Legislature(2025 - 2026)GRUENBERG 120
03/18/2025 10:00 AM House FISHERIES
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| HB125 | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
| *+ | HB 125 | TELECONFERENCED | |
| + | TELECONFERENCED |
HB 125-BOARD OF FISHERIES MEMBERSHIP
10:07:04 AM
CHAIR STUTES announced that the only order of business would be
HOUSE BILL NO. 125, "An Act relating to membership of the Board
of Fisheries."
10:07:15 AM
The committee took a brief at-ease at 10:07 a.m.
10:07:44 AM
REPRESENTATIVE NELLIE UNANGIQ JIMMIE, Alaska State Legislature,
as prime sponsor, introduced HB 125. She said that the bill
would bring an equal voice to the table for subsistence users.
She opined that it would be a positive step forward for the
state.
10:08:22 AM
RACHEL GUNN, Staff, Representative Nellie Unangiq Jimmie, Alaska
State Legislature, on behalf of the prime sponsor,
Representative Unangiq Jimmie, presented HB 125. She said that
HB 125 would seek to reform Alaska's Board of Fisheries by
ensuring fair stakeholder representation. She said that
Alaska's Board of Fisheries makes critical decisions about
fishing regulations, sustainability, and conservation. She
discussed the current statutory language and remarked that
bringing designated seats to the board would be good. She said
HB 125 proposes that the Board of Fisheries consists of two
commercial fishing seats, two sportfishing seats, two
subsistence seats, and one seat from the scientific community.
She said that restructuring would ensure that no one group can
dominate decision making. She said this would align Alaska with
models that foster sustainability.
MS. GUNN remarked that there is a sense of urgency regarding
addressing problems in Alaska's Fisheries. She opined that
recent collapses in various fisheries that stem from climate
change, mismanagement, and overfishing. A few of these
collapses include Western Alaska salmon, Bering Sea crabs, and
Gulf of Alaska Pacific cod. She remarked that this has impacted
the Alaska economy and there has been a 50 percent decline in
economic activity from 2001 to 2023. This represents
approximately a loss of 38,000 jobs and a considerable decrease
in lost revenue. She said that having a balanced governance
approach would help protect livelihoods and conserve the
fisheries.
MS. GUNN said that Alaskans rely on subsistence fishing
practices, and it is an integral component of Alaska Native
culture. She remarked that wild foods can constitute up to 92
percent of daily protein and 33 percent of daily caloric needs
for rural communities. She said that 1 in 9 Alaskans struggle
with hunger and rates are higher in rural Native communities.
She said replacing wild foods would cost approximately $184
million to $368 million dollars annually. She said rural
communities consume almost 37 million pounds of wild food and
over half is salmon. Given salmon collapses, subsistence
communities face starvation.
MS. GUNN said that similar models exist internationally with
success. In New Zealand there is a Maori concept that involves
guardianship, protection, and preservation of the environment.
The concept is rooted in the view that humans are integral to
nature and emphasizes a deep responsibility to maintain natural
resources for future generations. She said in New Zealand there
is a quota system that gives the Maori significant control of
marine resources. She said that a treaty ensures their fishing
rights. She said that integrating traditional knowledge with
science has led to successes in fishery rehabilitation and
success. She then discussed that similar models have been seen
in Canada and Finland as well. She said the bulk decision in
Washington State reaffirmed Tribal Treaty rights which granted
tribes up to 50 percent of annual fish harvest & established
them as co-managers in certain areas. Some of these fisheries
operate as a co-managed fishery with both state and tribal
interests at play.
MS. GUNN concluded by saying that HB 125 is not just about the
fisheries, but about fairness, sustainability, and economic
stability. She said that it brings all stakeholders together
and would generate more effective boards. Without this
legislation, current fisheries management would continue to
favor one sector over another. This bill would allow for more
inclusive and data-driven board decisions.
10:13:40 AM
REPRESENTATIVE EDGMON asked Ms. Gunn how the seven members of
the Board of Fisheries are appointed today.
MS. GUNN responded by reading a section of the selection
criteria that is currently in statute. She noted that "the
governor shall appoint each member on the base of interest in
public affairs, good judgement, knowledge, and the ability in
the field of action of the board with a viewpoint to provide
diversity of interest and points of view." She said that these
are the only selection criteria that are currently in statute.
She said that the intent is to not take the governor's
appointing power but change the representation of the
stakeholders. She reiterated the economic value of subsistence
practices.
10:15:03 AM
CHAIR STUTES said that currently the way the appointments can be
made is that the board can be weighted, whether sport,
commercial, or anything the present administration deems is
appropriate.
MS. GUNN responded that this is correct but currently there is
no structure for appointments.
10:15:45 AM
REPRESENTATIVE VANCE asked about Page 2, Paragraphs 1-9, and
Paragraphs 3 and 4 of the bill specify where the appointees
should be selected from. She asked why the bill sponsor chose
to go in this direction and why the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which is a federal
organization, would be selected for a state board.
MS. GUNN responded that Representative Vance was correct, and it
was difficult to come up with criteria for where the appointees
would come from. She said that in this statute, the Alaska
Federation of Natives (AFN) is the only state affiliated
organization that would be a good candidate. She said that NOAA
is a federal organization but what has been seen is that Alaska
has not done a good job managing its rivers. She said the state
is in current litigation about this. She said a neutral science
voice would be good. She said areas like Norway used Indigenous
knowledge but also scientific knowledge regarding fishery
management. She said the intent is not to have the federal
government manage the waters.
REPRESENTATIVE VANCE asked whether there were any legal
limitations for requiring a federal employee to serve on a state
board.
MS. GUNN responded that she was not aware of any but would
follow up with an answer.
REPRESENTATIVE VANCE said that it is felt that the seats are
appointed by traditional means. Typically, there are
representatives from various areas. She asked how the proposed
bill would make changes to the current structure of the board.
MS. GUNN said there would be faith in the public process; right
now, the language is vague to aim for appropriate stakeholder
representation.
10:19:38 AM
REPRESENTATIVE HIMSCHOOT said that she comes from a region with
a strong tribal voice. She said this voice is not necessarily
included with the Alaska Federation of Natives. The free-for-
all amongst the tribes may be the best way to do it. She said
she would take a closer look at this section. She asked if
there was anything she needed to understand regarding the bill's
preference for AFN appointees.
MS. GUNN responded that the prime sponsor would welcome a
discussion about this and was receptive to a friendly amendment.
10:20:20 AM
REPRESENTATIVE EDGMON said that he appreciated the bill being
brought forward and it is a good discussion item. He said
anything with the Board of Fisheries is a hot topic. He said
that he was discussing with a Bristol Bay constituent earlier
that morning about the Board of Fisheries. He said what the
prime sponsor brings forward is something that would restructure
the board and modernize it. It would bring the board on par
with other regulatory bodies around the globe. He reiterated
that regardless of directionality of the bill, discussions are
important.
10:21:28 AM
REPRESENTATIVE ELAM said that one thing he has found is that
someone who is into fishing is interested in multiple areas of
it. He asked how selection criteria would be made with
individuals who participate in more than one area of fisheries.
MS. GUNN responded to Representative Elam that the hope is that
the board appointees would need to pass through the body and the
joint body would be able to judge the qualifications based on
this statute.
REPRESENTATIVE ELAM said that state and federal subsistence are
different and yet similar, Alaska is a large state with varying
areas. He inquired how this would be addressed.
MS. GUNN responded that in the Alaska State Constitution,
federal law supersedes state. She talked about the
qualifications for what is subsistence, but from a state
perspective and following the state constitution, all user
groups have equal access.
10:24:24 AM
REPRESENTATIVE HIMSCHOOT said an issue with her region is the
absence of representation on the Board of Fisheries. She asked
if the bill could be modified to strive for regional
representation.
MS. GUNN responded that this was discussed, and the current
structure is maintained because any way the bill could pass
would be an improvement over the current environment and its
poor outcomes.
10:25:54 AM
REPRESENTATIVE KOPP said that he came from a commercial fishing
background but one thing he appreciates, as a life-long Alaskan
who was initially raised in subsistence villages around Lake
Iliamna, is Alaskans making these decisions. He said that many
people he commercial fishes with care nothing about the fishery
other than commercial purpose. He said he appreciates the
balance that is needed, he said the proposed legislation would
bring forward an important discussion. He realizes that the
spirit of the bill is codifying what Alaska has been trying to
practice politically. He reiterated that he was glad it is
Alaskans making the decisions and there is a balance to
everything.
10:27:52 AM
The committee took a brief at-ease at 10:27 a.m.
10:28:19 AM
CHAIR STUTES, after ascertaining that there were no additional
questions from committee members, opened public testimony on HB
125.
10:28:52 AM
RICHARD PETERSON, President, Central Council of Tlingit and
Haida Indian Tribes ("Tlingit & Haida"), testified in support of
HB 125. He said that Tlingit & Haida is the largest state and
federally recognized tribal councils in Alaska with over 30,000
tribal citizens. He said that Tlingit and Haida strongly
support the bill as it would bring a much-needed balance to the
Board of Fisheries. He said the people have relied on these
resources throughout their history, and it is only fair they are
represented on the Board of Fisheries. He said that he grew up
in the village of Kassan and the mainstay was the subsistence
way of life. He said it is important to note that tribal
science is real. He said that traditional tools used were done
so in a way to foster sustainable management of the fisheries.
He said that many people are proud to have a 300-pound halibut
but without realizing that they killed an entire generation of
halibut. He reiterated that the tribes care deeply about the
fisheries. He said that the reason fish are around today is the
successful stewardship by tribal members throughout history. He
said that modern fisheries management must recognize and
incorporate Indigenous science. He said that for too long
subsistence users have failed to be included in fishery
management decisions. Establishing designated seats for
subsistence fishing is a meaningful step forward and ensures
equitable management decisions. He remarked that Tlingit &
Haida citizens are deeply woven into their region's commercial
fishing industry. He said that based on Commercial Fisheries
Entry Commission data, there are large proportions of commercial
participants with a tribal background. He said that there is an
opportunity to strengthen the bill by ensuring that every tribe
has the ability to put forth candidates for the subsistence
seat. Recently through the governors' work, tribes have been
working on an education compact and the proposed bill would
strengthen the relationship with the state. He said Tlingit &
Haida appreciate the work developing the legislation and they
look forward to working in close coordination with the Alaska
Department of Fish and Game.
10:34:30 AM
REPRESENTATIVE HIMSCHOOT asked Mr. Peterson if the bill was open
to tribal citizens across the state, then who would make the
final selection.
MR. RICHARDS responded that he believes it would be the
governor.
10:35:15 AM
JERRY MCCUNE, representing self, gave testimony on HB 125. He
thanked the sponsor for bringing it forward and he had been
working on opening these discussions across the state to get a
better idea of how to form the Board of Fisheries. He said that
AS 16.05.221 needs some work, no matter what is done, the pick
is up to the governor and those selections are not always on the
various boards & commissions list. He said the Board of
Fisheries is still stuck with governor appointments and
legislative confirmation. He said that looking at the bill, the
first thing worth looking at are the definitions. He asked what
exactly sportfishing or commercial fishing means and who
qualifies. He said that he does subsistence fish, and it was a
big part of the Cordova community. He noted that he does not
think anyone would agree to have a federal employee on the state
board. However, he opined that a science component would be a
good thing to add. He said the bill would take some work and
said that 90 percent of people won't agree but if 70 percent did
agree on how to move forward then it would be good.
10:38:14 AM
CHAIR STUTES, after ascertaining that there was no one else who
wished to testify, closed public testimony on HB 125.
10:38:31 AM
The committee took a brief at-east at 10:38 a.m.
10:38:42 AM
CHAIR STUTES announced that the committee would now hear invited
testimony.
10:40:14 AM
MOSES OWEN, Chief, Akiak Tribal Organization, gave an invited
testimony in support of HB 125. He said that he was both born
in Akiak and the tribal chief and lived on the Kuskokwim River.
He said that his life is entirely subsistence oriented, and 95-
98 percent of the community is subsistence living as well. He
said members in his community primarily subsist on fish that
came up the river. He said that he appreciates the bill that
aims for equal representation from all stakeholders on the Board
of Fisheries. He said that every summer his family fishes on
the river and has a smokehouse shared between three households.
He said that most communities that are subsistence communities
depend on the resources. He said that the elders have
encouraged a continuation of fishing since there is nothing
else. He remarked that he has no problem with commercial
fishing and his community previously commercial fished on the
river when there were more salmon available. He concluded by
stating that HB 125 would give equal representation across the
board.
10:44:14 AM
CHAIR STUTES remarked that public testimony would remain open
until the next committee meeting.
10:44:31 AM
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the committee, the House
Special Committee on Fisheries meeting was adjourned at 10:44
a.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| HB125 Sponsor Statement 3.11.25.pdf |
HFSH 3/18/2025 10:00:00 AM |
HB 125 |
| HB125 version A.pdf |
HFSH 3/18/2025 10:00:00 AM |
HB 125 |
| HB125 Sectional Analysis 3.11.25.pdf |
HFSH 3/18/2025 10:00:00 AM |
HB 125 |
| HB 125 DFG 0 Fiscal Note.pdf |
HFSH 3/18/2025 10:00:00 AM |
HB 125 |
| HB 125 Letter in Partial Support Austin Ahmasuk.pdf |
HFSH 3/18/2025 10:00:00 AM |
HB 125 |
| HB 125 Letter of Opposition Susan Alleroth.pdf |
HFSH 3/18/2025 10:00:00 AM |
HB 125 |