as her understanding of medical terminology and
processes, will be a good base for providing support to the
advisory panel, she opined.
10:12:27 AM
CHAIR STUTES opened and, seeing no response, closed public
testimony.
10:12:33 AM
REPRESENTATIVE MILLETT moved to advance the confirmation of
Renee Alward, appointee to the Fishermen's Fund Advisory Panel,
to a joint session of the House and Senate for consideration.
There being no objection, the confirmation was advanced.
10:12:55 AM
ISREAL PAYTON, Appointee, introduced himself as a lifelong
Alaskan, paraphrasing from a prepared statement, which read as
follows [original punctuation provided]:
I was birthed by my father and mother in a 12X12 log
trapper's cabin at the base of the Alaska Range, on
the Hayes River. Being 75 air miles from the nearest
hospital my parents weighted me with a Zebco fishing
scale. I grew up in the bush, learning early on a
deep respect for fish and wildlife resources since we
subsisted off of them. This upbringing has instilled
me with the values I live my life by today.
Like many Alaskans I have had various jobs to make a
living; airplane mechanic, boat builder, welder,
fishing and hunting guide, slope worker, wilderness
professional, house builder, and landlord. Currently
I work at Airframes Alaska, the largest aviation
company in the state.
I have fished, hunted and worked in many different
parts of the state, and have a diverse knowledge of
Alaska Game and Fish as a whole. I am a member of the
Mat-Su Fish and Game Advisory Committee and actively
participate in the Board of Games and Fish meetings.
I am constantly trying to recruit other young Alaskans
in these processes as they are truly unique. In no
other state can a single individual have so much
impact on passing a fish and game regulation.
MR. PAYTON pointed out that he currently works for an aviation
company, which provides him an easy, economical means for
traveling around the state.
10:15:27 AM
CHAIR STUTES opened public testimony.
10:15:54 AM
RICHARD MCGAHAN SR., Fisherman, stated opposition to the
appointment of Israel Payton to the BOF, and opined that the
board seat should have a biologist appointed versus a sport
fishing guide. Besides a biologist, he said the board would
benefit from seating an old commercial fisherman from Cook Inlet
who knows the system and knows what needs to be done.
10:16:55 AM
FRED STURMAN, Fisherman, stated opposition to the appointment of
Israel Payton to the BOF, stating that the board needs to have a
biologist seated.
REPRESENTATIVE MILLETT queried whether the opposition being
voiced is due to a disparity in regional seating or interest in
having a biologist appointed.
MR. MCGAHAN restated his opposition, citing a need to have a
regional, Cook Inlet, commercial fisherman appointed; one who
knows the area and the industry. He said Mr. Payton has been a
Kenai River sport fishing guide, not a commercial fisherman.
However, a biologist is needed to run the Cook Inlet fishery
appropriately and in accordance with state law, he opined.
10:18:46 AM
MR. STURMAN said the BOF has not seated anyone from Cook Inlet
for many years, and it's time for that to change. A Cook Inlet
biologist, with an understanding of the areas problems, would be
best, he opined, and said he is not familiar with the candidate
on a personal basis.
REPRESENTATIVE MILLETT surmised that the request is for seating
a biologist or a commercial fisherman from Cook Inlet, but
definitely not a sport fisherman.
MR. STURMAN underscored that a biologist with a full
understanding of the Cook Inlet fishery is who should be seated.
A biologist would be able to ensure that the commercial and
sport harvests can be optimized. He said last year the
commercial fishery experienced an inopportune closure which
resulted in a million harvestable fish escaping unnecessarily up
river.
REPRESENTATIVE MILLETT asked whether the Cook Inlet closure
mentioned was a decision made by the department or the board.
10:20:54 AM
SAM COTTEN, Commissioner, Alaska Department of Fish & Game
(ADF&G), said the BOF describes and writes the management plans,
which the department attempts to follow as closely as possible.
REPRESENTATIVE MILLETT noted that the closure was facilitated by
ADF&G in accordance with the management plan set forth by the
BOF.
10:21:40 AM
CHAIR STUTES referred to statue, and paraphrased from AS
16.05.221 which read as follows:
Sec. 16.05.221. Boards of fisheries and game.
(a) ... The governor shall appoint each member on
the basis of interest in public affairs, good
judgment, knowledge, and ability in the field of
action of the board, and with a view to providing
diversity of interest and points of view in the
membership. ...
CHAIR STUTES established that the appointments are not made with
regard to regional seats.
10:22:22 AM
PAUL SHADURA, II, Spokesperson, South K-Beach Independent
Fishermen's Association (SOKI), stated support for Alan Cain,
Israel Payton and Robert Ruffner appointees to the BOF,
paraphrasing from a prepared statement, which read as follows
[original punctuation provided]:
The South K-Beach Independent Fishermen's Association
(SOKI) is a community group consisting of those
individual commercial setnet fishermen who seek to
harvest salmon primarily migrating to the Kasilof
River in Cook Inlet.
The selection and confirmation of Alaska Board of
Fisheries (BOF) members is of vital concern to our
interests. The BOF directs managers to conserve;
which has been defined in the courts as "the
controlled utilization of a resource to prevent its
exploitation, destruction or neglect." Equally as
important is the other directive which is to develop:
"connotes management of a resource to make it
available for use". Both to be considered in a
'balance'.
In AS 16.05.221 Boards of fisheries and game, the
Governor and the Legislature have direction in that
each member shall be selected on ... "the basis of
interest in public affairs, good judgment, knowledge,
and ability in the field of action of the board, and
with a view to providing diversity of interest and
points of view in membership."
In the Governor's press release on 02.02.2016, he
states, "the board will ensure the resource is managed
for the maximum benefit of Alaskans." While we
support the concept of managing for Maximum Sustained
Yield (MSY) we would add that by establishing this as
the 'mission' of the BOF that this cannot happen
without the full support of the Alaska Department of
Fish and Game (ADF&G).
Commercial fishing is a base line economy of Alaska
and by and large offers an economy to 71% of Alaska
that they normally they would not have access to if
they lived within our largest community. Salmon
fishermen in Alaska are overwhelming made up of
residents. The benefits of the salmon industry does
not stop with the 730 thousand residents of our State.
We supply a healthy sustainable protein source for all
those Americans who are not so lucky to live on our
Alaska land.
We are pleased with the Governors attempt to balance
the talent of ideas, values, and expertise. Having
said this we are concerned that by losing the
knowledge and history of having a Bristol Bay
commercial fishing experienced person on the Board
will damage their collective abilities to make vital
decisions based on the 'best available information'.
However, we do not hold our support for any of these
appointees. Rather we support moving forward with
possibly new ways to re-construct the board process,
to better align it with the complex issues that were
not possible to address 60 yrs. ago by our State's
constitutional conveners. It is our belief that it is
time that we take a serious look on ways to improve
the process, to take the contentiousness away from the
individual board member appointments, to give them the
"tools" and the assistance to make clear, open,
transparent and well informed decisions.
With that, the collective voice of SOKI fully support
the appointment to the AKBOF of; Alan Cain, Israel
Payton and Robert Ruffner.
10:26:04 AM
REPRESENTATIVE MILLETT asked if the interest is to have a
Bristol Bay fisherman seated.
MR. SHADURA clarified that the opposition is not due to interest
in having a regional appointment, as statute does not make that
provision; however, commercial fishing expertise is needed.
Alaska's fisheries are the number one employer in the state and
are being looked to as a means for relief at this challenging
fiscal time. The issues are complex and it is imperative for
the BOF to have the benefit of commercial fishermen who
understand every region, he opined, to guide the board through
this difficult time in Alaska.
10:27:17 AM
BIRCH YUKNIS, Member, Matanuska-Susitna Fisheries Advisory
Committee, stated support for the appointment of Israel Peyton
to the BOF, stating that he has proven helpful, does his
homework, and has an ear for both sides of an issue. All of
Alaska will benefit despite differences that are bound to arise,
he opined.
10:28:08 AM
CHAIR STUTES closed public testimony.
10:28:16 AM
REPRESENTATIVE MILLETT moved to advance the confirmation of
Israel Payton, appointee to the Alaska Board of Fisheries, to a
joint session of the House and Senate for consideration. There
being no objection, the confirmation was advanced.
10:28:41 AM
ROBERT RUFFNER, Appointee, Alaska Board of Fisheries (BOF),
provided a description of his talents that he will bring to the
BOF, which include a degree in geology and river mechanics.
During the past 20 years, he has applied these skills and honed
his ability to utilize numerical modeling and apply data and
statistics for planning and development purposes. It is a
valuable skill set for a BOF member to possess, he opined. In
terms of interest in public affairs, service on other boards is
also in his background. He pledged to adhere to the established
allocation criteria and couple the governing statute with the
administrate code for sustainable salmon policy, in the decision
making process.
10:31:17 AM
CHAIR STUTES opened public testimony.
10:31:49 AM
RICHARD MCGAHAN, stated support for the appointment of Robert
Ruffner to the BOF, and said the candidate possesses a good
interest in the river systems and escapement goals. It's
important to have someone on the board who will protect fishing
resources, and he predicted that Mr. Ruffner will have that as a
priority.
10:32:39 AM
FRED STURMAN, Soldotna, Alaska, stated support for the
appointment of Robert Ruffner to the BOF, and opined that he
will do a good job.
10:33:01 AM
CHAIR STUTES closed public testimony.
10:33:07 AM
REPRESENTATIVE MILLETT moved to advance the confirmation of
Robert Ruffner, appointee to the Alaska Board of Fisheries, to a
joint session of the House and Senate for consideration. There
being no objection, the confirmation was advanced.
HB 300-FISH/SHELLFISH HATCHERY/ENHANCE. PROJECTS
10:33:35 AM
CHAIR STUTES announced that the final order of business would be
HOUSE BILL NO. 300, "An Act relating to management of enhanced
stocks of fish; authorizing the operation of nonprofit shellfish
hatcheries; relating to application fees for salmon and
shellfish hatchery permits; and providing for an effective
date."
10:34:19 AM
REPRESENTATIVE FOSTER moved to adopt the proposed committee
substitute (CS) for HB 300, Version 29-GH2653\W, Bullard,
3/21/16, as the working document.
CHAIR STUTES objected for discussion.
10:35:30 AM
SAM COTTEN, Commissioner, Alaska Department of Fish & Game
(ADF&G), introduced HB 300, and said it allows the department to
issue permits for shellfish enhancement and for rehabilitation
projects, as well as for the construction and operation of
shellfish hatcheries by non-profit corporations for the same
purpose. The goal to help improve the state's economy and
provide a method to increase the available harvest of shellfish.
For further details addressing the recommended changes to the
original bill, he deferred comment.
10:37:20 AM
FOREST BOWERS, Deputy Director, Division of Commercial
Fisheries, Alaska Department of Fish & Game (ADF&G), said HB 300
caused a number of questions due to a need to standardize the
text of the bill and reflect a unified syntax. The general
public experienced confusion due to the inclusion of terminology
which the department considered routine. Additionally, strong
public interest was evident regarding shellfish enhancement and
the rehabilitation of shellfish fisheries. After incorporating
the public feedback, the bill required a title change. Also, a
paragraph was added to prohibit permit holders from procuring or
placing genetically modified shellfish into state waters.
Specifications for brood stock sourcing was included and a
series of definitions were added. Finally, an immunity of
liability clause was inserted, and a provision for donation of
shellfish to a food bank was removed.
10:40:13 AM
CHAIR STUTES removed her objection, and without further
objection, Version W was before the committee.
10:40:19 AM
MR. BOWERS referred to the committee packet, to paraphrase from
the document titled, "Sectional Analysis, HB 300, Version W,
Shellfish Stock Rehabilitation and Fishery Enhancement Projects,
March 23, 2016," which read as follows:
Sec. 1
Provides the Alaska Board of Fisheries authority to
direct the department to manage production of enhanced
shellfish stocks, beyond brood stock needs, for cost
recovery harvest.
Sec. 2
Increases the permit application fee for new private
nonprofit salmon hatcheries from $100 to $1,000.
Sec. 3
Adds a new Chapter 12 to Title 16, "Shellfish Stock
Rehabilitation Efforts, Enhancement Projects, and
Hatcheries.
Provides direction to the commissioner on issuance of
permits for private nonprofit shellfish stock
rehabilitation and fishery enhancement projects and
associated shellfish hatcheries and establishes a
$1,000 permit application fee. This section directs
the commissioner to consult with technical experts in
the relevant areas before permit issuance. This
section provides for a hearing prior to issuance of a
permit and describes certain permit terms including
cost recovery fisheries, harvest, sale, and release of
hatchery-produced shellfish, and selection of brood
stock sources. This section describes reporting
requirements and terms for modification or revocation
of a permit.
Sec. 4
Provides the Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission
authority to issue special harvest area entry permits
to holders of private nonprofit shellfish
rehabilitation, enhancement or hatchery permits.
Sec. 5
Defines legal fishing gear for special harvest area
entry permit holders.
Sec. 6
Exempts shellfish raised in a private nonprofit
shellfish project from the farmed fish definition.
Sec. 7 and 8
Establish tax exemption for a nonprofit corporation
holding a shellfish hatchery, rehabilitation, or
enhancement permit.
Sec. 9
Exempts shellfish harvested under a special harvest
area entry permit from certain taxes.
Sec. 10
Establishes an effective date of the fee for salmon
hatchery permits described in sec. 2.
Sectional Analysis, HB 300 - 2 - April 4, 2016
Sec. 11
Authorizes the department to adopt implementing
regulations.
Sec. 12
Establishes an immediate effective date for sec. 12
pursuant to AS 01.10.070(c).
Sec. 13
Establishes an effective date for sec. 9 concomitant
with sec. 2 effective date.
10:43:41 AM
MR. BOWERS added that the bill was structured after the existing
statutes governing salmon, private, non-profit, programs to
utilize applicable elements.
10:44:10 AM
CHAIR STUTES opened public testimony.
10:44:33 AM
HEATHER MCCARTY, Spokesperson, Central Bering Sea Fishermen's
Association, stated support for HB 300, and said the crab
fishery has not undergone a stock resurgence, and enhancement
appears to be the best means to bring the industry back. The
technology exists, and many committee and public members support
an enhancement approach.
10:49:17 AM
JULIE DECKER, Executive Director, Alaska Fisheries Development
Foundation, stated support for HB 300, paraphrasing from a
prepared statement, which read as follows [original punctuation
provided]:
The Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation (AFDF)
would like to express support for HB 300. AFDF
recognizes that HB 300 is part of a larger effort to
develop mariculture in Alaska.
AFDF's membership is comprised of seafood harvesters,
seafood processors, and support sector businesses.
Since 1978, AFDF's mission has been to identify
problems and opportunities that are common across
Alaska's seafood industry and to help develop
solutions utilizing applied research and development
which balance economic benefits with sustainability
principles.
One of AFDF's recent projects is to spearhead the
Alaska Mariculture Initiative, which is meant to
expedite the development of mariculture in Alaska with
the vision to grow a $1 billion industry in 30 years.
Governor Walker's recent Administrative Order #280
establishes the Alaska Mariculture Task Force and is
also part of this larger effort to develop
mariculture. The purpose of the Task Force is to
provide recommendations for a comprehensive plan to
develop a viable and sustainable mariculture industry
producing shellfish and aquatic plants for the
long
and communities.
HB 300 plays an important role in the development of
mariculture in Alaska. HB 300 creates a regulatory
framework with which ADF&G can manage shellfish
fishery enhancement, restoration and hatcheries, in a
similar fashion as the current management of salmon
fishery enhancement and hatcheries. This would allow
interested stakeholders to either continue or begin
enhancement and/or restoration of species such as King
crab, sea cucumber, geoduck, abalone, or razor clams.
I would like to briefly address concerns of negative
impacts to wild shellfish from hatchery shellfish. As
a Client for the Alaska Responsible Fisheries
Management (RFM) sustainability certification program,
AFDF has a unique position and viewpoint on this
issue. On one hand, AFDF hears concerns from industry
that ADF&G's fishery enhancement policies are too
restrictive, increase cost, and slow progress. On the
other hand, AFDF is also in the position of
facilitating a review of ADF&G's fishery enhancement
policies by independent third
determine whether they follow internationally accepted
standards for sustainably managed fisheries. Alaska
salmon maintains RFM certification, because of ADF&G's
policies which are designed around a precautionary
approach that prioritizes wild fish and minimizes
adverse impacts to wild stocks. Following is a list of
some of ADF&G's enhancement policies: genetics,
disease, pathology, siting of hatcheries, fish
culturing techniques, release strategies, harvest,
habitat, marking, transportation, planning, and
reporting. Given these extensive policies, AFDF and
independent third
is fulfilling its constitutional mandate to manage our
fishery resources for sustainability.
Finally, I understand that a committee substitute (CS)
will be introduced at Thursday's meeting that mirrors
the latest version of the companion bill (SB 172)
which was passed out of Senate Resources Committee.
This is our preferred version with changes that
improve the clarity and intent of the bill. AFDF
supports this CS of HB 300 and appreciates the
Administration's proactive role in introducing the
legislation.
10:53:13 AM
NANCY HILLSTRAND, Pioneer Alaskan Fisheries, stated opposition
to HB 300, and said the governance of shellfish needs to be
independent of the statutes that were written for salmon.
Legislation needs to address shellfish specifically. She
pointed out that a species of king crab was released into the
Bering Sea and is now considered invasive.
10:57:07 AM
GINNY ECKERT, PhD, Professor, University of Alaska Fairbanks
(UAF), stated support for HB 300, and paraphrased from a
prepared statement, which read as follows [original punctuation
provided]:
The Steering Committee of the Alaska King Crab
Research, Rehabilitation and Biology (AKCRRAB) program
would like to express appreciation and support for
House Bill 300, version W.
The AKCRRAB program is a coalition of university,
federal and stakeholder groups, formed in 2006 with
the goals of adding to the scientific understanding of
crab life history and ecology, as well as the eventual
rehabilitation of depressed king crab stocks in
Alaska. AKCRRAB is developing scientifically sound
strategies for hatching, rearing and out planting king
crab in Alaska, in order to help restore populations
to self-sustainable levels.
In phase one, from 2006 to 2011, AKCRRAB researchers
made significant accomplishments in developing and
improving methods of hatchery rearing of larval and
juvenile king crab from wild-caught brood stock, to
the point where large-scale production is feasible.
Parallel field and laboratory studies of crab ecology
and population genetics were also conducted during
this time.
In the second and current phase, hatchery studies have
been complemented by studies essential to
understanding optimal release strategies, appropriate
habitat, and potential impact on existing ecosystems.
This research is providing the science necessary for
informing the responsible release of hatchery-reared
animals. Increased knowledge will allow scientists and
managers to assess the feasibility of ecologically
sound rehabilitation of depressed stocks, with
potentially substantial benefits to Alaska.
In the third and final phase, AKCRRAB intends to
evolve from the current, research-oriented coalition,
to a formal entity focused on transitioning hatchery
techniques and out planting technologies to
communities and industry as part of statewide efforts
to help rehabilitate depleted king crab stocks. As
phase three develops, the program will require support
and guidance from the State of Alaska, as the
transition from feasibility to implementation will
need to be guided with a new regulatory structure.
House Bill 300, as aligned with the recent Senate
Resources Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 172, is
a response to the need for new regulations for
shellfish culture. The AKCRRAB Steering Committee is
pleased that the Administration and the Legislature
are addressing this need. In a preliminary review of
the proposed legislation, the original version of
Senate Bill 172, we identified several areas of
concern for AKCRRAB program participants. We were
pleased that our concerns, and those of others, were
addressed in the Committee Substitute.
We intend to participate fully in further discussions
and hearings on this important legislation. The
AKCRRAB Steering Committee stands ready to interact
with Committee members and staff as needed. Please let
us know how we can be of help.
10:59:49 AM
CHRIS MIERZEJEK, Director of Administration, Community
Development Quota (CDQ), stated support for HB 300 and opined
that it could generate economic opportunities throughout the
western coastal areas of Alaska.
CHAIR STUTES closed public testimony.
11:01:34 AM
REPRESENTATIVE ORTIZ asked about sea otter management and
whether reducing populations would have a positive impact.
11:02:51 AM
MR. BOWERS responded that sea otters are limiting shell fish
production in some areas of the state. However, the areas
impacted by the sea otter may be good rehabilitation locations,
especially if the otters have moved to other areas. Certainly
abalone would be a good species for rehabilitation, he opined.
REPRESENTATIVE ORTIZ said when speaking about restoration versus
rehabilitation, what are the differences.
MR. BOWERS explained scenarios for both approaches: Stock
rehabilitation and fisheries enhancement are what the department
practices, and restoration is not the agencies purview.
Rehabilitation is when a native species have been extirpated, or
nearly so, and the effort is to rebuild a species to natural
production levels. Enhancement relates to boosting production
of fisheries above natural levels for additional yield, in the
common property fishery. The majority of the projects in the
area of salmon are for enhancement purposes, he finished.
11:06:00 AM
REPRESENTATIVE FOSTER moved to report the proposed CS for HB
300, Version 29-GH2653\W, Bullard, 3/21/16, out of committee
with individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal
notes. There being no objection, CSHB 300(FSH) was reported
from the House Special Committee on Fisheries.
CHAIR STUTES congratulated the appointees and thanked the day's
participants.
11:06:38 AM
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the committee, the House
Special Committee on Fisheries meeting was adjourned at 11:06
a.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| Fishermen's Fund - Alward.pdf |
HFSH 3/24/2016 10:00:00 AM |
|
| Alward Support NPFA.pdf |
HFSH 3/24/2016 10:00:00 AM |
|
| Alward Support UFA.pdf |
HFSH 3/24/2016 10:00:00 AM |
|
| Board of Fisheries - Payton.pdf |
HFSH 3/24/2016 10:00:00 AM |
|
| Board of Fisheries - Ruffner.pdf |
HFSH 3/24/2016 10:00:00 AM |
|
| Ruffner & Cain Support UFA.pdf |
HFSH 3/24/2016 10:00:00 AM |
|
| Ruffner Support NPFA.pdf |
HFSH 3/24/2016 10:00:00 AM |
|
| HB300 Sponsor Statement.pdf |
HFSH 3/24/2016 10:00:00 AM |
HB 300 |
| HB300 Sectional Analysis.pdf |
HFSH 3/24/2016 10:00:00 AM |
HB 300 |
| HB300 ver W Changes.pdf |
HFSH 3/24/2016 10:00:00 AM |
HB 300 |
| HB300 ver W Work Draft (H FSH).pdf |
HFSH 3/24/2016 10:00:00 AM |
HB 300 |
| HB300 ver A.pdf |
HFSH 3/24/2016 10:00:00 AM |
HB 300 |
| HB300 Fiscal Note DFG.pdf |
HFSH 3/24/2016 10:00:00 AM |
HB 300 |
| HB300 Support PVOA.pdf |
HFSH 3/24/2016 10:00:00 AM |
HB 300 |
| HB300 Support UFA.pdf |
HFSH 3/24/2016 10:00:00 AM |
HB 300 |
| HB300 Sectional Analysis ver W.pdf |
HFSH 3/24/2016 10:00:00 AM |
HB 300 |
| Ruffner Support - KMcGahan.pdf |
HFSH 3/24/2016 10:00:00 AM |
|
| Payton Oppose - KMcGahan.pdf |
HFSH 3/24/2016 10:00:00 AM |
|
| Payton Oppose - RMcGahan.pdf |
HFSH 3/24/2016 10:00:00 AM |
|
| HB300 Support AFDF.pdf |
HFSH 3/24/2016 10:00:00 AM |
HB 300 |
| SOKI Support Ruffner Cain Payton.pdf |
HFSH 3/24/2016 10:00:00 AM |
|
| HB300 Support Eckert McCarty.PDF |
HFSH 3/24/2016 10:00:00 AM |
HB 300 |