HB 143-NO REPEAL OF SPORT FISH GUIDE LICENSING 11:25:41 AM CHAIR EDGMON announced that the final order of business would be HOUSE BILL NO. 143, "An Act repealing the termination of licensing and regulation of sport fishing operators and sport fishing guides and licensing and registration of sport fishing vessels; and providing for an effective date." 11:25:54 AM REPRESENTATIVE KELLER moved to adopt HB 143, Version 26- LS0622\A. With no objection, Version A was before the committee. 11:26:42 AM CHARLIE SWANTON, Director, Division of Sport Fisheries, Alaska Department of Fish & Game (ADF&G), directed attention to the committee packet and the briefing document titled "Brief for HB 143: NO REPEAL OF SPORT FISH GUIDE LICENSE (Reauthorization of Sport Fish-Guide Licensing Legislation) March 10, 2009," that indicates the license fee requirements being maintained at current levels. It also provides background information, effected legislation, and companion regulations associated with HB 143. The second page includes the benefits and utility of the data, participation statistics, and information on the department's initiative to modernize to electronic reporting. 11:28:20 AM CHAIR EDGMON opened public testimony. 11:28:45 AM RICKY GEASE, Executive Director, Kenai River Sportfishing Association (KRSA), expressed support for HB 143, stating that log books are an important component of sustainable, responsible fisheries management. The KRSA supports the department's efforts to convert the gathered data for use via a modern analysis/reporting system. 11:29:23 AM KEN LARSON, Secretary, Prince Wales Sound Charter Boat Association (PWSCBA), stated opposition to HB 143, reading from a prepared statement, which read as follows [original punctuation provided]: When the Guide License fee was first introduced, many of us, including PWSCBA, were lead to believe that ADF&G was undergoing significant funding shortfalls and needed our help thru this and other measures, and it would help us Charter Operators with their support. As always, actions speak louder than words and once pro-COMFish Denby Lloyd was appointed commissioner it was obvious we made a mistake with our support. And Commissioner Lloyd obviously still supports the COMFish-sponsored Sport Fish Guide License Board, which we all feel is not required and ludicrous. If the COMFish folks were really serious about safety and professionalism they should support 100% US Coast Guard licensing of 100% of their COMFish vessel skippers, just like what is required for all of us Charter vessel operators. It appears that the guide license fees we are now forced to pay have created and financed an ADF&G data collection department that we don't derive any additional benefit from. The ADF&G-required Logbook administration requires more time from us charter operators that we should be reimbursed for also, IF ADF&G can collect a guide license fee. I am speaking for Prince William Sound Charter Boat Assn's 28-members and we request that the Guide License and Fee be allowed to Sunset in 2010 or better yet be eliminated now and our 2009 fee be rebated. In other words, we are AGAINST passage of HB-143, because we want the Guide License Fee to sunset. 11:31:10 AM MELVIN GROVE, stated opposition to HB 143, citing the lack of benefit received from providing the log book information, thus far. If a business man's tax is to be raised it could be done via other means, he opined. CHAIR EDGMON closed public testimony. 11:34:01 AM MR. SWANTON commented that the data gathered has been presented to the North Pacific Fishery Management Council, the International Pacific Halibut Commission, and to the Board of Fisheries on numerous occasion. He cited other uses of the data, within the department, and noted that the preliminary information from the log books is quality material. The department is working do determine the best means to move forward in reporting and utilizing the information. 11:36:08 AM REPRESENTATIVE BUCH asked how long the data has been collected. MR. SWANTON the log book data collection began in 1998 in the marine fisheries, and since 2004 in the freshwater fisheries. REPRESENTATIVE BUCH queried if there have been other reports/updates, or if the pending December report will be the first culmination of the data. MR. SWANTON responded that it is not the first culmination of the data. However, it will be the first opportunity to compare the two data collection methods to ascertain which is more precise and comprehensive as a data set for management purposes. 11:37:24 AM REPRESENTATIVE KAWASAKI referred to the department's brief and the listed benefits that the bill would provide. He asked whether the boat owner is not already bound to comply with United States Coast Guard requirements, and how the provisions of this bill would increase an operator's level of safety. MR. SWANTON answered that the reference to safety would be for insurance not previously required of sport fishing guides. REPRESENTATIVE KAWASAKI followed up, asking if there is an insurance requirement under the operator's business license. MR. SWANTON pointed out that the guide license requires CPR, first aid, and insurance; the business license may be different. 11:40:06 AM REPRESENTATIVE KELLER moved to report HB 143, Version 26- LS0622\A, out of committee with individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal notes. There being no objection, HB 143, Version A was reported from the House Special Committee on Fisheries. 11:40:31 AM