Legislature(2021 - 2022)BUTROVICH 205
03/15/2021 03:30 PM Senate RESOURCES
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SJR8 | |
| SB79 | |
| SB64 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| + | SJR 8 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | SB 64 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| *+ | SB 79 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
SENATE RESOURCES STANDING COMMITTEE
March 15, 2021
3:33 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Senator Joshua Revak, Chair
Senator Peter Micciche, Vice Chair
Senator Click Bishop
Senator Gary Stevens
Senator Natasha von Imhof
Senator Jesse Kiehl
MEMBERS ABSENT
Senator Scott Kawasaki
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 8
Urging the Alaska delegation in Congress, the United States
Department of the Interior, and the Governor to facilitate the
completion of a land grant endowment to the University of
Alaska.
- MOVED CSSJR 8(RES) OUT OF COMMITTEE
SENATE BILL NO. 79
"An Act relating to sport fishing, hunting, and trapping
identification cards."
- HEARD & HELD
SENATE BILL NO. 64
"An Act relating to management of enhanced stocks of shellfish;
authorizing certain nonprofit organizations to engage in
shellfish enhancement projects; relating to application fees for
salmon hatchery permits and shellfish enhancement project
permits; allowing the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute to
market aquatic farm products; and providing for an effective
date."
- MOVED SB 64 OUT OF COMMITTE
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: SJR 8
SHORT TITLE: COMPLETION OF UNIVERSITY LAND GRANT
SPONSOR(s): SENATOR(s) STEVENS
02/03/21 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
02/03/21 (S) EDC, RES
02/15/21 (S) EDC AT 9:00 AM BUTROVICH 205
02/15/21 (S) Moved SJR 8 Out of Committee
02/15/21 (S) MINUTE(EDC)
02/17/21 (S) EDC RPT 5DP
02/17/21 (S) DP: HOLLAND, HUGHES, STEVENS, MICCICHE,
BEGICH
03/12/21 (S) RES AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
03/12/21 (S) -- MEETING CANCELED --
03/15/21 (S) RES AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
BILL: SB 79
SHORT TITLE: HUNTING/TRAPPING/FISHING: DISABLED VETS
SPONSOR(s): SENATOR(s) KIEHL
02/12/21 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
02/12/21 (S) RES, FIN
03/15/21 (S) RES AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
BILL: SB 64
SHORT TITLE: SHELLFISH PROJECTS; HATCHERIES; FEES
SPONSOR(s): SENATOR(s) STEVENS
1/29/21 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
1/29/21 (S) RES, FIN
2/22/21 (S) RES AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
2/22/21 (S) Heard & Held
2/22/21 (S) MINUTE (RES)
3/15/21 (S) RES AT 3:30 PM BUTROVICH 205
WITNESS REGISTER
TIM LAMKIN, Staff
Senator Gary Stevens
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented SJR 8 on behalf of the sponsor.
ED FOGELS, Advisor to the Land Management Office
University of Alaska, Anchorage
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified by invitation on SJR 8.
MARK RICHARDS, Executive Director
Resident Hunters of Alaska
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 79.
MARIA GLADZISZEWSKI, Deputy Director
Division of Wildlife Conservation
Alaska Department of Fish and Game
Juneau, Alaska.
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions during the hearing on
SB 79.
TIM LAMKIN, Staff
Senator Gary Stevens
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided a brief recap of SB 64 on behalf of
the sponsor.
FRANCES LEACH, Executive Director
United Fishermen of Alaska
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of SB 64.
ALAN PARKS, representing self
Homer, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to SB 64.
NANCY HILLSTRAND, Owner
Pioneer Alaskan Fisheries
Kachemak Bay, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to SB 64.
SAM RABUNG, Director
Division of Commercial Fisheries
Alaska Department of Fish and Game
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided feedback to testimony on SB 64.
GINNY ECKERT, Professor of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences
University of Alaska
Alaska Sea Grant, Director
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Addressed concerns regarding SB 64.
ACTION NARRATIVE
3:33:20 PM
CHAIR JOSHUA REVAK called the Senate Resources Standing
Committee meeting to order at 3:33 p.m. Present at the call to
order were Senators Stevens, Kiehl, von Imhof, Micciche, Bishop,
and Chair Revak.
SJR 8-COMPLETION OF UNIVERSITY LAND GRANT
3:34:13 PM
CHAIR REVAK announced the consideration of SENATE JOINT
RESOLUTION NO. 8 Urging the Alaska delegation in Congress, the
United States Department of the Interior, and the Governor to
facilitate the completion of a land grant endowment to the
University of Alaska.
He requested a motion to adopt the committee substitute (CS).
3:34:29 PM
SENATOR MICCICHE moved to adopt the CS for SJR 8, work order 32-
LS0420\B, as the working document.
3:34:43 PM
CHAIR REVAK objected for discussion purposes.
3:34:53 PM
SENATOR GARY STEVENS, speaking as sponsor of SJR 8, stated the
University of Alaska (UA) refers to its situation as being land
deficit. He encouraged the committee to read the resolve
section of the resolution which urges the Alaska congressional
delegation to create a permanent land endowment.
3:35:31 PM
TIM LAMKIN, Staff, Senator Gary Stevens, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, stated that SJR 8, version B, is
the result of a collaborative effort between the University of
Alaska and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to craft
language to help resolve the university's ongoing land deficit
situation.
CHAIR REVAK found no questions and asked him to proceed with the
summary of changes.
3:36:19 PM
MR. LAMKIN briefly mentioned that changes No. 1 through No. 7
were a collaboration between UA and DNR to find mutually
agreeable language. Mr. Lampkin then highlighted the more
substantive change No. 8. The Summary of Changes from version A
to version B read as follows:
[Original punctuation provided.]
Change #1
Page 1, Line 2, following "facilitate"
Delete: "the completion of"
Insert: "urging the Alaska delegation in Congress to
reintroduce the University of Alaska Fiscal
Foundation Act; and urging the Department of Natural
Resources to work with the University of Alaska to
identify lands suitable for the land endowment.
Change #2
(Version A) Page 1, Lines 13-15
Delete: "Whereas, the United States Congress
intended for the Alaska State Legislature to provide
the University of Alaska with a land endowment from
Alaska Statehood Act land;"
Change #3
Page 2, line 16, following "government,"
Delete: "and the land grant deficit remains
unremedied;"
Insert: "leaving the University of Alaska with an
inadequate and deficit land endowment;"
Change #4
Page 2, Line 26, following "which"
Delete: "lands"
Insert: "up to 360,000 acres of land"
Change #5
Page 3, line 1, following "resolution"
Insert: "as soon as possible"
Change #6
Page 3, lines 1-2, following "will"
Delete: "facilitate the creation of a permanent land
endowment for the University of Alaska,"
Insert: "address this long-standing land endowment
issue,"
Change #7
Page 3, line 3, following "requirements"
Delete: "and will remedy the university's
longstanding land grant deficit
Insert: "and provide the University of Alaska with
an appropriately sized land endowment proportionate
to the great natural resources of the state;"
Change #8
Page 3, two new sections inserted as follows:
"FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature
respectfully urges the Alaska delegation in Congress
to reintroduce the University of Alaska Fiscal
Foundation Act; and be it
FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature
respectfully urges the Department of Natural
Resources to continue to work cooperatively with the
university of Alaska to prioritize identification of
lands suitable for the land endowment.
Change #9
Page 3, under "Copies
Delete: "Scott de la Vega, Acting"
Insert: "Deb Haaland"
3:37:31 PM
CHAIR REVAK turned to invited testimony for SJR 8.
3:37:43 PM
ED FOGELS, Advisor to the Land Management Office, University of
Alaska, Anchorage, stated he was retained and specifically
tasked with obtaining the UA remaining land grant
entitlements.
MR. FOGELS gave a slide presentation titled "University of
Alaska Land Grant Status (Senate Joint Resolution 8)." He
explained the problem is the university has not received its
full land grant entitlement from the federal government.
MR. FOGELS provided a brief history of land grants promised the
university on slide 2. Under the Morrill Act and the 1915
Wickersham Act, there was an expectation of 90,000 acres and
270,000 acres, respectively. These two federal acts were
superseded by the Alaska Statehood Act, so the university's
270,000 acres were rolled into the state's 103 million acre
endowment.
MR. FOGELS stated, to date, the university received 111,000
acres of federal land. This along with state and municipal
sources, private gifts and bequests, and UA land acquisitions,
puts the university's current land portfolio at 151,000 acres,
which leaves the land grant deficit at 360,000 acres.
MR. FOGELS displayed a synopsis of the university's 151,000-acre
land holdings on slide 3. The charts indicate two percent
(12,000 acres) of the holdings are in an educational category
which includes campuses, research sites and other facilities.
Twenty-seven percent (139,000 acres) of the holdings generate
revenue and are invested in sales/leases, forest resources,
mining and material, mitigation management, oil, gas and coal.
The chart also indicates that a majority of the endowment, 71
percent or 360,000 acres of university holdings is missing,
which essentially translates into lost revenue, as seen on the
next slide.
MR. FOGELS turned to slide 4 that compared the university land
grant acreage to that of the University of Texas and the Alaska
Mental Health Trust Authority (AMHTA). Despite an incomplete
land endowment, UA has generated more than $220 million from its
trust land assets since the 1980s. The chart indicates that
while UA's investments did proportionately well in 2019 compared
to AMHTA, UA lacked in cumulative earnings compared to the
University of Texas. The chart emphasizes the effect the missing
360,000 acres has had on UA's ability to generate revenue over
time.
3:40:55 PM
SENATOR REVAK requested Mr. Fogels pause for a question from
Mr. Lampkin.
MR. LAMPKIN clarified a misstatement. He said the University of
Texas generated $21.4 billion, not 21.4 billion acres.
MR. FOGELS apologized for the misstatement and advanced to slide
5 regarding fulfilling the university's land grant. He stated
that without question, UA could generate more revenue over time
with the infusion of a robust land endowment. The state
attempted to remedy the land deficit with a 250,000-acre
conveyance to the university in 2000. However, in 2009 an Alaska
Supreme Court decision ruled the conveyance violated the
"prohibition on dedicated funds,so the land was reconveyed to
the state. Mr. Fogels stated the federal government's position
is that its obligation to the university has been satisfied; the
university land was included in the Alaska Statehood Act land
grant.
MR. FOGELS advanced to slide 6 and recapped roadblocks to the
land deficit problem. Mainly, he restated that state land
dedications are unconstitutional, and remedies that rely solely
on additional federal lands are resisted by the federal
government. He suggested a solution which bypasses both these
obstacles, uses an alternate land conveyance mechanism, and
works in cooperation with the Alaska congressional delegation,
the governor, DNR and the Department of the Interior.
MR. FOGELS introduced the University of Alaska Fiscal Foundation
Act on slide 7:
University of Alaska
Fiscal Foundation Act
• Federal legislation by Alaska's Congressional Delegation
• Establishes program within Bureau of Land Management to
identify and convey available lands to UA from lands
selected by State of Alaska
MR. FOGELS stated that this federal legislation establishes a
federal program by which the Department of the Interior conveys
360,000 acres of federal land to the University of Alaska.
MR. FOGELS reiterated that 105 million acres of land was granted
the state in the Alaska Statehood Act, 5 million of which has
yet to be conveyed. Under this federal program, the Department
of the Interior would deduct 360,000 acres from the outstanding
5 million and convey it directly to UA instead of DNR for
management.
• Framework for UA and State to jointly identify up to
360,000 acres
• U.S. Dept. of Interior will provide technical assistance
identifying lands for inclusion in program
• Delegation working towards reintroduction in 117th
Congress
MR. FOGELS stated that although this legislation did not succeed
last year, the intention is to reintroduce it in this Congress.
3:45:11 PM
SENATOR MICCICHE questioned why it says "up to 360,000 acres" on
page 2, line 25 of the bill. He also asked for verification that
360,000 was the maximum acreage to be conveyed.
MR. FOGELS confirmed that the maximum allotment in this program
is 360,000 acres; it is the sum total of the Morrill Act
endowment and the 1915 Wickersham Act endowment. He stressed
that the university's goal is to receive the full 360,000 acres,
but for drafting purposes "up to" allows room to negotiate.
3:46:32 PM
SENATOR KIEHL noted that the state has already applied for a
great deal more than 5 million acres and the university's land
is to be derived from these acres. He asked if the federal
legislation which SJR 8 encourages, pertains strictly to lands
for which the state has already applied, or if the federal
legislation proposes to change priority orders or areas from
which an application may be submitted.
MR. FOGELS confirmed the state has already filed selections on 5
million acres, and added, the state actually over-selected about
10 million acres. In addition, the state has another 10 million
acres in top filings. He explained the federal government has
the authority to preclude land from conveyance, known as
withdrawals, but can later decide to lift the withdrawal.
Perchance the federal government lifts a withdrawal, the state
is then free to choose from its selection of top filed lands.
MR. FOGELS stated the state's role is to submit requests for
conveyance from the Department of the Interior. He thinks the
current policy is to wait a bit, request the federal government
lift some top filings, and try to obtain land of greater value.
SENATOR KIEHL asked if the Alaska Fiscal Foundation Act operates
within the current framework that exists between the state and
the federal government (the one notable exception being that the
360,000-acre conveyance travels directly to UA as opposed to
through DNR), and if not, would the Act alter top filing,
selection and withdrawal procedures.
MR. FOGELS answered correct, although the Alaska Fiscal
Foundation Act would redirect 360,000 of the state's remaining
5 million acres directly to the university, it does not affect
the foundation of the state's land grant.
3:50:14 PM
CHAIR REVAK removed his objection to the adoption of CSSJR 8,
work order 32-LS0420\B. There being no further objection, CSSJR
8 was adopted. Senator Revak offered the floor to Senator
Stevens for final remarks.
3:50:40 PM
SENATOR STEVENS said the resolution was a big step forward for
the university and it was long awaited.
3:50:48 PM
CHAIR REVAK opened public testimony on SJR 8; finding none, he
closed public testimony.
CHAIR REVAK stated that it is important to make the university
whole and solicited a motion to move the bill from committee.
3:51:42 PM
SENATOR MICCICHE moved to report CSSJR 8, work order 32-
LS0420\B, from committee with individual recommendations and
attached fiscal note(s).
3:51:55 PM
CHAIR REVAK stated, without objection, CSSJR 8(RES) is reported
from the Senate Resources Standing Committee.
3:52:07 PM
At ease.
SB 79-HUNTING/TRAPPING/FISHING: DISABLED VETS
3:54:14 PM
CHAIR REVAK reconvened the meeting and announced the
consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 79 "An Act relating to sport
fishing, hunting, and trapping identification cards."
3:54:44 PM
SENATOR KIEHL, speaking as sponsor of SB 79, commented that this
bill appreciates veterans who acquired a disability of 50
percent or greater in service to the nation. He said a free
hunting and sport fishing license is currently available
annually to service-disabled veterans that reside in Alaska. He
contrasted this to Alaskans over the age of 60 who are eligible
for a free, permanent hunting, fishing and trapping license.
Senator Kiehl said a constituent, who acquired a disability of
50 percent or greater in service to the nation, approached him
and requested the same courtesy be extended to eligible
veterans. This made eminent sense.
SENATOR KIEHL pointed out that this bill does not materially
move away from the great North American tradition of license
fees which contribute to fish and game management, and wildlife
conservation. This bill honors service-disabled veterans with
minimal fiscal change as noted in the Sponsor Statement:
Only a small number of disabled veterans currently
purchase a trapping license each year, so making
disabled veterans eligible for a free trapping license
will have a miniscule fiscal impact. For this minimal
cost, Alaska will provide real value to veterans
injured during their service to America.
3:56:30 PM
CHAIR REVAK asked whether the only change to the current hunting
and fishing license for service-disabled veterans is the
addition of a trapping benefit.
SENATOR KIEHL answered correct and in the process the bill also
trues-up issuance of licenses, so they are issued permanently
instead of annually.
3:57:20 PM
SENATOR BISHOP questioned how the aforementioned 50 percent or
greater disability was derived.
SENATOR KIEHL stated for the free hunting and fishing license,
50 percent or greater disability is the existing rule. That
requirement was copied over into this bill.
3:57:45 PM
SENATOR VON IMHOF asked about disability documentation and if a
doctor's disability assessment is required to apply for the
license.
SENATOR KIEHL answered correct, the bill uses the existing
system, which is a federal government determination. The state
does not second guess the determination, but the state does
require documentation.
3:58:18 PM
SENATOR MICCICHE offered a supposition and asked whether a
permanent card remains valid if the veteran later fully
rehabilitates.
SENATOR KIEHL expressed his belief that once issued, the card is
permanently valid, but said he needs to confirm the current
practice with the department.
3:58:56 PM
SENATOR REVAK made a last call for questions, then proceeded to
public testimony.
3:59:22 PM
MARK RICHARDS, Executive Director, Resident Hunters of Alaska
(RHAK), Fairbanks, Alaska, testified in support of SB 79. He
stated RHAK is a hunting conservation group with nearly 3,000
members. It advocates for resident hunting priority and prudent,
sustainable wildlife management policies in accordance with
Article VIII of the Alaska Constitution. It is RHAK's view that
just like Alaska residents who are 60 years of age or older are
eligible for a permanent identification card (PID) in order to
hunt, sport fish, or trap for free, the same benefit should be
extended to Alaska's veterans who are 50 percent or greater
disabled. As eligible veterans are currently allowed a free
hunting and fishing license, the only change to statute is the
addition of a trapping license and issuance of a permanent card.
He stressed that 50 percent or greater disabled veterans need
all the help the state can offer to get them back out
participating in the field.
MR. RICHARDS said being 50 percent disabled does not mean one
cannot walk, hike, or get out in the field. He knows of a couple
of 50 percent disabled veterans that run trap lines. For others
that are more disabled or are wheelchair bound, there are
organizations that help get them out in the field. This also
applies to activities like predator calling in winter using a
firearm or bow which sometimes requires a trapping license to
take certain fur bearers.
MR. RICHARDS concluded his testimony by stating the Division of
Wildlife Conservation expects no fiscal impact if this bill
passes and this bill has a zero fiscal note. RHAK fully supports
the passage of the bill.
4:01:32 PM
CHAIR REVAK asked Maria Gladziszewski the cost of a trapping
license.
MARIA GLADZISZEWSKI, Deputy Director, Division of Wildlife
Conservation, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Juneau,
Alaska, apologized and stated that she did not have the cost of
a trapping license at-hand.
SENATOR BISHOP chimed-in that the trapping license fee is $25.
4:02:27 PM
CHAIR REVAK determined no one else wished to comment and closed
public testimony on SB 79.
4:02:48 PM
SENATOR STEVENS asked Senator Kiehl to clarify why this bill
references a loan on page 1, line 7 of the original bill.
SENATOR KIEHL answered this is an alternate way to qualify for
the disabled veterans annual free hunting and fishing license.
He said the verbiage was copied from current statute and he
thinks it mirrors the eligibility language for the AHFC
veterans' loan program.
4:03:37 PM
CHAIR REVAK asked how many of these licenses the department
expects to issue.
SENATOR KIEHL said he does not know how many of Alaska's
service-disabled veterans are interested in a trapping license.
He conjectured as there are only 900 trapping licenses currently
issued in the state, and fewer yet would qualify under this
bill, it is not a material hit to the fish and game fund.
4:04:39 PM
CHAIR REVAK held SB 79 in committee.
SB 64-SHELLFISH PROJECTS; HATCHERIES; FEES
4:05:01 PM
CHAIR REVAK announced the consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 64
"An Act relating to management of enhanced stocks of shellfish;
authorizing certain nonprofit organizations to engage in
shellfish enhancement projects; relating to application fees for
salmon hatchery permits and shellfish enhancement project
permits; allowing the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute to
market aquatic farm products; and providing for an effective
date."
CHAIR REVAK stated SB 64 was previously heard on February 22
with invited testimony and testimony from industry
representatives. The intention today is to hear a recap of the
bill, ascertain if there are further questions and engage the
will of the committee.
4:05:43 PM
SENATOR GARY STEVENS, speaking as the bill sponsor, stated SB 64
provides the legal framework for a large-scale fishery project.
The goal is to nurture young shellfish, such as king crab, razor
clams and geoducks in their earliest formative stages to improve
their odds of survival in the wild.
4:06:15 PM
TIM LAMKIN, Staff, Senator Gary Stevens, Alaska State
Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, affirmed Senator Stevens' comments
and added that this bill strengthens Alaska's fisheries
portfolio. He noted many stakeholders want this bill to move
forward.
4:06:50 PM
CHAIR REVAK opened public testimony on SB 64.
4:07:10 PM
FRANCES LEACH, Executive Director, United Fishermen of Alaska,
Juneau, Alaska, testified in support of SB 64. She stated the
United Fishermen of Alaska (UFA) is the largest commercial
fishing organization in Alaska, composed of 37 multi-gear and
regional commercial fishing groups. She spotlighted significant
points from the 2014 UFA "Alaska Mariculture Initiative"
resolution which correspond to this bill:
• UFA supports environmentally sound programs for
the aquatic farming of shellfish and marine
plants.
• UFA supports large-scale aquatic development
projects which will open the door to renewable
economic development. It will give the Alaska
Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI) an opportunity
to promote aquatic farm products and a platform
to grow consumership.
• UFA supports economic development for Alaska. Ms.
Leach described Washington state's financial
success to illustrate Alaska's earnings
potential:
* Largest producer of farmed shellfish in the
United States with an annual sales value over
$100 million.
* Directly and indirectly the industry employees
over 3200 people.
* Industry payroll over $27 million.
* Total economic contribution of $270 million.
MS. LEACH shared the environmental concerns of previous speakers
and agreed scientific studies, due diligence and safe permitting
practices are necessary for sustainable development. She
expressed her belief that these concerns are adequately
addressed in the bill's environmentally friendly protocols, and
the methods to increase a sustainable shellfish harvest are
sufficiently delineated.
Ms. LEACH stated in wrap-up that mariculture production is
proven to ameliorate some environmental challenges, like ocean
acidification. She thanked Senator Stevens for introducing the
bill.
4:09:36 PM
ALAN PARKS, representing self, Homer, Alaska, testified in
opposition of SB 64. He stated he fished commercially for 38
years, the bulk of which was community-based with local vessels
and crews that delivered to shore-based processors and markets.
Fishing was his primary source of income. He served as a member
of many local committees, including the North Pacific Fisheries
Management Stellar Sealion Committee and 10 years on the Alaska
Marine Conservation Council.
MR. PARKS requested due diligence of this bill on the following
two points:
First, a forensic audit of all salmon hatcheries prior to
inserting mariculture loan language into the current Fisheries
Enhancement Loan Program. He stated that the language in SB 64
is to be written into the statute that governs salmon
hatcheries, which includes rules governing aquaculture
association formation, how cost recovery is conducted, and
access to the Fisheries Enhancement Loan Program. Mr. Parks
stated that to simply remove salmon and insert crab into the
statute creates concerns about loan and cost recovery. He
brought up the Cook Inlet Aquaculture (CIAA) Association to
illustrate how the Fisheries Enhancement Loan Program works,
with the disclaimer that his intention was not to pick on the
CIAA, but rather, it was the only hatchery for which he had
data.
MR. PARKS stated loans are to be secured with collateral. The
CIAA January 15, 2021 balance sheet had $14 million in assets
and $16 million in debt from the Alaska Fisheries Loan
Enhancement Program. The state leases the Tutka Bay Hatchery for
$25 per year to the CIAA. On the balance sheet, the lease is
valued at $484,000 and infrastructure is valued at $2 million.
He stated the details of the lease were unknown to him, but the
infrastructure included buildings with foundations. The point is
if the CIAA leaves the Tutka Bay Hatchery, it is hard to
determine which property belongs to the CIAA and which belongs
to the state, because 3 out of every 5 fish produced at the
Tutka Bay Hatchery go to the hatchery and 2 go to common
property. He recommended the state do its due diligence prior to
incurring more loans, basically, verify current loan programs
are viable prior to the addition of more loans.
Second, he clarified that he is not opposed to the promotion and
enhancement of crab but urges the legislature to verify the
science is valid prior to the issuance of new mariculture loans.
He stated a cookie-cutter approach to different types of fishery
loans is not good. In other words, verify the mariculture
enhancement science is sound first, then offer loans. Do not
offer loans first, then verify the science.
4:15:01 PM
CHAIR REVAK asked Mr. Parks to email additional testimony, if
any, to [sres@akleg.gov].
4:15:35 PM
NANCY HILLSTRAND, Owner, Pioneer Alaskan Fisheries, Kachemak
Bay, Alaska, testified in opposition of SB 64. She stated that
the Pioneer Alaskan Fisheries was incorporated in 1964; it
fished crab and shrimp for over 50 years and still does. She
also worked 21 years for the Division of Fisheries
Rehabilitation, Enhancement, and Development (FRED) hatchery
program. She said at that time, 120 people worked for FRED whose
purpose was to oversee the statutes.
MS. HILLSTRAND stated the FRED Division no longer exists. ADFG
does not have the capability to provide adequate oversight for a
project of this scale nor is ADFG able to provide stopgap
measures for blunders. She submitted an ADFG internal review
publication which details the noncompliance of salmon hatcheries
in Prince William Sound and resulting problems. She encouraged
committee members to read the internal review and although the
report is a decade old, the internal review is still relevant as
the same issues persist, such as, straying. She warned that
expensive remediation is inevitable when a lack of oversight is
coupled with a potential mariculture experiment that went bad.
With only an attached zero fiscal note, the state has
underestimated the cost of the bill, she said.
MS. HILLSTRAND stated salmon hatchery statutes are underutilized
and cited a mismanaged permit issue as an example of this
problem. Although the Hatchery Committee and the Board of
Fisheries are at work to correct this problem, the Board of
Fisheries is supposed to amend permits. She stated that it is a
struggle to resolve problems because no one will come to the
table and talk it out. She requested a review made up of
impartial people, so group talks lead to sound decisions and not
to rely on an appointee for a balanced point of view.
4:19:15 PM
CHAIR REVAK closed public testimony on SB 64 after discerning
nobody else wanted to speak.
4:19:51 PM
SAM RABUNG, Director, Division of Commercial Fisheries, Alaska
Department of Fish and Game, Juneau, Alaska, provided feedback
on today's testimony regarding SB 64, specifically:
• ADFG owns Tukta Lagoon Bay Hatchery. It is not
leased and there is no $25 per month lease fee.
The hatchery is contracted to CIAA at no cost to
the state. The state maintains ownership of the
hatchery while CIAA operates it and pays
associated expenses.
• The internal review was written in 2006. Since
that time, ADFG worked with the operator to
resolve the internal review concerns. This issue
has been resolved in writing.
• All of the hatcheries that operate in the State
of Alaska as private nonprofits have been
individually reviewed; all of these documents are
published and available on the ADFG website. He
stated all hatcheries comply with statutes,
regulations, and policies.
• Straying is a valid concern which is why ADFG
established straying safeguards. He pointed out
that Prince William Sound king salmon releases
began in the mid-1970s. And since the mid-1990s,
the king salmon wild stock returned three of the
fourth highest wild stock returns in the entire
history of Prince William Sound in the last 10
years. So, while straying occurs, it does not
seem to have a significant negative effect on
natural productivity.
MR. RABUNG explained that SB 64 is primarily designed to enable
restoration, rehabilitation, and enhancement and he offered
these definitions:
• Restoration - bringing a depressed stock back to
its normal level of productivity that can be
naturally sustained; re-establishing a depleted
stock or an extirpated stock, so it returns to
its natural productivity.
• Enhancement providing additional harvestable
surplus above what can be naturally produced in
that area. So, if you stop the efforts, it drops
back down to normal levels of productivity. For
example, Kodiak king crab were overfished
coincident with a regime change. Those crab
stocks never recovered. They still exist in low
numbers, too low to have fisheries for well over
30 years. The only action ADFG can take is to
keep the fishery closed.
MR. RABUNG stated this bill gives ADFG another tool to restore,
rehabilitate and enhance stocks. This applies not only to king
crab in Kodiak, but abalone in Southeast, and razor clams in
Cook Inlet, all examples of projects that could be permitted if
this bill were to pass.
4:24:22 PM
GINNY ECKERT, Professor of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences,
University of Alaska, and Director, Alaska Sea Grant, Juneau,
Alaska, said she provided scientific input to this bill for
years and wanted to pass on some of her scientific work which
addresses concerns. She described her credentials which include
work on The Alaska King Crab Research and Rehabilitation Biology
Program, active for 10 years. The program produced 30 peer
reviewed publications which focus on aspects of king crab
biology. The publications are useful to understand king crab
biology and king crab fishery management in general, but equally
important is to understand potential detrimental impacts of
enhancement.
MS. ECKERT stated much of the programs work has been done in
Kodiak where king crab are not recovering. Outplanting
experiments have yet to produce naturally recurring recruitment.
So, there is evidence that king crab in Kodiak are recruitment
limited and this appears to be true in many other king crab
areas that have crashed. To better understand the lack of
recruitment, further research is needed, and this bill allows
the research to occur. The next phase of the project is to do
larger scale outplanting, but until this bill passes, that
project is on hold.
MS. ECKERT said she hears the environmental concerns. She agreed
restrictions are necessary; not just anything should be placed
in the ocean at any time. She stated that safety protocols and a
review period are written into the bill, both of which address
safety concerns. She stated she is happy to participate in the
process in the future to make sure enhancement is implemented in
a sustainable manner.
4:27:12 PM
CHAIR REVAK thanked the testifiers and asked if members had
questions.
4:27:23 PM
SENATOR MICCICHE stated that he shares Ms. Hillstrand's concerns
pertaining to pink salmon releases, however, he does not see the
connection between pink salmon releases and this shellfish
enhancement bill. He clarified that he does not speak against
Ms. Eckert's testimony, but views pink salmon releases and this
bill as two separate issues that are not directly related.
4:28:18 PM
SENATOR STEVENS harkened back to the robust king crab industry
in Kodiak 50 years ago that has since markedly declined. He
asked Ms. Eckert whether it is possible to restore king crab
fishing in an area like Kodiak.
MS. ECKERT answered that Russia and Norway introduced king crab
in the Barents Sea successfully in the 1960s. She stated that
she was uncertain how Russia and Norway did it, but larvae and
adults were released which resulted in a vibrant king crab
industry in both areas. Based on the successful king crab
fishery in the Barents Sea, it is possible the Kodiak king crab
industry has recovery potential. She emphasized that king crab
were not native to the Barents Sea, and she does not recommend
the release of non-native species into the environment.
4:30:32 PM
CHAIR REVAK found no further questions or comments and solicited
the will of the committee.
4:30:44 PM
SENATOR MICCICHE moved to report SB 64, work order 32-LS0421\A,
from committee with individual recommendations and attached
fiscal note(s).
4:30:58 PM
CHAIR REVAK found no objection and SB 64 was reported from the
Senate Resources Standing Committee.
4:31:04 PM
At ease.
4:32:23 PM
CHAIR REVAK reconvened the meeting.
4:32:49 PM
There being no further business to come before the committee,
Chair Revak adjourned the Senate Resources Standing Committee
meeting at 4:32 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| SJR08_UnivAK-Land-Grant_Summary-of-Changes_Version A to B.pdf |
SRES 3/15/2021 3:30:00 PM |
SJR 8 |
| SJR08_UnivAK_Landgrant_BillText_Version B.pdf |
SRES 3/15/2021 3:30:00 PM |
SJR 8 |
| SJR08_UnivAK_LandGrant_Research_Presentation_12March2021.pdf |
HRES 4/12/2021 1:00:00 PM SRES 3/15/2021 3:30:00 PM |
SJR 8 |
| SB 79 - Sectional Analysis version A.pdf |
SRES 3/15/2021 3:30:00 PM |
SB 79 |
| SB 79 - Sponsor Statement version A.pdf |
SRES 3/15/2021 3:30:00 PM |
SB 79 |
| SB064 Nancy Hillstrand oppose 2.22.21.pdf |
SRES 3/15/2021 3:30:00 PM |
SB 64 |
| SB 79 RHAK Support Letter Support 3.15.21.pdf |
SRES 3/15/2021 3:30:00 PM |
SB 79 |
| SB064 Milo Adkinson Oppose 3.15.21.pdf |
SRES 3/15/2021 3:30:00 PM |
SB 64 |