Legislature(2025 - 2026)GRUENBERG 120
04/24/2025 10:00 AM House FISHERIES
Note: the audio ![]()
and video ![]()
recordings are distinct records and are obtained from different sources. As such there may be key differences between the two. The audio recordings are captured by our records offices as the official record of the meeting and will have more accurate timestamps. Use the icons to switch between them.
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| Board of Fisheries | |
| HB199 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| *+ | HB 199 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| += | HCR 1 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED | ||
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
HOUSE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON FISHERIES
April 24, 2025
10:04 a.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Louise Stutes, Chair
Representative Bryce Edgmon, Vice Chair
Representative Rebecca Himschoot
Representative Chuck Kopp
Representative Kevin McCabe
Representative Sarah Vance
Representative Bill Elam
MEMBERS ABSENT
All members present
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
CONFIRMATION HEARING(S):
Board of Fisheries
Thomas Carpenter - Cordova
Olivia Henaayee Irwin - Nenana
- CONFIRMATION(S) ADVANCED
HOUSE BILL NO. 199
"An Act relating to the Department of Commerce, Community, and
Economic Development; relating to the Alaska Commercial Fishing
and Agriculture Bank; relating to certain loans made by the
Alaska Commercial Fishing and Agriculture Bank; and providing
for an effective date."
- HEARD & HELD
HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 1
Establishing the Joint Legislative Task Force on Sport Fishing
Service Providers in Southeast Alaska.
- BILL HEARING CANCELED
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
BILL: HB 199
SHORT TITLE: AK COMMERCIAL FISHING & AG BANK; LOANS
SPONSOR(s): FISHERIES BY REQUEST OF TASK FORCE EVAL ALASKA
SEAFOOD INDUSTRY
04/16/25 (H) READ THE FIRST TIME - REFERRALS
04/16/25 (H) FSH, FIN
04/24/25 (H) FSH AT 10:00 AM GRUENBERG 120
WITNESS REGISTER
THOMAS CARPENTER, Appointee
Cordova, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: As appointee, gave testimony about the
Board of Fisheries and his qualifications and interest to the
board.
KATIE HARMS, representing self
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Gave public testimony regarding the absence
of coastal representation on the Board of Fisheries.
ROBERT MACK, representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of Tom Carpenter's
appointment to the Board of Fisheries.
SAM MUTCH, representing self
Kodiak, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of Tom Carpenter's
appointment to the Board of Fisheries.
BOB MURPHY, Executive Director
Concerned Area M Fishermen
Kodiak, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of Tom Carpenter's
appointment to the Board of Fisheries.
GARY HOLLIER, representing self
Kenai, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of Tom Carpenter's
appointment to the Board of Fisheries.
DAN MACDONALD, representing self
Bellingham, Washington
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of Tom Carpenter's
appointment to the Board of Fisheries.
KIM LANDEEN, Co-Executive Director
Southeast Alaska Guides Organization
Ketchikan, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of Tom Carpenter's
appointment to the Board of Fisheries.
OLIVIA HENAAYEE IRWIN, Appointee
Nenana, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: As appointee, gave testimony about the
Board of Fisheries and her qualifications and interest to the
board.
GARY HOLLIER, representing self
Kenai, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of Olivia Irwin's
appointment to the Board of Fisheries.
CRAIG THYTHLOOK, Fisheries Policy Director
Native Peoples Action
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of Olivia Irwin's
appointment to the Board of Fisheries.
GRACY KIRKEY, representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of Olivia Irwin's
appointment to the Board of Fisheries.
MATTHEW LOHRSTORFER, representing self
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of Olivia Irwin's
appointment to the Board of Fisheries.
DONALD STILES, representing self
Nome, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of Olivia Irwin's
appointment to the Board of Fisheries.
JOEL JACKSON, President
Organized Village of Kake
Kake, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of Olivia Irwin's
appointment to the Board of Fisheries.
ROCHELLE ADAMS, representing self
Beaver, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of Olivia Irwin's
appointment to the Board of Fisheries.
SHANNON MARTIN, Executive Director
Kenai River Sportfishing Association
Soldotna, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of Olivia Irwin's
appointment to the Board of Fisheries.
EVA BURK, Science and Policy Lead
Yukon River Intertribal Fish Commission
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of Olivia Irwin's
appointment to the Board of Fisheries.
PHIL DOHERTY, Executive Director
Southeast Alaska Seiners Association
Ketchikan, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified regarding concerns of the absence
of a Southeast Alaska affiliated Board of Fisheries member.
KELSI IVANOFF, representing self
Unalakleet, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of Olivia Irwin's
appointment to the Board of Fisheries.
AL BARRETTE, representing self
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of Olivia Irwin's
appointment to the Board of Fisheries.
VIRGIL UMPHENOUR, representing self
North Pole, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of Olivia Irwin's
appointment to the Board of Fisheries.
Kyle Neumann, Staff
Representative Louise Stutes
Alaska State Legislature
POSITION STATEMENT: Presented HB 199, sponsored by the House
Special Committee on Fisheries at the request of the Joint
Legislative Taskforce Evaluating Alaska's Seafood Industry.
SHARON LECHNER, President
Alaska Commercial Fishing and Agriculture Bank
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Gave invited testimony in support of HB
199.
ACTION NARRATIVE
10:04:46 AM
CHAIR LOUISE STUTES called the House Special Committee on
Fisheries meeting to order at 10:04 a.m. Representatives Vance,
Kopp, Edgmon, and Stutes were present at the call to order.
Representatives McCabe, Elam, and Himschoot arrived as the
meeting was in progress.
^CONFIRMATION HEARING(S):
CONFIRMATION HEARING(S):
^BOARD OF FISHERIES
BOARD OF FISHERIES
10:05:44 AM
CHAIR STUTES announced that the first order of business would be
the confirmation hearings on the governor's appointees to the
Board of Fisheries.
10:07:13 AM
The committee took an at-ease from 10:07 a.m. to 10:11 a.m.
10:11:21 AM
THOMAS CARPENTER, Appointee, gave testimony about the Board of
Fisheries and his qualifications and interest to the board. He
thanked the committee for the opportunity to speak and the
governor for both his current nomination and his previous
nomination from three years ago. He noted that for the past two
years, he has served as vice chair of the Board of Fisheries.
As part of his tenure, he chaired the Herring Revitalization
Committee, leading discussions on the state's herring fishery
challenges. Additionally, he was involved in the Alaska Salmon
Research Task Force, a collaborative effort focused on
identifying critical research needs specific to Alaska's salmon
populations. He originally sought appointment and now seeks
reappointment due to his strong commitment to addressing the
critical fisheries issues affecting communities statewide.
Through his work on the board, he has gained significant
knowledge and believes that effective problem-solving requires
collaboration, compromise, and negotiation among user groups.
MR. CARPENTER noted that among his key projects, he played a
significant role in the development of the Nushagak River King
Salmon Action Plan, working with user groups and the Alaska
Department of Fish & Game (ADF&G) to establish regulatory
language aimed at increasing king salmon populations. He
emphasized the importance of the species not only to commercial
fishing but also to subsistence users and the sport industry.
He also contributed to the creation of the Kvichak Special
Harvest Area, which addressed the absence of a mechanism for
harvesting sockeye in the Kvichak River when Naknek sockeye
forecasts were low. Additionally, as chair of the Herring
Revitalization Committee, he led discussions aimed at refining
regulations and management strategies for underutilized herring
fisheries in Kodiak and Prince William Sound, fostering market
expansion and utilization efforts, some of which have already
shown positive results. He thanked that committee for allowing
his testimony and welcomed any questions.
10:17:06 AM
CHAIR STUTES opened public testimony on the confirmation hearing
of Tom Carpenter.
10:17:45 AM
KATIE HARMS, representing self, gave public testimony regarding
the absence of coastal representation on the Board of Fisheries.
She advocated for candidates that are long-term residents of
communities in which fishing is the primary economic driver.
She commented that Mr. Carpenter is the only current Board of
Fisheries member who resides in a community that had fishing as
its main economic driver. She said there is a lot of
representation from the Greater Anchorage area and this comes
with minimal understanding of marine sport, marine commercial,
marine subsistence, or marine personal-use fishing, and the
associated gear types and target species.
MS. HARMS noted that this was the first time in 50 years that
there was not a Southeast Alaska member of the Board of
Fisheries for a full cycle. She remarked that previously from
1975 to 2023 there had been at least one Southeast board member.
She asked the committee to reconsider adding members to the
board that are from "fishing towns." She said that if there was
a Southeast member in the cue then consider moving them up in
the list. She said a couple of pertinent interview questions
for appointees could be whether they could describe how a slinky
pot works, the differences between a gillnet, seine, troll, and
trawl vessel, and lastly, whether they had ever touched a sea
cucumber.
10:20:51 AM
ROBERT MACK, representing self, testified in support of Tom
Carpenter's appointment to the Board of Fisheries. He said that
he has been commercial fishing for as long as he could remember
and grew up doing it with his family. He said that Mr.
Carpenter is fair and equitable for all user groups in fishing
communities, whether this was sport, commercial, personal-use or
commercial.
10:22:05 AM
SAM MUTCH, representing self, testified in support of Tom
Carpenter's appointment to the Board of Fisheries. He said that
he has been attending Board of Fisheries meetings since 1988 and
for the last two years he had attended two different meetings
with Mr. Carpenter present. He said that Mr. Carpenter has
great attention to detail and can help recognize them when
making regulations. He said that Mr. Carpenter has also taken
time to work with user groups and develop solutions to help
concerned users.
10:23:26 AM
BOB MURPHY, Executive Director, Concerned Area M Fishermen,
testified in support of Tom Carpenter's appointment to the Board
of Fisheries. He said that Concerned Area M Fishermen
represents around 105 commercial salmon fishermen who operate
near King Salmon. He said that the group is supportive of Mr.
Carpenter's reappointment. He noted that Mr. Carpenter was
knowledgeable about subsistence, sport, commercial, and
personal-use fisheries throughout the state. He noted that he
is approachable, experienced, and willing to listen to any user
group when making science-led decisions.
10:24:49 AM
GARY HOLLIER, representing self, testified in support of Tom
Carpenter's appointment to the Board of Fisheries. He said that
he has dealt with the Board of Fisheries for five decades,
typically regarding Cook Inlet issues. He said that he thinks
that a good member cannot come with a party line and looks at
the science and tries to find middle ground on tough issues. He
said that Cook Inlet meetings are highly contentious, and Mr.
Carpenter always strives for the middle ground. He said that
even while fighting COVID-19, Mr. Carpenter sought board
decisions that fostered the best interests for all user groups.
10:26:25 AM
DAN MACDONALD, representing self, testified in support of Tom
Carpenter's appointment to the Board of Fisheries. He said that
he has been a commercial fishing permit holder since 1979 and
when younger he was more active in fish politics and would
attend Board of Fisheries meetings. He said that when
previously dealing with a contentious issue, without Mr.
Carpenter's efforts it is doubtful that a positive resolution
would have been received. He said that he has never met him
personally but when considering Board of Fisheries members over
the years, Mr. Carpenter stands out. He noted that Mr.
Carpenter is not objective, does not take sides, tries to get
people together, and is an excellent mediator.
10:28:46 AM
KIM LANDEEN, Co-Executive Director, Southeast Alaska Guides
Organization, said that the Southeast Alaska Guides Organization
(SEAGO) represents more than 300 charter fishing operations and
roughly half of the state's guided saltwater activity. She
talked about the benefits and scale of Southeast guiding
operations and has an interest in who sits on the Board of
Fisheries. She said that SEAGO has often found themselves on
opposite sides of allocation decisions but has found Mr.
Carpenter to be very approachable and responsive to concerns.
She said that a regional example would be Mr. Carpenter's
growing understanding of the complexity of Southeast Alaska's
king salmon fishery and without a Southeast affiliated Board of
Fisheries member, he has shown knowledge in this fishery. She
said that while SEAGO may not always agree on his positions,
they appreciate his ability to explain different perspectives
and nuances of other user groups.
10:31:54 AM
CHAIR STUTES, after ascertaining there was no one else who
wished to testify, closed public testimony on Tom Carpenter's
confirmation hearing.
10:32:04 AM
REPRESENTATIVE EDGMON stated that the House Special Committee on
Fisheries has reviewed the qualifications of the governor's
appointee, Thomas Carpenter, to the Alaska Board of Fisheries,
and recommends that his name be forwarded to a joint session for
confirmation.
CHAIR STUTES reminded members that a signature on the report
does not reflect intent of any members to vote for or against
the appointee.
10:32:55 AM
The committee took an at-ease from 10:32 a.m. to 10:33 a.m.
10:36:22 AM
CHAIR STUTES invited Olivia Irwin to speak.
10:36:34 AM
OLIVIA HENAAYEE IRWIN, Appointee, gave testimony about the Board
of Fisheries and her qualifications and interest to the board.
She noted that she comes from a long line of fishermen and her
family has deep roots along the Tanana River, the Koyukuk River,
and the Kobuk River Valley. Much of her childhood was spent
between her mother's home state of Missouri and Alaska,
returning to Alaska in the summers to participate in Fish Camp.
What initially seemed like Fish Camp was a profound cultural
experience where she first learned to cut and prepare fish,
harvest properly, and develop a deep connection to the practice.
MS. IRWIN remarked that she earned a bachelor's degree from
Pomona College in Claremont, California, and later returned to
Alaska to begin working in natural resources and private
nonprofits. Currently serving as the policy coordinator for the
Yukon River Drainage Fisheries Association, she feels honored to
be present today. She deeply appreciates the representatives
and staff she had the opportunity to meet in Juneau and, despite
hearings not being held in person at the time, found the trip to
be well worth it. Hailing from the Interior, with ties to the
Tanana River, which feeds into the Yukon, she is motivated to
put her name forward for the Board of Fish to prevent the
decline of salmon across the state. With salmon populations
dwindling, she understands firsthand the hardships faced by
communities, particularly the reduction of commercial fishing
opportunities. Her goal is to contribute to decisions that
benefit all users statewide. Over time, she has built a broad
network of fishermen and policy specialists, and despite coming
from the Interior, she remains deeply committed to understanding
the needs of users across Alaska.
MS. IRWIN noted that her journey began after attending a Board
of Fisheries meeting, where she quickly immersed herself in
policy creation. The accessibility of the process was eye-
opening; it reinforced her belief that as a member of the public
and a stakeholder, recommendations to management were both
possible and necessary. Now, she hopes to continue promoting
this engagement in her role. Above all, she is dedicated to
ensuring sustainable salmon runs for future generations,
safeguarding the health of Alaska's fisheries for all users in
perpetuity.
10:40:29 AM
REPRESENTATIVE VANCE noted that on Ms. Irwin's resume, she
stated that she wishes for decriminalization of subsistence
practices and asked for an elaboration.
MS. IRWIN responded that unfortunately there exists within
Alaska the inability for folks to feed themselves, urban or
rural. She said that often it is because stocks are in such
decline. She said that for communities off the road system,
food must come in by boat or air. She said that one of her
priorities would uphold the subsistence priority while
considering other users.
10:42:05 AM
CHAIR STUTES remarked that she had listened to a podcast in
which Ms. Irwin was a participant, The Northern Hunter. She
said that she had a few questions regarding the way commercial
fishing and fish hatcheries were characterized on the podcast.
She said that sustainability and the ethics of commercial
fishing were brought up and she was quite surprised by some of
the comments. She quoted the podcast and said that "commercial
fishing is akin to the fur trade or the extinction of the bison
in the Lower-48" and "commercial fishing is about making a quick
buck at the expense of the resource." Chair Stutes said that
this was not the way that her constituents view commercial
fishing and fishing is generational; it sustains and supports
local families and their way of life. She asked how Ms. Irwin
views commercial fishing and its role in the state.
MS. IRWIN responded that she acknowledged the critical nature
and cultural impact to the fishing communities throughout the
state. She said that they are a user group and following
allocative criteria was necessary with science. She said that
commercial fishing supports food security in Alaska and intends
for Alaskans to continue to feed themselves. When considering
any allocation, usually the state economy is favored, and she
would ensure while in deliberations, that those two allocative
criteria are recognized, as well as the historical and cultural
importance of commercial fishing.
10:44:50 AM
REPRESENTATIVE HIMSCHOOT asked Ms. Irwin if she could talk about
the role of hatcheries in Alaska.
MS. IRWIN responded that as she understands hatcheries are to
help rebuild stocks and many salmon populations have been
decimated. The purpose was to increase opportunity for users.
REPRESENTATIVE HIMSCHOOT told her that it might be helpful to
learn about pink salmon hatchery cycles as well. She said that
her region is heavy commercial fishing, she asked what actions
Ms. Irwin intended to take to support and ensure sustainability.
MS. IRWIN responded that until she is sitting at the board with
a proposal in front of her, she would not be able to say what
she would do as it would require interactions with user groups.
She said that at this time there is not a single answer to solve
the issue to ensure run sustainability. She noted that ensuring
runs of high abundance for future generations was imperative.
REPRESENTATIVE HIMSCHOOT said that she appreciates the
perspectives that she would bring to the board. Following up
with previous testimony and asked if she could differentiate
trollers, trawlers, seiners, and slinky pots and whether she has
interacted with this equipment.
MS. IRWIN responded that she had never touched a slinky pot or
sea cucumber. Furthermore, the other gear types were types that
she has never used. She said that seines are nets that "swoop
in a circle" to catch fish closer to the beach. The gill nets
were further out where the head of fish get caught. Then the
trollers were fishing vessels that hang more than one fishing
line. She said that she had a lot to learn about the various
gear types, but she has a network of support to help her learn.
10:49:05 AM
CHAIR STUTES asked what regions of the state Ms. Irwin had
participated in fishery issues.
MS. IRWIN responded that she had engaged with fisheries issues
at the statewide level in the interior region. She had
participated in nonstate management as well and personally
fished on "the Kenai."
10:49:49 AM
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE asked for Ms. Irwin's opinion on what was
more important, the resource or the stakeholder.
MS. IRWIN responded that this was difficult to answer since the
stakeholders were not unimportant, but her priority would be the
resource since it upholds the ability to provide opportunities
for Alaskans. She wanted to conserve and develop the resource
for Alaska and would focus on long-term sustainability.
10:51:36 AM
CHAIR STUTES asked whether Ms. Irwin supported federal
management of salmon resources more than state management.
MS. IRWIN said that she would represent state interests and the
states perspectives of management. She said that the "checked
board" model does not work, and the state needs to come to a
place where management is clearer for user groups.
CHAIR STUTES asked Ms. Irwin, if appointed to the board, whether
she would consider herself filling a subsistence seat.
MS IRWIN said that she would consider herself filling a
"subsistence sport seat."
10:52:31 AM
REPRESENTATIVE ELAM, looking through Ms. Irwin's diverse list of
support, asked how she would plan to navigate the waters of the
varying groups.
MS. IRWIN responded that it would involve listening to the
stakeholders. She said that it would be assuming that she would
not have any more information than they would. She recognized
her limited knowledge in various fishing methods, and it was
important to listen to stakeholders that use these methods.
When it comes to a decision, the board must follow regulations
by statute and the allocative criteria.
10:54:31 AM
CHAIR STUTES said that Alaska's hatchery program has been argued
by some to be a direct cause of the decline of Interior and
Western Alaska salmon stocks; however, the science does not
support these claims. She noted that ADF&G finds many hatchery
programs sustainable. She asked Ms. Irwin whether she had any
opinions regarding hatchery programs.
MS. IRWIN said that she believed that there are cumulative
impacts that harm fish populations on the Yukon River. She said
that there are cumulative impacts at play. She said that the
Board of Fisheries has a role in hatchery management and most of
those decisions she would leave to the legislature and the
Private Nonprofit Hatchery program to ensure they run as they
should.
10:56:04 AM
REPRESENTATIVE HIMSCHOOT said that there were some points of
interest on her resume, and it reminded her of a partnership.
She asked Ms. Irwin whether she had anyone help her prepare for
engagement in an advisory council (AC) or Board of Fisheries
deliberations. She asked whether she ever had an advantage of a
class like this.
MS. IRWIN said that she is here because of the support that has
been provided to her by mentors. She said that the University
of Alaska Fairbanks has partnered with the Tanana Chiefs
Conference to offer classes and help people prepare for fish
related deliberations. She said that she had the opportunity to
attend a couple of these classes. She said that she attended
this course prior to attending a Board of Fisheries meeting.
10:58:25 AM
CHAIR STUTES asked when Ms. Irwin moved back to Alaska.
MS. IRWIN replied that she moved back to Alaska in 2020.
10:58:36 AM
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE said that the classes were admirable, and
he took a speech class from "Professor Gary Stevens" when he was
younger. He wanted to speak about the hatcheries and last year
there was a bill, House Bill 169. He said that this allowed a
return to the "early way" of doing hatcheries in a five-gallon
bucket opposed to larger hatcheries. He asked whether Ms. Irwin
would favor either method. He said that in discussions with the
Knik Tribe, they felt that it was a good bill.
MS. IRWIN responded that she would leave legislative bills to
the legislature and her role would be allocative. She said that
she would follow any statute. She said that she has not engaged
with stakeholders on this issue.
11:00:32 AM
CHAIR STUTES opened public testimony on the confirmation hearing
for Olivia Irwin to the Board of Fisheries.
11:00:48 AM
GARY HOLLIER, representing self, testified in support of Olivia
Irwin's appointment to the Board of Fisheries. He said that
Upper Cook Inlet has been declared a federal disaster in the
past years and the fishery was in "dire straits." He said that
it alarms him that Ms. Irwin would represent subsistence and
sportsman on the board. He said that a good board member needs
to come in with an open mind and listen to all the science and
facts. He said that in 2024 there were two test fish sites that
caught 20,000 sockeye salmon on the east side and killed no
kings. He said that it is a new and upcoming fishery, and he
wished Ms. Irwin would be supportive of new methods to assist
the historic history of the Upper Cook Inlet fisheries. He said
that he hoped Ms. Irwin would look at the science.
11:02:39 AM
CRAIG THYTHLOOK, Fisheries Policy Director, Native Peoples
Action, testified in support of Olivia Irwin's appointment to
the Board of Fisheries. He is a lifelong resident of Bristol
Bay and serves as the Fisheries Policy Director for Native
Peoples Action. His family has long relied on the region's
resources, and since the early 2000s, he has managed his
mother's drift fishing operation. Native Peoples Action, a
statewide, nonpartisan organization, works to protect and
restore Alaska Native rights to hunt, fish, harvest, and steward
their homelands for future abundance. The organization strongly
supports Olivia Irwin's appointment to the Alaska Board of
Fisheries. Through her leadership roles including Co-Chair of
FNG, policy coordinator for the Yukon Drainage Fishermen's
Association, and nomination to the Eastern Interior Regional
Advisory Council she has demonstrated a collaborative approach
and the ability to work with commercial fishermen, subsistence
users, and personal-use harvesters. Her constructive, solution-
driven engagement makes her an ideal candidate. Native Peoples
Action believes Ms. Irwin's appointment will bring fresh
perspectives and innovative problem-solving, ensuring the long-
term health and prosperity of Alaska's fisheries. The
organization appreciates the consideration of its recommendation
and is confident Ms. Irwin will be a tremendous asset to the
Board of Fisheries.
11:05:18 AM
GRACY KIRKEY, representing self, testified in support of Olivia
Irwin's appointment to the Board of Fisheries. She opined that
Olivia is fair and honest, treating all user groups with
respect. She thoroughly researches issues, takes the necessary
time to make informed decisions, and is extremely generous with
her efforts. She values public testimony and truly listens,
ensuring every voice is considered. Olivia does not shy away
from answering or asking difficult questions. Alaskans would
experience a great loss if Olivia were not appointed to the
Board of Fisheries.
11:06:06 AM
MATTHEW LOHRSTORFER, representing self, testified in support of
Olivia Irwin's appointment to the Board of Fisheries. He was a
Bristol-based permit holder for many years and is a personal-use
fisherman. He strongly supports the appointment of Olivia Irwin
to the Board of Fisheries. Having participated in meetings with
Olivia, Matthew has observed her ability to facilitate
discussions that allow all sides to be heard, as well as her
exceptional critical thinking skills. Her approach is
thoughtful, constructive, and inclusive. Matthew believes
Olivia's appointment would be a tremendous asset, bringing fresh
perspectives and leadership as a young Native leader.
11:06:45 AM
DONALD STILES, representing self, testified in support of Olivia
Irwin's appointment to the Board of Fisheries. He grew up as a
commercial and subsistence fisherman on the Yukon River and now
fished for red king crab. He believed that Ms. Irwin would be
the "best deployment" that is currently available.
11:07:50 AM
JOEL JACKSON, President, Organized Village of Kake, testified in
support of Olivia Irwin's appointment to the Board of Fisheries.
He said that she was well informed and would make a good
addition to the board.
11:08:48 AM
ROCHELLE ADAMS, representing self, testified in support of
Olivia Irwin's appointment to the Board of Fisheries. Her
people have fished along the Yukon River since time immemorial.
She is calling in to voice strong support for Olivia Irwin's
appointment to the Board of Fisheries, uplifting the voices of
many in her region who share this sentiment. Ms. Irwin is an
exceptional candidate, highly knowledgeable in fisheries
policies and cultural traditions. She is approachable and
capable of working effectively with all user groups. Her
passion, drive, and deep love for fisheries make her stand out.
Ms. Adams said she has spent significant time with Ms. Irwin in
fisheries management spaces, testifying alongside her and
discussing critical issues. However, the most meaningful time
has been at culture camp along the river, witnessing Olivia's
deep understanding of traditions and ways of life, as well as
the care and respect with which she approaches them. Strong
representation from the Interior of Alaska and the Yukon River
drainage is crucial, and Olivia brings exactly that. Ms. Adams
said she firmly believes Ms. Irwin would be an invaluable
addition to the Board of Fisheries.
11:10:53 AM
SHANNON MARTIN, Executive Director, Kenai River Sportfishing
Association, testified in support of Olivia Irwin's appointment
to the Board of Fisheries. She represents Kenai River
Sportfishing Association (KRSA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated
to ensuring the sustainability of the Kenai River and Alaska's
fish resources. Established in 1984, KRSA is Alaska's leading
sport fishing advocacy group, committed to supporting fishing
opportunities and access. She said KRSA strongly supports the
appointment of Olivia Irwin to the Alaska Board of Fisheries.
Olivia is well-spoken and familiar to the organization through
her service on the Minto-Nenana Fish and Game Advisory
Committee. In that role, she gained valuable experience working
closely with Board of Fisheries members, stakeholders from all
user groups, and staff from the Alaska Department of Fish &
Game. She said KRSA considers firsthand knowledge and
familiarity with the Board of Fisheries process essential
qualifications for any board member. Through several interviews
with KRSA, Ms. Irwin has demonstrated a deep commitment to the
sustainable management of Alaska's fisheries and alignment with
KRSA's core priority: ensuring more fish in Alaska's rivers.
The organization respectfully urges confirmation of Ms. Irwin's
appointment to the Alaska Board of Fisheries.
11:12:29 AM
EVA BURK, Science and Policy Lead, Yukon River Intertribal Fish
Commission, testified in support of Olivia Irwin's appointment
to the Board of Fisheries. The Yukon River Inter-Tribal Fish
Commission, which represents 44 members along the Yukon River
working toward long-term sustainability for future generations.
The commission represents a diverse group of users, including
commercial, subsistence, and personal-use fishermen. Ms. Irwin
is a great communicator and highly approachable. One of her
most valuable qualities is her engagement in the fisheries
process, including her leadership within the Minto-Nenana
Advisory Committee. She is also an exceptional researcher when
it comes to policy and regulation. Most importantly, she will
help the public and stakeholders navigate the Board of
Fisheries' process, making it more accessible and constructive.
Having someone on the Board of Fisheries who can bridge
communication between different user groups and ensure all
perspectives are considered is essential, Ms. Burk advised. She
said Ms. Irwin has consistently demonstrated this ability, and
her appointment would be a tremendous asset.
11:14:17 AM
PHIL DOHERTY, Executive Director, Southeast Alaska Seiners
Association, testified regarding concerns of the absence of a
Southeast Alaska affiliated Board of Fisheries member. He has
extensive experience in fisheries, having served as an area
management biologist for commercial fisheries for nearly 30
years, followed by 15 years as Executive Director of the
Southeast Dive Association. While not advocating for any
specific candidate, Mr. Doherty said he wishes to highlight a
significant issue: for the first time in his 50 years of
involvement in Alaska's fisheries, there is no representation
from Southeast Alaska on the Board of Fisheries. Southeast
Alaska hosts one of the most diverse and robust fisheries in the
state, encompassing salmon fisheries, hatchery programs, sport,
and charitable fisheries, groundfish, shellfish, herring, and
more. Given the complexity and importance of these fisheries,
representation from Southeast Alaska on the board is crucial.
Phil urges the committee and the state to ensure that in future
appointments, a candidate from Southeast Alaska is considered,
so that the region's interests and expertise are properly
represented on the Board of Fisheries.
11:16:16 AM
KELSI IVANOFF, representing self, testified in support of Olivia
Irwin's appointment to the Board of Fisheries. She clarified
that she is testifying on her own behalf while noting her
current role with Native Peoples Action and their positions on
the Southern Norton Sound Advisory Committee and the Seward
Peninsula Regional Advisory Council (RAC). Through her
interactions and experiences with Ms. Irwin, she has found Ms.
Irwin to be a strong representative of her people. She
effectively communicates and advocates for fairness, ensuring
all voices are heard. She expressed confidence in Ms. Irwin's
dedication and ability to fight for equitable solutions,
emphasizing that her leadership is rooted in the right values.
11:17:34 AM
AL BARRETTE, representing self, testified in support of Olivia
Irwin's appointment to the Board of Fisheries. While he is a
member of the Board of Game, he clarified that his views are his
own and do not represent the board. As an Alaskan and a user of
wild fish resources, he strongly supports the appointment of Ms.
Irwin to the Board of Fisheries. He first met Ms. Irwin several
years ago when she was part of a wood bison reintroduction team
at Minto Flats State Refuge. Despite contention surrounding the
plan, Ms. Irwin played a key role in developing compromise
solutions to move the project forward. He later attended
meetings with Ms. Irwin focused on addressing historically low
returns of Yukon Chinook and chum salmon. Additionally, he
witnessed her leadership as Co-Chair of the Minto-Nenana AC
Advisory Committee, where she ran meetings efficiently and with
consideration for all attendees. He said Ms. Irwin is well-
versed in fisheries policies, thoroughly understands processes,
and consistently brings fresh, innovative ideas to discussions.
He said he considers her age an asset, as her generation will be
most affected by current board decisions. She has demonstrated
the ability to study, research, and analyze issues while
listening to multiple perspectives. Her skill in synthesizing
this information and presenting well-rounded solutions is
refreshing. He urged support for Ms. Irwin's confirmation to
the Board of Fisheries, emphasizing that her youthfulness,
knowledge of the process, and strong communication skills will
bring valuable new perspectives to the board.
11:19:39 AM
VIRGIL UMPHENOUR, representing self, testified in support of
Olivia Irwin's appointment to the Board of Fisheries. He is a
resident of North Pole, Alaska, and testifying on his own
behalf. He has served three terms on the Board of Fisheries and
is the longest-serving member of the Pacific Salmon Commission.
He remains active as a member of the Fairbanks Fish and Game
Advisory Committee. He noted that in the committee's packet,
there is a letter from the Fairbanks Fishing Advisory Committee
supporting Ms. Irwin. Mr. Umphenour said he has known members
of Ms. Irwin's family for over 50 years, as they live in Nenana.
He highlighted the devastating reality faced by residents of the
Upper Yukon River, who have been unable to subsistence fish for
any species of salmon for the past five years. He recently
returned from an eight-day Yukon River Panel meeting in Dawson,
where the outlook remained bleak. The long-term monitored
systems in the state have seen alarming declines: summer chum
salmon returns are down to just 4 percent of the long-term
average, and Chinook salmon are at only 20 percent of their
historical numbers. Given these dire circumstances, Mr.
Umphenour reiterated that he strongly supports Ms. Irwin's
appointment to the Board of Fisheries. He shares this
information to ensure that the severity of the Yukon River
crisis is understood, reinforcing the urgent need for leadership
that can effectively address these challenges.
11:21:48 AM
CHAIR STUTES, after ascertaining there was no one else who
wished to testify, closed public testimony on the confirmation
hearing of Olivia Irwin to the Board of Fisheries.
11:22:05 AM
REPRESENTATIVE EDGMON stated that the House Special Committee on
Fisheries has reviewed the qualifications of the governor's
appointee, Olivia Irwin to the Alaska Board of Fisheries, and
recommends that her name be forwarded to a joint session for
confirmation. Signing the report regarding appointments to
boards and commissions in no way reflects an individual member's
approval or disapproval of the appointee, and the nomination is
merely forwarded to the full legislature for confirmation or
rejection.
11:22:35 AM
The committee took an at-ease from 11:22 a.m. to 11:24 a.m.
HB 199-AK COMMERCIAL FISHING & AG BANK; LOANS
11:24:37 AM
CHAIR STUTES announced that the final order of business would be
HOUSE BILL NO. 199, "An Act relating to the Department of
Commerce, Community, and Economic Development; relating to the
Alaska Commercial Fishing and Agriculture Bank; relating to
certain loans made by the Alaska Commercial Fishing and
Agriculture Bank; and providing for an effective date."
11:25:55 AM
KYLE NEUMANN, Staff, Representative Louise Stutes, presented HB
199 on behalf of the bill sponsor, the House Special Committee
on Fisheries, on which Representative Stutes serves as chair.
He explained that the proposed bill would provide a one-time
temporary investment of approximately $3.7 million of state
money to bolster Alaska's Commercial Fishing and Agriculture
Bank (CFAB). This would allow CFAB to refinance existing loans
and potentially new loans at a reduced interest rate of 5.25
percent, the same rate currently offered by the commercial
fishing revolving loan fund. He noted that HB 199 is a
companion bill to SB 156.
MR. NEUMANN remarked that CFAB was established by the
legislature in 1978 through AS 44.81, and with this statute the
state granted CFAB unique authority to lien limited entry
permits in addition to providing loans specifically for
commercial fishing operations. He noted that CFAB has over 700
members that represent 80 fishing communities and provide
critical financing for fishermen across the state, especially in
difficult financial times. He noted that it was known that the
commercial industry was currently facing some challenges. The
legislature addressed these challenges in the Thirty-Third
Alaska State Legislature in 2024, with the passage of HB 273,
which made changes to the state's commercial fishing revolving
loan fund that included temporarily fixing interest rates at
5.25 percent. He said that thus far, HB 273 has been successful
but had one unintended consequence: Unable to match the fixed
interest rates, CFAB is losing significant new loan volume to
the commercial fishing revolving loan fund. He said that the
problem has been exacerbated by costs associated with current
fishing operations which have made it harder for borrowers to
make payments on their existing loans. He said that CFAB has
already expended many tools to avoid defaults, including revised
payment plans and low loan restructuring for borrowers.
MR. NEUMANN noted that in the interests of the seafood industry
and in order to keep CFAB operational, the Joint Legislative
Taskforce Evaluating Alaska's Seafood Industry recommended that
the state enact policy to temporarily lower CFAB interest rates.
He noted that HB 199 would provide a one-time $3.7 million
investment to CFAB from a separate and now defunct capstone
avionics revolving loan fund. He said that the investment would
be through the purchase of Class C non-voting shares, the same
vehicle that gave $32 million in start-up capital to CFAB in
1979 which was repaid by 1990. The investment provided under HB
199 would be used only to refinance or issue new low-interest
rate loans until the revolving loan fund rates return to normal
in two years, at which time CFAB would return any unused funds.
He emphasized that CFAB would repay the state in full within 20
years by purchasing back stock from the state.
11:30:45 AM
REPRESENTATIVE KOPP asked Mr. Neumann whether the total
appropriation coming from the capstone avionics revolving loan
fund was $3.7 million.
MR. NEUMANN responded that it was roughly $3.7 million and
sitting in a defunct capstone avionics revolving loan fund which
had a sunset date in 2021 and seemed to have been forgotten. He
noted that it was not written in statute that the remaining
funds would go back in the state general fund. He said that
prior reappropriation attempts have been unsuccessful.
REPRESENTATIVE KOPP commented that this is a small amount of
money for a significant industry that needs it. He said that it
would help the few fishermen that need it.
11:32:19 AM
REPRESENTATIVE VANCE asked whether there was a reason that there
was no fiscal note showing the fund transfer and whether he
could provide some clarification to the commercial fishing
revolving loan fund.
MR. NEUMANN said that there is a fiscal note, but it is a zero
fiscal note since HB 199 was pending appropriations and it does
not specifically say that if HB 199 passes it would not move the
money but "subject to appropriation the department shall issues
shares by CFAB using an amount of money equal to amount sitting
in fund at moment."
REPRESENTATIVE VANCE asked whether this would mean that the $3.7
million would be required to be included in the operating or
capital budget.
MR. NEUMAN responded that he was not sure.
CHAIR STUTES noted that it would be subject to appropriation in
that amount, but the bill would not transfer the funds.
REPRESENTATIVE VANCE said that the only other way the money
would be transferred is through an appropriation bill, and she
asked for clarification.
11320034:30 AM
REPRESENTATIVE KOPP said that he was not sure whether it needed
a bill, but this bill gives the state permission to do this
administratively. He said those unused funds could not be moved
around unless permission was given by the legislature. He said
that he believed it was about permission.
CHAIR STUTES reiterated that this bill would not transfer the
funds.
REPRESENTATIVE VANCE said that she would prefer Legislative
Legal Services clarify the way that the bill was worded. She
said that the way it was worded suggests appropriation and as
far as her understanding was concerned, the state would need an
appropriation mechanism in order to transfer. She said she was
in support of the bill but wanted to understand the mechanics of
how to make this happen and prevent any unnecessary oversight.
She said that making a change for a fund, there should be a
"paper trail."
CHAIR STUTES said that if HB 199 were approved, then it needs to
be in the operating budget.
11:36:17 AM
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE said that he did not disagree with
Representative Vance and indicated the importance of the fiscal
note. He said that the fact that it says "avionics" on the fund
gives him pause. He understood that the Department of Natural
Resources (DNR) needed a new airplane for firefighting
operations.
CHAIR STUTES said that Legislative Legal Services can be
consulted about these technicalities and there was no intent to
move the bill today. She reiterated what Mr. Neumann said and
that HB 199 would not technically transfer money.
11:37:24 AM
REPRESENTATIVE VANCE asked whether there was any historical
information available pertaining to the capstone avionics
revolving loan fund.
MR. NEUMANN said that it is a fund that was created several
years ago, and the program has already passed the sunset date.
Therefore, the program does not exist any longer and the funds
were not accessible for any loan that the program had provided.
He said the unused funds were not returned to the general fund
and future reallocation attempts have been unsuccessful. He
reiterated that the program passed the sunset date already.
11:39:04 AM
REPRESENTATIVE VANCE said that on pages 1 and 2, the bill
discusses repaying the loan after 20 years; however, further
down, on line 10, the bill suggests a fixed term of 15 years.
She asked whether there was a reason for this discrepancy.
MR. NEUMANN clarified that 20 years is the period that CFAB
would repurchase the shares from the state. The 15 years refers
to the duration of the loans that CFAB can provide to borrowers
using these state funds.
11:40:31 AM
CHAIR STUTES announced that the committee would hear invited
testimony.
11:40:57 AM
SHARON LECHNER, President, Alaska Commercial Fishing and
Agriculture Bank, gave invited testimony in support of HB 199.
She noted that CFAB was formed by the state in the late 1970s by
the governing statute AS 44.81 and it limits lending activities
in support of traditionally underserved industries such as
commercial fishing and timber. She said that AS 44.81 also
deems CFAB to be formed for a public purpose. She noted that
CFAB pays federal taxes and cannot issue tax exempt bonds. She
said that borrowers need to be Alaska residents. Currently,
about 90 percent of CFAB loans are for commercial fishing and
there was heavy investment into this industry. She said that
unlike traditional lenders, they work for their borrowers. In
the last 20-plus years, CFAB has not foreclosed on a single
borrower. She said that the public purpose mission is evident
by their response to the recent market downturn. Now many
fishermen cannot get access to working capital loans from
processors and in response, CFAB introduced a seasonal loan
program that would allow access to working capital to help
borrowers avoid high interest credit card borrowing. She said
that CFAB supports the commercial fishing revolving loan fund,
but it has consequences for CFAB. She noted that existing loans
are moving over, the collateral is being eroded, and no new
applications were directed to CFAB. She said that HB 199 would
allow matched interest rates with the commercial fishing
revolving loan fund. She said that CFAB has 650 Alaska resident
members and over 300 borrowers living in almost every Alaska
community. Support for the bill would expand the financial
lifeline for several hundred additional Alaska fishermen, their
families, and their communities. She urged support for the
bill.
11:44:13 AM
CHAIR STUTES opened public testimony on HB 199. After
ascertaining that nobody wished to testify, she closed public
testimony.
11:44:37 AM
REPRESENTATIVE KOPP reiterated that he appreciates the intent of
the bill and in the interest of small businesses and helping
them, he opined that this was a good direction.
11:45:20 AM
CHAIR STUTES announced that HB 199 was held over.
11:45:29 AM
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the committee, the House
Special Committee on Fisheries meeting was adjourned at 11:45
a.m.