Legislature(2013 - 2014)CAPITOL 120
02/20/2014 10:00 AM House FISHERIES
| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| Presentation: Sea Otters Impacts on Petersburg Area Fisheries | |
| Presentation: Alaska Department of Fish & Game - Update on Aquatic Invasive Species in Sitka | |
| Presentation: Department of Natural Resources - Interagency Mou on Elodea | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
HOUSE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON FISHERIES
February 20, 2014
10:03 a.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Paul Seaton, Chair
Representative Eric Feige
Representative Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins
MEMBERS ABSENT
Representative Lynn Gattis
Representative Bob Herron
Representative Craig Johnson
Representative Kurt Olson
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
PRESENTATION: SEA OTTERS IMPACTS ON PETERSBURG AREA FISHERIES
- HEARD
PRESENTATION: ALASKA DEPARTMENT OF FISH & GAME - UPDATE ON
AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES IN SITKA
- HEARD
PRESENTATION: DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES - INTERAGENCY MOU
ON ELODEA
- HEARD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
No previous action to record
WITNESS REGISTER
MARK JENSEN
Petersburg, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified during the discussion of the
presentation the Sea Otters in Southeast Alaska.
CHARLIE SWANTON, Director
Division of Sport Fish
Alaska Department of Fish & Game (ADF&G)
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified during the update on aquatic
invasive species in Sitka.
ED FOGELS, Deputy Commissioner
Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified during the discussion on the
Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Elodea.
ACTION NARRATIVE
10:03:51 AM
CHAIR PAUL SEATON called the House Special Committee on
Fisheries meeting to order at 10:03 a.m. Representatives Feige,
Kreiss-Tomkins, and Seaton were present at the call to order.
^PRESENTATION: Sea Otters Impacts on Petersburg Area Fisheries
PRESENTATION: Sea Otters Impacts on Petersburg Area Fisheries
10:04:27 AM
CHAIR SEATON announced that the first order of business would be
a presentation: Sea Otter impacts on Petersburg area fisheries.
10:06:01 AM
MARK JENSEN stated that he currently serves as the mayor of the
Petersburg Borough although he is speaking today on behalf of
himself. He offered to provide information on how sea otters
have affected his family and fishermen in Southeast Alaska. He
said he is a third-generation resident of Petersburg, noting his
grandfather moved from Norway in the early 1900s to the East
Coast, then to Seattle, and on to Petersburg. His father was
born in Petersburg in 1920 and he was born in Petersburg. He
has two sons, one of whom plans to be a commercial fisherman in
Petersburg.
10:07:53 AM
MR. JENSEN began his PowerPoint and highlighted a series of
maps. The first map was entitled "Translocation Sites" [slide
1] and shows where sea otters were transplanted in the 1960s,
including in the Barrier Islands south of Craig and the Maurelle
Islands near Sea Otter Sound [depicted on the map as 51 and 55],
with area 51 having experienced the most significant growth.
The second map depicted concentrations of otters, with the
largest dots showing the concentrations between 36-51 animals
[slide 2]. The third map highlighted annual growth rates and
inhabitation projections of sea otters. He predicted that if
sea otters multiply by 12 to 14 percent per year it is likely
that currently there are 30,000 sea otters in Southeast Alaska
[slide 3]. He turned to a handout provided by Representative
Kreiss-Tompkins entitled "Sea Otter Tagging Statistics by Hunt
Origin." He noted that despite the 2013 Alaska Native harvest
of 1,750 sea otters, the predicted increase in the sea otter
population is 3,800 sea otters [page 2 of the handout]. Thus,
the population will grow by twice as much as the annual harvest.
He expressed concern over federal management of sea otters and
suggested the state should be more involved in encouraging the
federal government to take action.
MR. JENSEN referred to a map of navigable inside waters to
indicate populations and explained the impacts of otters [slide
4]. Using a pointer, he identified the red areas which are
closed [to salmon and shellfish fisheries] or have been
negatively affected due to sea otters. He pointed to Sumner
Straits on the map, noting that despite the local harvest of up
to 200 sea otters for the last four to five years, the
populations continue to rise. He pointed to Petersburg,
Wrangell, and Stikine River, Duncan Island and Mitchell Point
and reported that approximately 200 to 500 sea otters are
located between Mitchell Point and Little Duncan. He related a
scenario to illustrate that crab are being decimated in some
areas, that sea otters are encroaching on his community, and the
adverse impact that the growing population of sea otters will
have on commercial crab fishing.
10:12:18 AM
MR. JENSEN indicated that the Dungeness crab fishery is set up
in four tiers, but he sold his Dungeness crab permit due to the
increased pressure sea otters had placed on the resource. He
found it disturbing that young people can't really expect to
earn a living fishing for Dungeness crab any longer. He
encouraged the state to consider establishing an aggressive sea
otter management plan to protect the affected fisheries. He
feared that sea otters will negatively impact communities with
potential losses totaling tens of millions of dollars annually.
Moreover, the dive fisheries are also being adversely affected,
he said.
10:14:11 AM
CHAIR SEATON recalled a previous session's presentation and the
sea urchin population impacts on kelp beds and asked whether he
has observed any changes to the kelp beds.
MR. JENSEN replied that he has not noticed any changes. He
acknowledged that if sea otters eat the sea urchins so one
upside to growing sea otter populations is that the kelp beds
are likely healthier. The herring roe on kelp fishery will
occur next month in Sea Otter Sound [so he'll have more
opportunity to assess the kelp at that time].
10:15:10 AM
REPRESENTATIVE SEATON noted previous consideration was given to
expanding the use of the sea otter pelts. He asked whether any
progress has been made to support Alaska Native traditional and
cultural uses. He recalled that some restrictions on sea otter
fur use has been enforced since it was determined that "teddy
bears" were not historically made from furs such as sea otters.
He wondered if any of those restrictions have been relaxed.
MR. JENSEN indicated that there are tanneries operating in the
area as well as some skin sewing by Alaska Natives has been
occurring. He was unsure whether any changes to the definition
of "significantly altered" or any other federal changes have
been made.
CHAIR SEATON asked Mr. Jensen to provide contact numbers of
those who are actively harvesting otter in the Petersburg area
for use for cultural and traditional uses.
MR. JENSEN offered to provide names of the four main harvesters
from the Petersburg area.
10:17:41 AM
MR. JENSEN highlighted instances that demonstrated the impact
that sea otters can have on one bay through the course of a
single winter season. In conclusion, he related a scenario that
illustrated problems that have occurred in Lower Chatham Strait
with respect to sea otters.
^PRESENTATION: Alaska Department of Fish & Game - Update on
Aquatic Invasive Species in Sitka
PRESENTATION: Alaska Department of Fish & Game - Update on
Aquatic Invasive Species in Sitka
10:19:07 AM
CHAIR SEATON announced that the next order of business would be
a presentation: Alaska Department of Fish and Game - Update on
Aquatic Invasive Species in Sitka.
10:19:21 AM
CHARLIE SWANTON, Director, Division of Sport Fish, Alaska
Department of Fish & Game (ADF&G), provided an update on the
progress being made to eradicate the invasive species D.
vexillum, or colonial tunicate, infestation in Whiting Harbor.
He related his understanding that the committee has had several
updates so he hoped to briefly report on progress that has been
made.
10:21:03 AM
MR. SWANTON stated that D. vexillum was discovered in Whiting
Harbor in 2010 adjacent to the City of the Sitka. That was the
first known identification of that specific invasive species.
The ADF&G's approach was to complete two surveys - an initial
survey in 2011, and a more comprehensive survey in 2012. In
essence, the ADF&G received a capital improvement project (CIP)
in FY 13 to address remnants of an aquatic farm as well as to
conduct containment and eradication activities. The 2012 survey
performed by ADF&G's staff used refined transects to identify
the coverage and concentrations of D. vexillum tunicate in
Whiting Harbor and to create a map for submitting a request for
proposal (RFP) for use by a proposed contractor to eradicate or
control the invasive species. However, the department did not
receive any initial response to the April 2013 RFP, which is
detailed in the status report [including reasons, such as prior
commitments, lack of sufficient time to prepare and implement
treatment trials, and unfeasible expectations for the project].
In response to a question, Mr. Swanton acknowledged that there
were not any responses to the RFP.
MR. SWANTON related that he held follow-up conversations with
interested parties, such as the Smithsonian [Environmental
Research Center](SERC), an organization with experience working
in this area. The SERC subsequently submitted a scope of work
and interest for control and eradication processes. The
department has reviewed the SERC's scope of work and hopes to
contract with them by the end of this month or early next month.
He anticipated that activities would take place in August 2014
to test treatments to induce mortality in Whiting Harbor. In
response to a question, he acknowledged that the SERC is a
potential contractor. He related that the next testing will be
conducted to observe one-to-three meter enclosures using the
same treatment scales, which ranges from cement dust, high
concentrated saline, or chlorine, in order to determine which
treatment will work best. He related that the timeline is
outlined on page 2 [of the February 20, 2014 ADF&G status
update]. He said the department hopes to collaboratively work
with the SERC on a full scale eradication and monitoring program
proposal to be submitted to the North Pacific Research Board
(NPRB) in December 2014.
10:24:27 AM
MR. SWANTON anticipated that typically a granting agency will
fund the work that the department is currently investigating.
By including treatment trials the department hopes to leverage
the CIP monies to do a full scale eradication and subsequent
monitoring through 2017 or 2018.
MR. SWANTON directed attention to page 2 of the committee
handout to the final bullet point, which is to review the
financial information and various funding sources that have been
used in this process. He noted the balance of the CIP is about
$431,000.
MR. SWANTON turned to page 3 to a map of Whiting Harbor to
highlight the actions taken to map the D. vexillum tunicate's
presence. He reported that the largest concentration of the D.
vexillum is at the head of the harbor and came from aquatic farm
infrastructure, including nets, lines, or other equipment. The
coverage that exists is largely a function of the cleaning of
the nets on the shoreline, in other words, nets were brought up
and pressure washed and the tide moved the matter back into the
water and colonies formed.
10:26:24 AM
MR. SWANTON turned to the final map, which indicates populations
for 2011 and 2012 [page 4]. There was concern that the invasive
had moved outside of the harbor; however, it appears that it
would be minimal with concentrations occurring only in the head
of the bay. He pointed out that the top left was adjacent to an
island in which infrastructure had washed up, but extensive
searching did not indicate any invasive species. He directed
attention to the two circles on the chart of Whiting Harbor that
indicate the outlier populations of D. vexillum. He estimated
the area is about 2,000 feet from the head of the bay where the
highest concentration of invasive species is located.
MR. SWANTON asked to discuss Botryllid and Star Tunicate:
Botryllusschlosseri invasive species.
10:28:07 AM
REPRESENTATIVE SEATON asked to first direct attention to page 4.
He asked for further clarification on the transect lines and the
sampling area. He further asked whether the area has expanded
or if transects have been placed in new areas.
MR. SWANTON answered that the white lines are the transect lines
with respect to the surveys. He said the scale of the 2012
survey was refined to every 50 feet instead of every 150 feet as
in 2011.
CHAIR SEATON related his understanding that some of the areas
may not have been sampled in 2011, but the more detailed 2012
survey may have picked up more incidence of D. vexillum.
MR. SWANTON disagreed that there had been any significant
expansion of the invasive species, but noted the differences may
be due to statistics. In response to a question he identified
Neva Island as the island that lies beyond Whiting Harbor.
10:30:31 AM
REPRESENTATIVE KREISS-TOMKINS asked why the Smithsonian (SERC)
did not respond to the initial RFP.
MR. SWANTON answer that he was unsure.
REPRESENTATIVE KREISS-TOMKINS asked about the ADF&G's staff
capacity to respond effectively to invasive species.
MR. SWANTON responded that the department has done the best it
can with what it has. He acknowledged that Alaska has been
lucky, thus far, since it hasn't had the issues that some
coastal areas in the Lower 48 have had. He offered his belief
that part of the reason is due to geography, plus the department
has been able to learn from other states how to thwart these
types of threats. He reiterated that the department has been
doing okay given its current staff and funding.
CHAIR SEATON concurred that this specific invasive species
doesn't appear to be a rapidly expanding species. He did not
question the department's response, noting the legislature has
also been working to obtain funding; however, he concluded that
the response has been a slow response in dealing with this
invasive species. Luckily, this particular invasive species has
moved very slowly, which has allowed the department and the
legislature time to respond. He imagined if D. vexillum was
beginning to spread to the commercial sac roe herring fishery
areas that it could mean cancelling the fishery since the seine
nets would be affected and could easily spread the invasive
species. He asked whether the department has developed a plan
to employ decontamination and quarantine strategies to respond
to a rapidly moving contaminant.
MR. SWANTON answered that it would be difficult to address a
complex topic such as this without a body of knowledge behind
it. He applauded efforts made by the department and cited the
efforts it has made. Progress has been made in a reasonable
time, he suggested. He agreed that the department has been
lucky that this invasive species reproductive rates [were low].
Further, the authority for vessel movement is a broad topic and
the scope for contamination and quarantine measures will need to
be fully explored, he said.
REPRESENTATIVE SEATON offered his belief that a structure will
need to be created, but it is likely that legislation will need
to take place in order for a comprehensive plan to be formed.
Once again he applauded the department's efforts to address the
problems in Whiting Harbor, but he underscored the importance of
developing rapid response strategies now, given that warmer
water temperatures will likely lead to more invasive species.
10:41:26 AM
REPRESENTATIVE KREISS-TOMKINS acknowledged the department is
doing a great job with what it has; however, he expressed
concern not so much with eradicating the D. vexillum, but on the
timeline since the nets and aqua farm superstructure
contamination occurred in August 2011, but signage in Whiting
Harbor discouraging boaters from anchoring was placed during the
spring of 2013. He underscored the importance of placing signs
immediately once the invasive species was discovered to act as a
preventive measure.
MR. SWANTON answered that signs have been in place for several
years. In addition, the department has warned and published
information on the situation since it was discovered. He
clarified the information in the document referred to the
department signage during the spring of 2013 that consisted of
floating buoys, which were essentially located in the middle of
the harbor. Short of blockading the area, the department has
taken adequate measures to thwart any vessels from moving into
the contaminated area.
REPRESENTATIVE FEIGE also expressed concern on the handling of
the situation in Whiting Harbor. He suggested the department
might have taken a more aggressive approach. He was glad this
invasive species is one that doesn't spread quickly, but the
risk exists for the tunicate to become more devastating. Thus,
action may be needed to move forward despite the planned
scientific approach underway.
10:46:28 AM
MR. SWANTON turned to ANB Harbor project and the discovery of
botrylloides, noting the infected pilings have been removed and
shipped south. No other infestation has been noted and the
herring fleet has not been affected, he said.
10:48:20 AM
CHAIR SEATON asked whether there is a concern for sport fishing
or subsistence fishing. He asked whether Whiting Harbor has been
restricted to any use.
MR. SWANTON responded that recreational activity has been
prohibited and anchorage has been discouraged.
10:49:16 AM
CHAIR SEATON asked whether that area was traditionally used for
herring spawning collection area.
MR. SWANTON answered not to his knowledge; however he was unsure
of the historical use and offered to provide further information
regarding historical use of the area.
CHAIR SEATON asked whether the Sitka residents are aware of the
situation and use other areas.
MR. SWANTON stated his belief and deferred to Representative
Kreiss-Tompkins.
REPRESENTATIVE KREISS-TOMKINS offered his belief that there is
widespread local knowledge. He expressed concern that the area
has substantial transient traffic so nonresidents may not be
aware of the problems but local residents are informed.
MR. SWANTON responded that the department believes that the D
vexillum came to Whiting Harbor on infected aquaculture
infrastructure and that it was not brought in by vessels.
10:51:21 AM
CHAIR SEATON asked whether any policies have been instituted
that would require gear inspection, or does legislation need to
be drafted to address marine gear crossing state lines.
MR. SWANTON offered to provide the information to the committee.
CHAIR SEATON offered to attach provisions to an existing bill to
avoid delays.
10:52:48 AM
REPRESENTATIVE FEIGE asked whether the harbor star and golden
chain tunicates are invasive.
MR. SWANTON answered yes.
REPRESENTATIVE FEIGE asked for further clarification on where
these tunicate invasive species are found in the world.
MR. SWANTON answered that he was unsure, but the worldwide
distribution information will be made available to the
committee.
REPRESENTATIVE FEIGE asked whether information exists on
eradication and what is the potential for invasive species to
spread.
MR. SWANTON answered that the location where [the botrylloides,
or harbor star and golden chain tunicates] have been found
appears to be isolated to pilings in the ANB Harbor [discovered
during the ANB Harbor replacement]. The piling that was being
replaced was loaded on barges and shipped to the Lower 48. Once
the pilings are dry, the invasive species is desiccated and
shipped, which seems to be the best means to handle the invasive
species, in terms of eradication.
REPRESENTATIVE FEIGE asked for further clarification if removal
from the environment is the solution.
10:54:56 AM
REPRESENTATIVE FEIGE asked whether a survey has been conducted
to ensure that invasive species are not found throughout the ANB
Harbor. He asked whether ANB Harbor is the main harbor or is a
satellite harbor.
MR. SWANTON offered to provide the information to the committee.
He offered his belief that this species was found in 2010 at the
same time as the D. vexillum was found.
10:55:40 AM
REPRESENTATIVE KREISS-TOMKINS asked how the ANB tunicate
invasive species arrived in ANB Harbor.
MR. SWANTON answered that he was unsure of the specifics and
preferred not to speculate; however, he offered to research this
and provide the information to the committee.
10:56:19 AM
CHAIR SEATON acknowledged that it would be good to know the
origin of the tunicate invasive species and whether they all
arrived via similar means. He was unsure whether North Pacific
Research or the Smithsonian (SERC) were trying several control
measures, including powdered cement. He asked for the range of
control measures being used to study the invasive species.
MR. SWANTON responded that control measures include use of hyper
saline solution, acetic acid, cement dust, and a combination of
solutions. He offered to provide a copy of the publication
published on the trials that have been conducted. He said it
was fairly comprehensive and the department will be expanding on
the aquarium size trials to one to three meter treatments to
ascertain if the results are the same.
10:59:02 AM
CHAIR SEATON related his understanding that powdered chlorine is
also highly used throughout the state in processing facilities.
He queried if powdered chlorine has been used or if it is a
possible eradicator.
MR. SWANTON answered the treatments he mentioned were the ones
he recalled after reading the report. He recalled that it might
be something like a "hockey puck" that dissolves over the course
of time to keep the concentration constant. The treatments
being considered were either liquid, powder, or some type of
puck.
CHAIR SEATON responded the committee will appreciate receiving
this information.
^PRESENTATION: Department of Natural Resources - Interagency
MOU on Elodea
PRESENTATION: Department of Natural Resources - Interagency MOU
on Elodea
11:00:25 AM
CHAIR SEATON announced that the final order of business would be
a presentation by the Department of Natural Resources on the
interagency MOU on Elodea.
11:00:45 AM
ED FOGELS, Deputy Commissioner, Department of Natural Resources
(DNR), offered to provide an update on the efforts to fight
Elodea. He reported that on January 15, 2013 the DNR signed a
memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Alaska Department of
Fish & Game (ADF&G) and the Department of Environmental
Conservation (DEC) regarding freshwater aquatic invasive
species, specifically Elodea. The MOU clearly stated that the
agencies consider Elodea to be noxious, degrading fish habitat,
and displacing native flora and fauna. The DNR has the
responsibility to coordinate efforts to eradicate the invasive
species, noting that freshwater invasive species falls under the
DNR. The agencies have formed an Elodea working group
consisting of technical experts from DNR, DEC, and ADF&G and
have included other stakeholders, including staff from the Soil
and Water Conservation Districts and federal agencies. The DNR
has an Invasive Species program located within the Division of
Agriculture with Brianne Blackburn, the coordinator and
technical lead.
11:02:41 AM
MR. FOGELS said there are currently three battlegrounds for
Elodea in the state. He identified a fairly significant
infestation of Elodea is located in Fairbanks in Chena Slough,
where Elodea growth has minimized grayling and other fish
movement. The Fairbanks Soil and Water Conservation District
(FSWCD) has been identified as the local lead to address the
Elodea problems in Chena Slough. The FSWCD has considered
various physical and mechanical removal techniques. The
mechanical methods have a disadvantage since Elodea propagates
very easily. A one-inch piece can float away and re-propagate
in another location. Significant effort surrounded chemical
methods. It's much more difficult to figure out how to use
chemical methods in flowing water so the Fairbanks area is
problematic.
MR. FOGELS said the Kenai Peninsula is the second battleground.
The Kenai Peninsula the Homer Soil and Water Conservation
District has been partnering with several groups to look at
several lakes; Stormy Lake and Daniels Lake. The DNR has
permitted the use of an herbicide for those two lakes, and
additional permits still need to be acquired, but the hope is
that this could be tried this summer. However, herbicides have
not been used for Elodea in Alaska in the northern climates so
considerable concern exists in terms of effectiveness and other
effects since this is a new approach and the impacts are not
fully understood. He anticipated that herbicides will be used
in one of the lakes.
MR. FOGELS identified that the third area is in Anchorage, which
has had infestations in a number of lakes, with the prime
infestation in Sand Lake. He reported that Sand Lake is heavily
used by float planes. Thus, how Elodea spreads is important to
consider. For example, the plants can get caught up in float
plane rudders and potentially could be transferred to other
lakes. The DNR has been working closely with the Anchorage Soil
and Water Conservation District (ASWCD) to address Elodea in
Sand Lake. The department has had some capital appropriations
to review the problems, map out Elodea and look for possible
solutions. The ASWCD has been investigating using certain
microbes to eat sediments in hopes that it would make Sand Lake
inhospitable to Elodea.
11:06:03 AM
MR. FOGELS advised a report from the ASWCD is forthcoming. He
suggested that microbe use is one option. Another would be the
use of herbicide, although a number of homeowners live around
the lake so concern exists due to local wells. Funding for
mechanical removal would minimize the biomass and may help
minimize spreading Elodea to other areas via float plane.
11:07:42 AM
REPRESENTATIVE FEIGE inquired whether Lake Hood has been
inspected for Elodea.
MR. FOGELS answered that Lake Hood has other weed issues, but he
was not aware that Elodea is one of the invasive species. He
indicated that mechanical harvesting of other weeds occurs to
maintain the float plane pond.
REPRESENTATIVE FEIGE said he was familiar with the weeds, noting
the weeds are naturally occurring and not invasive.
MR. FOGELS said he believed so, but offered to verify that for
the committee.
11:08:47 AM
CHAIR SEATON recalled a plan on the Kenai to restrict float
plane activity to one of the lakes and asked if any float plane
usage is being considered for Sand Lake.
MR. FOGELS answered that boat and float plane use was restricted
at Stormy Lake, but the DNR has authority to do so through the
state park system. He questioned whether DNR would have the
same authority to restrict planes or boats at Sand Lake.
11:09:46 AM
CHAIR SEATON said he hoped with the MOU signed that the
department will advise the legislature what authority the
department will need to restrict vessel or float plane access in
identified areas to inhibit spread of the invasive species. He
expressed concern that without restrictions, the Elodea invasive
species will quickly spread.
MR. FOGELS answered that the department concurs with the issue
and will try to cut down on the biomass to reduce chances of
Elodea spreading. He offered to report back to the committee.
CHAIR SEATON commented that the committee does not want to
continue control measures without hope of eradication. It
emphasized the importance of eradicating the invasive species
since the legislature is not interested in funding control
measures over the next twenty years. He anticipated that
responses to a request for proposal (RFP) might be less for
control measures in the short run, but it doesn't eliminate the
potential of invasive species spreading so the legislature
[would be interested in eradication measures].
11:12:05 AM
REPRESENTATIVE KREISS-TOMKINS related his understanding that
resources and staff exist in the department. He asked for
purview difference with the ADF&G authorities in terms of
eradicating invasive species.
MR. FOGELS offered to outline the DNR's authority, but he is
less familiar with the ADF&G's authority. The DNR has an
invasive species program within the Division of Agriculture,
which provides hard funding to work with other agencies. The
director has the authority to quarantine pests. The DNR has
been looking at quarantining Elodea and will public notice the
quarantine, which would prohibit import, sale, or distribution.
He pointed out that DNR's focus is on land management and it
does not focus on marine aquatic invasive species; however, the
department does issue aquatic farm leases with stipulations. He
was unsure if the department has the authority to require
certifications but it is something the department can review.
Moreover, the DNR does have authority to restrict motorized use
of a waterway, such that restriction on jet boat use in Kachemak
Bay have been implemented. He acknowledged imposing
restrictions typically involves opposition and the restrictions
are limited to a special use area.
11:14:59 AM
CHAIR SEATON expressed concern that Sand Lake could become a hub
for the spread of the invasive species. He asked for further
clarification on which agency would have the authority to do so.
He further asked whether the Department of Transportation &
Public Facilities will need to be included in the MOU to provide
regulations in this effort.
MR. FOGELS agreed to do so but advised that the water and land
is under state authority managed by DNR. He doubted that the
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) would restrict air traffic
for biological reasons. He commented that float plane use is a
generally allowed use of state lands, which is typically not
restricted. He speculated that the municipality may have some
authority also. He offered to research and provide further
information.
CHAIR SEATON commented that the legislature will consider gaps
in authority in conjunction with incipient invasive species
until eradication can be accomplished.
11:17:31 AM
MR. FOGELS summarized the efforts the DNR has made. He advised
that the department has enlisted help from Dr. Lars Anderson, a
renowned expert on aquatic invasive species, who has traveled to
Alaska on several occasions to assist in planning. He described
efforts being conducted through the working groups, including
development of an aquatic invasive species communication plan to
educate the public and field staff who are helping to address
the situation and track Elodea statewide. The working group was
formed one year ago, progress is being made, and the department
is working to address the issue.
CHAIR SEATON related his understanding that the funding is
adequate.
MR. FOGELS answered that DNR has funding for its invasive
species program; however, specific projects are funded
separately and the DNR does not have funding for them. These
projects typically funded by the Soil and Water Conservation
Districts are seeking grant or capital funding to help with
evaluations of areas. For example, the Anchorage Soil and Water
Conservation District has received funding for Sand Lake. He
anticipated something similar will happen in the Kenai Peninsula
and the department will rely on the stakeholder groups to raise
funds to address the issue. He offered his belief that to
actually do eradication will be costly. He estimated the costs
will range from $200,000-$300,000 per lake. The DNR has been
involved in considering whether pesticides are effective, if
they can be used safely, and whether cost estimates are
available. Currently, permitting has also been difficult and is
one reason that DEC is part of the working group, since DEC can
streamline the permitting process for invasive species so the
DNR won't need to wait a year to obtain permits when an
infestation occurs.
CHAIR SEATON asked to be kept informed so the legislature can
assist with any necessary authority. He asked for further
clarification on outstanding permits for Elodea.
MR. FOGELS reported that for the Kenai Peninsula, Stormy Lake
area, the DEC has issued a permit for an herbicide, Diquat, and
another permit is pending for Sonar. Although an ADF&G habitat
permit and a Division of Mining, Land and Water permit are still
pending, these permits will be straightforward once the DEC
permits are issued.
11:23:06 AM
CHAIR SEATON asked to have the Anchorage Soil and Water
Conservation District's information forwarded to the committee
so it can have the analysis on Sand Lake once it is public
information.
MR. FOGELS agreed to do so.
11:23:32 AM
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the committee, the House
Special Committee on Fisheries meeting was adjourned at 11:23
a.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| Sea Otter Mark Jensen.ppt |
HFSH 2/20/2014 10:00:00 AM |
sea otter predation |
| House Special Committee on Fisheries ADF&G Invasive Tunicates Briefing.pdf |
HFSH 2/20/2014 10:00:00 AM |
Aquatic Invasive Species |
| KCAW Sitka Local News.pdf |
HFSH 2/20/2014 10:00:00 AM |
Aquatic Invasive Species |
| MOU Invasive Freshwater Aquatic Plants_State Agencies.pdf |
HFSH 2/20/2014 10:00:00 AM |
Aquatic Invasive Species |