Legislature(2013 - 2014)CAPITOL 120
04/04/2013 10:00 AM House FISHERIES
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB98 | |
| Confirmation Hearing(s)|| Board of Fisheries | |
| HB98 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| *+ | HB 98 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
HB 98-SALMON ESCAPEMENT GOALS
10:05:57 AM
CHAIR SEATON announced that the first order of business would be
HOUSE BILL NO. 98, "An Act relating to escapement thresholds and
escapement goals for certain salmon stocks."
10:07:13 AM
REPRESENTATIVE NEUMAN, Alaska State Legislature, said HB 98 is
to address the lack of salmon returns throughout Alaskan waters.
Every region has issues and the bill directs the Alaska
Department of Fish & Game (ADF&G) to prioritize stocks of
concern. Further, it directs the Board of Fisheries (BOF) to
adopt in regulation specific management objectives for each
identified stock of concern. The department, in consultation
with the BOF, would set the management objective for that stock.
HB 98 stipulates that the objective must include a sustained
escapement threshold (SET) and an optimal escapement goal (OEG).
An escapement bar would be set for specific areas as well as a
sustainable escapement threshold.
10:14:09 AM
BRUCE KNOWLES, Chairman, Matanuska-Susitna Borough Fish and
Wildlife Commission, stated support for HB 98 and reported that
currently there are 11 stocks of concern, and the possibility of
six more becoming eligible in 2013 according to ADF&G.
Particular management is needed to ensure a higher escapement
goal to protect these stocks. The current escapement goals do
not meet the needs of the mixed stock returns in many areas, he
opined, as not enough adults of certain species are able to
return to the spawning ground sanctuaries. He pointed out that
an SET has yet to be established on any stream in Alaska, but it
is the point at which salmon will cease to populate an area. He
stressed the need for the department to have this managerial
tool as an option.
10:16:36 AM
REPRESENTATIVE NEUMAN said concerns have been expressed for the
optimal escapement goals because of the allocative factors;
however, the allocation will be handled by the BOF.
CHAIR SEATON announced that HB 98 would be held.
[The committee heard comments on HB 98 later in the meeting.]
10:21:47 AM
JOHN MCCOMBS voiced opposition to HB 98, and stated cautious
approval for the appointments of Tom Kluberton and Claude
Vincent Webster to the BOF. He opined that the plans the
appointees have configured to restrict the drift net fleet will
harm the fishery and the local economy. He indicated that the
state has funded the promotion of quality Alaskan salmon
products and restricting the fishery is a "cruel hoax."
Further, he reported that Ninilchik has not had a representative
from the area on the BOF for 30 years and neither of these
appointments will rectify the void. The Cook Inlet and Bristol
Bay fisheries are both unique to each other. The 2014 board
cycle will be addressing concerns from the Ninilchik area and he
suggested the meeting be held in Soldotna.