HB 218: REPEAL 58 FT. LIMIT FOR SEINE VESSELS Number 042 REPRESENTATIVE CARL MOSES, PRIME SPONSOR OF HB 218, explained that in 1970, the Alaska legislature banned the use of seine boats longer than 58 feet in order to keep larger boats from competing with small local vessels. He cited attempts in recent years to repeal the limit in an attempt to diversify the fisheries. If the restriction is repealed, he said, it would allow the same vessel to be used in salmon, groundfish and crab fisheries, rather than requiring separate vessels and increased expense. Number 065 REPRESENTATIVE MOSES noted that the restriction has resulted in giving much of Alaska's crab and groundfish to non- resident fisheries. With the pending implementation of the Individual Fishery Quota (IFQ) program, he said there is more reason to allow more participation for Alaskans in the fisheries. He explained changes made to HB 218 in the House Special Committee on Fisheries. He noted CSHB 218 (FSH) would ensure that length restrictions for salmon seine vessels would be determined by the Board of Fisheries on a regional basis. The board would have a three-year period to take up those restrictions, he said. REPRESENTATIVE MOSES mentioned the support for HB 218 given by the Southeast Seiners, the Alaska Peninsula and Aleutian Salmon Seiners Association. Number 098 REPRESENTATIVE CON BUNDE referred to areas where the 58-foot limit might be kept and asked under what circumstances that might happen. REPRESENTATIVE MOSES replied that he personally did not feel that it would be necessary, but that the Board of Fisheries would review the seine length requirements on a regional basis. Number 120 REPRESENTATIVE JOE GREEN asked why the 58-foot limit was established in the first place. REPRESENTATIVE MOSES explained that the intent was to keep out large boats from outside of Alaska. Because that is now regulated by the limited entry system, and because the limit is keeping residents from participating in other larger boats, the repeal is now seen as necessary, he said. Number 140 REPRESENTATIVE BUNDE asked if the 58-foot limit was seen as a safety factor in rough water. REPRESENTATIVE MOSES said that some 58-foot seiners had tried to participate in the Bering Sea bottom fisheries but sea conditions there made it too difficult, so some fishermen had bought larger boats for those fisheries. Because of the cost, many had bought older boats which have safety problems. Number 170 REPRESENTATIVE BUNDE MOVED to pass CSHB 218 (FSH) from committee with individual recommendations. He asked unanimous consent. CHAIRMAN WILLIAMS asked if there were any objections to the motion. Hearing none, the MOTION PASSED. CHAIRMAN WILLIAMS announced the next bill to be heard by the committee would be HJR 20.