Legislature(2003 - 2004)
02/02/2004 09:01 AM House FSH
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* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
HCR 25-ALASKA WILD SALMON WEEK Number 0056 CHAIR SEATON announced that the first order of business would be HOUSE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 25, Relating to Alaska Wild Salmon Week, June 28 - July 4, 2004. Number 0079 REPRESENTATIVE KELLY WOLF, Alaska State Legislature, sponsor, explained that the resolution is to promote Alaska wild salmon, "whether it be in the commercial industry, subsistence, or for traditional uses or tourism." He said Alaska has the largest commercial wild salmon fishery in the world and employs 29,000 people; nearly 95 percent of commercially caught salmon in the U.S. are harvested in Alaska. The state salmon harvest totals more than $4.5 billion, making it extremely valuable to Alaska's economy. For visitors and [Alaskans] alike, sport fishing is one of the most popular activities; last year, approximately 370,000 resident and nonresident licenses were issued for sport fishing in the state. REPRESENTATIVE WOLF said salmon has been a nutritional source for generations, and Alaskans consider wild salmon to be a large part of the state's heritage. Rich in omega-3 oils, salmon is a healthful food that can help lower cholesterol and reduce heart disease. Noting that HCR 25 would proclaim June 28 - July 4, 2004, as "Alaska Salmon Week," he said this proclamation will recognize the salmon industry as a huge part of Alaskan's lives and will raise public awareness of one of Alaska's most important industries by promoting and celebrating the catching and eating of salmon. Number 0286 REPRESENTATIVE WOLF informed members that last year his office put together a poster to support and promote Alaska wild salmon; it included pictures from several sources, including the tourism industry and the commercial fishing industry, and was sent to all the members of Congress and to the state administration. He encouraged passage of HCR 25 and invited participation in producing another poster to promote Alaska wild salmon, which is what he said Alaska is most known for. Number 0392 CHAIR SEATON informed members that Representative Wolf had clarified earlier that the written sponsor statement should say [370,000 instead of 470,000]. He noted that committee packets contain a number of letters, mostly from the Kenai Peninsula, but some from Southeast Alaska, the United Fishermen of Alaska (UFA), and fishermen across the state. AN UNIDENTIFIED MEMBER moved [to put HCR 25, the original version, before the committee]. Number 0481 REPRESENTATIVE OGG [moved to report HCR 25 out committee with individual recommendations and attached fiscal notes]. There being no objection, HCR 25 was reported from the House Special Committee on Fisheries. Number 0540 REPRESENTATIVE WILSON commended the resolution and said she couldn't believe it hadn't happened years before. CHAIR SEATON asked whether there is a way to make it annual. REPRESENTATIVE WOLF said that's being looked at and that he'd like it to be an annual celebration. REPRESENTATIVE WILSON asked whether there are other recognitions taking place that week; she recalled one about drunken drivers, for example. REPRESENTATIVE WOLF said he didn't know, other than the Fourth of July. [HCR 25 was reported from committee.]
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