Legislature(2023 - 2024)GRUENBERG 120
03/19/2024 10:00 AM House FISHERIES
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| SJR14 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| += | SJR 14 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 195 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HB 329 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
HOUSE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON FISHERIES
March 19, 2024
10:14 a.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Sarah Vance, Chair
Representative Kevin McCabe
Representative CJ McCormick
Representative Ben Carpenter
Representative Craig Johnson
Representative Louise Stutes
Representative Rebecca Himschoot
MEMBERS ABSENT
All members present
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 14
Calling on the United States Congress and all federal agencies
to adopt policies and engage in certain efforts to improve the
competitiveness and resiliency of the state's seafood industry.
- MOVED HCS SJR 14(FSH) OUT OF COMMITTEE
HOUSE BILL NO. 195
"An Act relating to the powers of the Alaska Commercial
Fisheries Entry Commission; relating to administrative areas for
regulation of certain commercial set net entry permits;
establishing a buy-back program for certain set net entry
permits; providing for the termination of state set net tract
leases under the buy-back program; closing certain water to
commercial fishing; and providing for an effective date."
- SCHEDULED BUT NOT HEARD
HOUSE BILL NO. 329
"An Act relating to state tideland leases; and relating to
aquatic farming or related hatchery operation site leases."
- BILL HEARING POSTPONED
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: SJR 14
SHORT TITLE: SUPPORT STATE SEAFOOD INDUSTRY
SPONSOR(s): SENATOR(s) BISHOP
02/15/24 (S) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
02/15/24 (S) FIN
02/23/24 (S) FIN AT 9:00 AM SENATE FINANCE 532
02/23/24 (S) Heard & Held
02/23/24 (S) MINUTE(FIN)
02/26/24 (S) FIN RPT 6DP
02/26/24 (S) DP: HOFFMAN, OLSON, WILSON, KIEHL,
MERRICK, BISHOP
02/26/24 (S) FIN AT 9:00 AM SENATE FINANCE 532
02/26/24 (S) Moved SJR 14 Out of Committee
02/26/24 (S) MINUTE(FIN)
02/28/24 (S) TRANSMITTED TO (H)
02/28/24 (S) VERSION: SJR 14
03/01/24 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
03/01/24 (H) FSH
03/05/24 (H) FSH AT 10:00 AM GRUENBERG 120
03/05/24 (H) Heard & Held
03/05/24 (H) MINUTE(FSH)
03/07/24 (H) FSH AT 10:00 AM GRUENBERG 120
03/07/24 (H) Heard & Held
03/07/24 (H) MINUTE(FSH)
03/12/24 (H) FSH AT 10:00 AM GRUENBERG 120
03/12/24 (H) -- MEETING CANCELED --
03/19/24 (H) FSH AT 10:00 AM GRUENBERG 120
WITNESS REGISTER
SENATOR CLICK BISHOP
Alaska State Legislature
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: As prime sponsor, answered questions
regarding SJR 14.
GREGG SMITH, Communications Director
Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions during the hearing on
SJR 14.
ACTION NARRATIVE
10:14:37 AM
CHAIR SARAH VANCE called the House Special Committee on
Fisheries meeting to order at 10:14 a.m. Representatives
McCabe, McCormick, Carpenter, C. Johnson, Stutes, and Vance were
present at the call to order. Representative Himschoot arrived
as the meeting was in progress.
SJR 14-SUPPORT STATE SEAFOOD INDUSTRY
10:15:24 AM
CHAIR VANCE announced that the only order of business would be
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 14, Calling on the United States
Congress and all federal agencies to adopt policies and engage
in certain efforts to improve the competitiveness and resiliency
of the state's seafood industry.
CHAIR CARPENTER moved to adopt Amendment 1 to SJR 14, labeled
33-LS1313\S.3, Gunther/Bullard, 3/12/24, which read as follows:
Page 2, line 29, following "seafood":
Insert "in a manner that is economically beneficial to
small fishing-related businesses and that provides the
highest quality of seafood for American families"
CHAIR VANCE objected for the purpose of discussion.
CHAIR VANCE explained that Amendment 1 would clarify that the
request addressed to federal agencies is to economically benefit
Alaska's fishing industry. The amendment emphasizes the high
value of Alaska's seafood.
CHAIR VANCE removed her objection. There being no further
objection, Amendment 1 was adopted.
10:16:47 AM
REPRESENTATIVE CARPENTER moved to adopt Amendment 2 to SJR 14,
labeled 33-LS1313\S.2, Bullard, 3/6/24, which read as follows:
Page 1, line 1:
Delete "Calling"
Insert "Affirming the commitment of the Alaska
State Legislature to supporting small fishing-related
businesses, families engaged in fishing, and the
preservation of the state's cultural way of life; and
calling"
Page 1, following line 4:
Insert new clauses to read:
"WHEREAS small fishing-related businesses, often
family-owned, are the backbone of the state's seafood
industry and contribute significantly to the economy
of the state; and
WHEREAS fishing is not merely an economic
activity, but a way of life for many families in the
state and deeply rooted in the cultural fabric of the
state; and
WHEREAS traditional knowledge and practices are
passed down through fishing, ensuring that future
generations may also benefit from the bounty of the
sea, while preserving the state's unique cultural
heritage; and
WHEREAS the sustainability of the state's
fisheries relies on the continuation of this cultural
tradition; and"
Page 2, following line 15:
Insert a new clause to read:
"BE IT RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature
affirms its commitment to supporting small fishing-
related businesses, families engaged in fishing, and
the preservation of the state's cultural way of life
associated with fishing and recognizes how small
fishing-related businesses, families engaged in
fishing, and the cultural way of life associated with
fishing contribute to the state's identity, the
state's economy, and the sustainability of the state's
seafood industry; and be it"
Page 2, line 16:
Delete "BE IT"
Insert "FURTHER"
CHAIR VANCE objected for the purpose of discussion.
REPRESENTATIVE CARPENTER explained his concern is that the
resolution addresses industrial type of fishing. He sees the
resolution as a request for the federal government to get
involved in Alaska's fishing industry which would be a threat to
traditional family-operated businesses. Amendment 2 would
change the title of the bill slightly and make changes in the
body of the bill. It emphasizes the resolution's intent to
support traditional family businesses and Alaska's way of life.
10:19:22 AM
REPRESENTATIVE STUTES agreed with intent of amendment but said
she thinks it should be a separate resolution. She expressed
concern about calling out one sector over another. She agreed
that small fishermen are a lot of the backbone of Alaska's
fishing industry but so are processors. She posed the question,
"If we didn't have processors, the fishermen wouldn't have any
place to take the fish."
REPRESENTATIVE HIMSCHOOT expressed similar concerns saying, "The
whole thing is on fire right now, and I don't want to put out
one part of the fire; I want to put out the whole fire." She
explained that she felt the original resolution is inclusive of
everyone. The original resolution does include the whole
industry, including processors. She liked the concept of the
amendment but said she would like to see it as a separate
resolution.
10:22:00 AM
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE asked to hear from the bill sponsor.
10:22:24 AM
SENATOR CLICK BISHOP, Alaska State Legislature, as prime sponsor
of SJR 14, said he understood the intent of Representative
Carpenter's amendment. In response to the discussion, he
briefly described his background in the fishing industry and
said he could see both sides of the discussion.
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE explained he could also see it both ways.
10:23:46 AM
REPRESENTATIVE HIMSCHOOT asked whether Amendment 2 could be
revised to add processors to the language.
REPRESENTATIVE STUTES suggested that Representative Carpenter's
amendment be made into a separate resolution indicating that
[Alaska] supports fishermen and processors. She opined that it
would have more weight as a standalone resolution.
CHAIR VANCE agreed with the sponsor that the language in SJR 14
could include small processors. She said she would like to see
support from the federal government to include the fishing
industry as part of the agriculture program. It is important to
emphasize small businesses as the backbone of Alaska's fishing
industry.
10:26:43 AM
SENATOR BISHOP pointed out that as a small fish processor, he
sold to large processors, and the large processors were also
important to Alaska's fishing industry.
REPRESENTATIVE C. JOHNSON asked whether [Amendment 2] would
diminish the underlying intent of original resolution.
SENATOR BISHOP responded that is possible.
10:28:10 AM
REPRESENTATIVE CARPENTER referred to language in SJR 14 which
asks that the United States Department of Agriculture treat
Alaska's seafood industry similarly to land-based farming. He
emphasized that small farmers in the United States are in crisis
because of industrial farming. He described a scenario in which
the seafood industry in Alaska is taken over by a centralized,
government-run seafood industry. He suggested that care must be
taken and referred to Pacific seafood processors trawling in the
Gulf of Alaska.
10:33:44 AM
REPRESENTATIVE STUTES asked to clear up a misconception.
Pacific seafood processors are shore-based processors rather
than at-sea processors. She pointed out that fishing is a
supply of food as is farming and posited that Alaska's seafood
industry should be eligible for loans, grants, and the same
types of programs available to farmers. The crux of this
resolution is that Alaska processors and fishermen are in the
business of supplying food and should have access to the same
programs as farmers.
REPRESENTATIVE CARPENTER highlighted that [Amendment 2]
emphasized the same level of support for small businesses and
small fishermen as big corporations receive. He thinks if large
businesses receive subsidies, then small businesses should, as
well.
CHAIR VANCE removed her objection to Amendment 2 and asked
whether there was further objection.
REPRESENTATIVE STUTES objected.
10:38:08 AM
A roll call vote was taken. Representatives McCabe, McCormick,
Carpenter, C. Johnson, Himschoot, and Vance voted in favor of
Amendment 2. Representative Stutes voted against it.
Therefore, Amendment 2 was adopted by a vote of 6-1.
10:39:00 AM
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE moved to adopt Amendment 3 to SJR 14,
labeled 33-LS1313\S.1, Bullard, 3/5/24, which read as follows:
Page 3, line 27, following "Commerce;":
Insert "Barry Thom, Executive Director, Pacific States
Marine Fisheries Commission;"
CHAIR VANCE objected for the purpose of discussion.
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE explained that the amendment would add
Barry Thom, the executive director of the Pacific States Marine
Fisheries Commission, to the list of addressees.
CHAIR VANCE removed her objection. There being no further
objection, Amendment 3 was adopted.
10:40:06 AM
REPRESENTATIVE CARPENTER moved to adopt Amendment 4 to SJR 14,
labeled 33-LS1313\S.4, Bullard, 3/18/24, which read as follows:
Page 2, lines 21 - 23:
Delete all material and insert:
"FURTHER RESOLVED that the Alaska State Legislature
urges the United States Department of Agriculture to
include seafood harvesting and processing businesses
in all programs that support American food producers;
and be it"
REPRESENTATIVE VANCE objected for the purpose of discussion.
10:40:31 AM
CHAIR VANCE explained Amendment 4 would clarify language asking
that the seafood industry be recognized on an equal playing
field with other American food producers.
REPRESENTATIVE HIMSCHOOT explained that she had no objection to
the amendment but asked whether it could be added as a "further
resolved".
CHAIR VANCE explained that the language of Amendment 4 defined a
clearer purpose by specifying that the Department of Agriculture
recognize the seafood industry as food producers.
10:43:31 AM
REPRESENTATIVE C. JOHNSON commented that sometimes the
Department of Agriculture pays farmers not to work such as the
corn farmers in Kansas and inquired whether the committee wants
such a program for fishermen.
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE responded that in Kansas farmers have to
plant the corn. In Bristol Bay fish aren't planted, and fishing
depends on the vagaries of whichever fish are out there.
REPRESENTATIVE C. JOHNSON noted that he was unsure of the
difference between the two examples.
10:46:10 AM
GREGG SMITH, Communications Director, Alaska Seafood Marketing
Institute (ASMI), explained that the intent of the resolution is
to provide support for Alaska's congressional delegation as it
are advocates for the seafood industry throughout the federal
government for the creation or enhancement of programs that
would help Alaskans.
10:47:27 AM
REPRESENTATIVE C. JOHNSON emphasized for the record that it is
the intent of this committee that nothing diminish or deter the
harvesting of seafood.
10:48:06 AM
REPRESENTATIVE CARPENTER inquired about the farmed fish which
are cheaper and more efficient to harvest. He pointed to the
risk they pose to wild salmon.
SENATOR BISHOP observed that this was a great conversation, but
at the end of the day, it is a resolution. Everyone has good
intentions, and the seafood industry, the fishermen, and
processors will help drive the debate in Washington, D.C., as
policy is being set.
10:51:18 AM
CHAIR VANCE commented that if the federal government took a
position that farmed fish was a more efficient way to feed
people, it would be waging war directly on Alaska fisheries.
Alaska does not produce farmed fish, and approximately 54
percent of the seafood in the U.S. is from Alaska. The mandate
for ASMI is to market wild seafood. This resolution simply asks
that the tools within the Department of Agriculture be made
available to businesses in Alaska.
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE commented he would be happy if this
resolution simply caused Trade Ambassador Tai to put Alaska
seafood on her website.
10:53:39 AM
CHAIR VANCE removed her objection to Amendment 4. There being
no further objection, Amendment 4 was adopted.
10:54:07 AM
CHAIR VANCE stated that SJR 14, as amended, was before the
committee.
REPRESENTATIVE CARPENTER explained that he would let his
previous comments on the resolution stand.
REPRESENTATIVE STUTES interpreted the resolution to say the USDA
offers a lot of programs, and fishermen are farmers also, thus
they should be able to participate in those programs.
10:55:29 AM
REPRESENTATIVE CARPENTER moved to report SJR 14, as amended, out
of committee with individual recommendations and the
accompanying fiscal notes and to give Legislative Legal Services
permission to make all necessary technical and conforming
changes. There being no objection, HCS SJR 14(FSH) was reported
out of the House Special Committee on Fisheries.
10:56:03 AM
The committee took an at-ease from 10:56 a.m. to 11:02 a.m.
11:02:49 AM
CHAIR VANCE announced the hearing on HB 329 would be postponed.
11:03:46 AM
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the committee, the House
Special Committee on Fisheries meeting was adjourned at 11:03
a.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| SJR 14 - Amendment #1 (S.3) by Rep. Vance.pdf |
HFSH 3/19/2024 10:00:00 AM |
SJR 14 |
| SJR 14 - Amendment #2 (S.2) by Rep. Carpenter.pdf |
HFSH 3/19/2024 10:00:00 AM |
SJR 14 |
| SJR 14 - Amendment #3 (S.1) by Rep. McCabe.pdf |
HFSH 3/19/2024 10:00:00 AM |
SJR 14 |
| SJR 14 - Amendment #4 (S.4) by Rep. Vance.pdf |
HFSH 3/19/2024 10:00:00 AM |
SJR 14 |
| HB 329 - Amendment #2 (R.4) by Rep. Himschoot.pdf |
HFSH 3/19/2024 10:00:00 AM |
HB 329 |
| HB 329 - Amendment #3 (R.2) by Rep. Stutes.pdf |
HFSH 3/19/2024 10:00:00 AM |
HB 329 |
| HB 329 - Amendment #4 (R.1) by Rep. Stutes.pdf |
HFSH 3/19/2024 10:00:00 AM |
HB 329 |
| HB 329 - Amendment #5 (R.3) by Rep. Himschoot.pdf |
HFSH 3/19/2024 10:00:00 AM |
HB 329 |