Legislature(2015 - 2016)CAPITOL 120
02/03/2015 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 | |
| Overview: Alaska Department of Fish & Game (adf&g) Commissioner's Office and Divisions of Commercial and Sport Fisheries | |
| 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 3, 2015
10:02 a.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Louise Stutes, Chair
Representative Neal Foster
Representative Bob Herron
Representative Craig Johnson
Representative Charisse Millett
Representative Jonathan Kreiss-Tomkins
Representative Dan Ortiz
MEMBERS ABSENT
All members present
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
OVERVIEW: ALASKA DEPARTMENT OF FISH & GAME (ADF&G)
COMMISSIONER'S OFFICE AND DIVISIONS OF COMMERCIAL AND SPORT
FISHERIES
- HEARD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
No previous action to record
WITNESS REGISTER
SAM COTTON, Commissioner Designee
Alaska Department of Fish & Game (ADF&G)
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided an overview with a general
introduction on fisheries management in Alaska.
CHARLIE SWANTON, Deputy Commissioner
Alaska Department of Fish & Game (ADF&G)
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided an overview on duties pertaining
to the Pacific Salmon Treaty and the related ADF&G goals.
THOMAS BROOKOVER, Acting Director
Division of Sport Fish
Alaska Department of Fish & Game (ADF&G)
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided an overview on the Division of
Sport Fish and basic information on duties and responsibilities.
JEFF REGNART, Director
Division of Commercial Fisheries
Alaska Department of Fish & Game (ADF&G)
Anchorage, Alaska2
POSITION STATEMENT: Provided an overview of the Division of
Commercial Fisheries and basic information on duties,
responsibilities, organization of the division, regions, staff,
and highlights and future challenges.
ACTION NARRATIVE
10:02:20 AM
CHAIR LOUISE STUTES called the House Special Committee on
Fisheries meeting to order at 10:02 a.m. Present at the call to
order were Representatives Ortiz, Herron, Kreiss-Tomkins, and
Stutes. Representatives Millett, Johnson, and Foster arrived
while the meeting was in progress.
^OVERVIEW: ALASKA DEPARTMENT OF FISH & GAME (ADF&G)
COMMISSIONER'S OFFICE AND DIVISIONS OF COMMERCIAL AND SPORT
FISHERIES
OVERVIEW: ALASKA DEPARTMENT OF FISH & GAME (ADF&G)
COMMISSIONER'S OFFICE AND DIVISIONS OF COMMERCIAL AND SPORT
FISHERIES
10:02:47 AM
CHAIR STUTES announced that the only order of business would be
an overview from the Alaska Department of Fish & Game (ADF&G)
Commissioner's Office and Divisions of Commercial and Sport
Fisheries.
10:04:14 AM
SAM COTTON, Commissioner Designee, Alaska Department of Fish &
Game (ADF&G), established the alignment of goals, for the Alaska
Department of Fish & Game (ADF&G), with that of the legislature,
which is to manage fish and game resources based on the
sustained yield principle in order to provide economic benefit
while addressing the wellbeing of the state. Additionally, he
stressed the department's priority for providing Alaskans access
to the resources for reasons that include: food security,
economic security, and recreational opportunities. Community
sustainability is often dependent on access to the fish and game
resources. The department's general guidance is found in the
state constitution and the Alaska Statutes, Title 16. The
department is divided into three general areas for providing
core services, which are: management, with success measured by
the commercial harvest and angler days; stock assessment and
research, measured by meeting escapement goals and meeting or
exceeding catch levels; and customer service and public
involvement, which provides educational programs, sells
licenses, and engages public input via committee and board
participation.
10:06:50 AM
COMMISSIONER COTTON turned to the ADF&G organizational chart, to
illustrate the six divisions and the board support section, in
relation to the Office of the Commissioner. Directing attention
to the committee handout, titled "Alaska Department of Fish &
Game, House Special Committee on Fisheries, Fisheries Overview,
February 3, 2015," page 5, he pointed out the distribution of
the department's year around representation throughout Alaska; a
presence that is significantly expanded on a seasonal basis.
Referring to the pie charts, page 6 of the handout, he indicated
the ADF&G budget by division as well as by the total number of
staff in each. The Division of Commercial Fisheries has the
largest budget and greatest number of employees, followed by
Division of Wildlife Conservation. The Divisions of Sport
Fisheries and Wildlife Conservation both enjoy budget
supplementation from federal government receipts.
10:08:06 AM
COMMISSIONER COTTON reviewed the responsibilities of the
commissioner's office, which include: membership on the North
Pacific Fishery Management Council (NPFMC), Pacific Fishery
Management Council, and non-voting membership on the Boards of
Fish and Game, and providing representation to a list of
agencies. He directed attention to page 7, of the committee
handout, and qualified the headings shown as a partial roster.
10:09:35 AM
COMMISSIONER COTTON stressed the importance for Alaska to
maintain an active presence on the NPFMC, given the jurisdiction
area of that agency; all waters that are beyond three miles of
the coast. He described the prevalence of the fishing effort
exerted in areas that directly affect Alaskan waters for species
such as Pollock. Although the council process is complex, he
said the fishery management plans for the Gulf of Alaska (GOA)
and the Bering Sea are continually amended by the NPFMC. By-
catch reduction is a contentious issue and the department works
to minimize the allowed numbers set by the council. Another
contentious issue is the rationalization for GOA fisheries. The
offshore federal fishery cannot be directed for Alaskan
fisherman only, but it is possible and important to ensure that
Alaska gets fair treatment via the [NPFMC] management plan.
10:14:37 AM
REPRESENTATIVE HERRON asked for a comparison of serving as a
legislator versus commissioner.
COMMISSIONER COTTON responded that it is easy for him to relate
to the legislators that he now serves.
REPRESENTATIVE HERRON inquired what surprises have thus far
arisen.
COMMISSIONER COTTON responded that the pleasant surprise, and
affirmation, has been the outstanding, professional staff. The
budgetary restrictions and trying to get along with less
presented somewhat of a surprise; however the user fees and
federal receipts provide significant contributions and will help
to keep ADF&G activities going.
10:17:41 AM
CHARLIE SWANTON, Deputy Commissioner, Alaska Department of Fish
& Game (ADF&G), said the United States and Canada entered into
the Pacific Salmon Treaty in 1985, for the purpose of conserving
and allocating salmon harvests of inter-jurisdictional fish. He
defined inter-jurisdictional to mean fish that are harvested in
one country or state but spawned and reared in another; the
situation pertaining to the salmon stocks of the Pacific
Northwest, Alaska, and Canada. The agreement took two decades
of negotiations and was signed amid developing conservation
problems, particularly around the Chinook salmon stocks. At the
time the negotiations were established, the issues included the
concerns that 80 percent of the Chinook salmon harvested in
Southeast Alaska (SEAK) were fish that originated in Canada or
the Pacific Northwest. There were also high levels of
interception of Pacific Northwest fish in Canadian Chinook and
coho fisheries. Also occurring, were Washington State fishery
interceptions of coho and sockeye salmon destined for the Fraser
River. Adding to the mix, he said, was the [ruling made by
federal judge, the Honorable George H. Boldt, on United States
v. State of Washington, Civ. No. 9213, 1974, (Boldt decision)],
recognizing treaty fishing rights for Pacific Northwest Stevens-
Palmer treaty tribes [negotiated 1855].
10:20:10 AM
REPRESENTATIVE KREISS-TOMKINS asked what type of gear groups
compose the Canadian salmon fisheries.
MR. SWANTON recalled that it is primarily sport fishing charter
boats, some gill netters, troll and seine fleets, but possibly
others. The fleets may be similar to what exists in Alaska, he
conjectured.
10:21:07 AM
MR. SWANTON added that the Boldt decision essentially allowed
for harvest sharing between Northwest tribes and other user
groups in Washington and Oregon. As a means to spur the
agreement, aggressive Canadian fleets were harvesting fish, at
the time of the negotiations. The broad, basic treaty
principles are to prevent overfishing, provide for optimum
production, fair sharing based on the equity principle, and
avoid undue disruption to existing fisheries in the various
states and countries. He said the scope of the treaty
encompasses 1,276 linear miles, extending from Cape Falcon, in
Northern Oregon, to Cape Suckling, near Yakutat, Alaska, and all
waters in between that are associated with Washington State and
British Columbia, Canada. The treaty creates national
obligations and is unique due to the U.S. states and Pacific
Northwest (PNW). Treaty Indian tribes negotiate the fishery
provisions. The states and tribes are responsible for
conducting programs that attempt to fulfill the treaty and
national obligations. He then provided a map of the area, page
14 of the committee handout, to indicate migratory patterns of
the Chinook stocks managed under the treaty.
10:23:10 AM
MR. SWANTON reviewed the makeup of the Pacific Salmon
Commission, which is comprised of four U.S. and four Canadian
commissioners. Among the various standing committees and panels
are two that relate are primary to Alaska: the Trans-boundary
Panel and the Northern Panel, each with an attached technical
committee. He mentioned that well over 80 individuals comprise
the Chinook Technical Committee, making it the largest technical
committee, with members that include scientists from both
countries as well as other official representation from Canada,
the states, and Alaska. Regarding decision making, he explained
that consensus of U.S. and Canada is required to recommend
action. The U.S. decisions require consensus. The authority is
vested through the commissioners for the states of Alaska,
Washington, and Oregon and the Pacific Northwest tribes with
each state and tribal commissioner have a vote. The federal
commissioner is a nonvoting member and Washington and Oregon are
each allowed one vote. Thus, the U.S. section has three votes.
The advisory panels of the stakeholders include: Northern
Panel, Trans-boundary Panel, and Southern and Fraser River
Panels.
10:24:31 AM
MR. SWANTON listed the Southeast Alaska fisheries that are
touched by the treaty, which include: drift gillnet, set
gillnet, troll and sport, and purse seine. He reported that the
2014 ex-vessel value of the Southeast fishery equaled $150
million. The value of the sport fishery to Southeast is not
included it that figure, but is estimated to be about $273
million annually. Directing attention to page 18 of the
committee handout, he pointed out the general areas for the
Southeast fisheries.
10:25:58 AM
MR. SWANTON provided a flow chart to illustrate the position of
the 57 individuals involved in administering the treaty,
comprised of 32 ADF&G staff, 6 National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA) staff, and 19 industry representatives.
10:26:35 AM
REPRESENTATIVE KREISS-TOMKINS inquired whether it would be
accurate to state that very few Chinook from the Pacific
Northwest systems migrate into the Bering Sea.
MR. SWANTON deferred.
COMMISSIONER COTTON offered that genetic work has been conducted
in the Bering Sea for stock identity purposes. He said there
are Chinook salmon present in the Bering Sea that represent
western Pacific stocks, but the preponderance are from Western
Alaska stocks originating in the Unalakleet, Kuskokwim, and
Yukon River systems. The GOA fish are non-Alaskan stocks,
according to the early studies.
10:28:39 AM
REPRESENTATIVE MILLETT noted the legislature's aggressive stance
regarding the Endangered Species Act [Title 16 U.S. Code Chapter
35 - ENDANGERED SPECIES, 1973] listings, and asked whether
department push back would continue under the administrative
change.
COMMISSIONER COTTON reported that a team is working on the
subject in conjunction with the Department of Law (DOL). The
work encompasses Steller sea lions and the various ice seals
that have been listed. The department involvement is active, he
assured the committee.
10:30:26 AM
THOMAS BROOKOVER, Acting Director, Division of Sport Fish,
Alaska Department of Fish & Game (ADF&G), began with the mission
statement, which is to protect and improve the state's
recreational fisheries resources. In carrying out that mission,
the Division of Sport Fish is charged with management and
oversight of fresh and salt water sport fisheries throughout the
state, and includes both finfish and shellfish stocks. He
directed attention to the committee handout, titled "Alaska
Department of Fish and Game, Division of Sport Fish, 2015 House
Fisheries Overview, dated February 3, 2015, to a page containing
a montage of photos illustrating the diverse locales and various
approaches that are taken throughout Alaska in pursuit of sport
fish. Images included fishing efforts as depicted from river
banks, via boats, in remote areas, and ice fishing.
10:32:26 AM
MR. BROOKOVER provided a graph, titled "Sales of Fishing
Licenses," to indicate statewide sales over the past seven
years; 2008-2014. The annual sales in recent years total about
450,000, with the majority being sold to nonresidents. He
reported that of the total 2014 sales, totaling approximately
463,000, roughly 273,000 were purchased by nonresidents versus
190,000 sold to residents. Interestingly, he noted, the
resident sales remain steady, while the nonresident sales have
fluctuated over the seven year period.
10:33:36 AM
MR. BROOKOVER provided that, administratively, the Division of
Sport Fish serves the state through three geographical regions.
Headquarter offices are located in Juneau and Anchorage, and
three regional offices: Southeast Region I, with offices in
Douglas; Southcentral Region II, with offices in Anchorage; and
Interior Region III, with offices in Fairbanks. A research and
technical services unit (RTS) is maintained in Anchorage. The
three regional offices, RTS, and headquarters, comprise the
division's five units. A total of 22 management areas are
supported by offices across the three regions, and he provided a
color coded state map to illustrate each area.
10:34:36 AM
MR. BROOKOVER reviewed the FY16 proposed operating budget and
the funding sources that support the sport fish programs,
including federal receipts and user fees. He pointed out the
two primary funding sources, which are the federal Sport Fish
Restoration Dingell Johnson (DJ) funds generated from federal
taxes associated with the sale of sporting goods and fuel, and
the Fish and Game funds derived from fishing license and King
salmon stamp receipts. These two components comprise 62 percent
of the budget, and are supplemented with competitive grant
projects, partnerships, matching funds, and legislative
appropriations. The undesignated general fund contribution is
roughly $6.3 million, in the governor's endorsed budget.
10:35:33 AM
MR. BROOKOVER said the division's strategic plan was developed
ten years ago and was revised in 2010. The plan is used to
guide the division towards achieving the goals of the mission
statement through focused activities around six core services.
First is the priority for fisheries management: Manage Alaska's
recreational fisheries for sustained yield and recreational
angler satisfaction funded on an area-based management system.
The area managers work at the local level.
10:36:53 AM
REPRESENTATIVE MILLETT asked about a communication plan
regarding the management of local fishing limits and closures.
MR. BROOKOVER responded that the area managers are the direct
source of local communication. Some issues require prepared
statements; however, the area management biologist is the
facilitator.
REPRESENTATIVE MILLETT clarified that the area managers write
and carry out the plan/communications to the local user groups,
which could call for in-season actions, such as closures or gear
change.
MR. BROOKOVER concurred that typically the area communication
plans are developed at the local management level, but can be
distributed on a broader scale throughout a region or to other
area offices considering similar action.
10:38:45 AM
MR. BROOKOVER pointed out that the area managers also monitor
fishery and stock and assessment projects and other sources of
information to modify regulations in-season, in order to achieve
fishery management objectives. The Division of Sport Fish also
works with the Division of Commercial Fisheries, and other
entities, to coordinate in-season management actions. Annual
reviews of the fisheries are conducted, along with stock
assessment projects to identify data needs for the coming year.
Habitat restoration and enhancement activities are also
participated in by the division to help maintain boating and
angler access to the state's public waters and resources.
10:39:26 AM
MR. BROOKOVER moved to the second strategic core service,
fisheries research, and said the management of Alaska's
recreational fisheries is based on sound scientific practices
and objective-based research. The research and monitoring
projects are designed and conducted to assess a wide variety of
management information needs. The projects typically focus on
subjects such as: quantifying and monitoring abundance of
salmon stocks and resident species; estimating size and
composition as well as other biological attributes of a stock;
quantifying angler effort catch and harvest; and other fishery
characteristics. He said the division strives to ensure that
the research projects conducted are statistically and
scientifically sound. That goal is accomplished via an improved
written departmental operational planning process, which is used
to identify measurable objectives and ensure that appropriate
sampling methods and analytical techniques are employed in all
of the research and stock assessment projects that are
undertaken.
10:40:28 AM
MR. BROOKOVER said the goal of the core service for fisheries
enhancement is to increase and diversify angler opportunities by
producing and releasing hatchery reared fish. Two new
hatcheries are currently producing: the Ruth Burnett Hatchery
in Fairbanks, and the William Jack Hernandez Hatchery in
Anchorage. These hatcheries produce both coho and Chinook
salmon, along with rainbow trout, Arctic char, and Arctic
grayling. In addition to the fish produced at these hatcheries,
staff also work with operators of private non-profit hatcheries
to conduct enhancement projects.
10:41:16 AM
MR. BROOKOVER stated that, regarding the core service for angler
access, 15 percent of the federal aid receipts are restricted to
the use of maintaining and improving boating access, and require
matching fund contributions of 25 percent. Capital
appropriations have recently been providing these matching
funds. The information and education core service provides
information on fishing opportunities, enhancement, angler
access, regulations, management, stewardship, and a number of
other areas serving a variety of individuals and groups.
Different media venues are used, as well as the ADF&G website.
Frequent updates ensure up to the date information on the
website, regarding regulations changes or emergency orders. The
division's participation in local sportsmen shows and other
events provides additional visibility. The Division of Sport
Fish also compliments the work done by the Division of Habitat,
and a core service is identified for that purpose. Funding from
the Division of Habitat, as well as public and private grants,
contribute to the division's effort of protecting and restoring
fish habitat. The work includes: conducting research on fish
habitat; administering stream bank restoration and fish passage
programs; and coordination of department support of local fish
habitat partnerships that are formed under the national fish
habitat plan.
10:43:04 AM
REPRESENTATIVE MILLETT recalled that funds for Chinook research
have been removed from the governor's budget and asked how these
studies are to be funded.
MR. BROOKOVER assured the committee that the department has
received capital appropriations for two years, about $15
million, for statewide Chinook salmon research. The plans have
been developed and the project will continue, he said.
REPRESENTATIVE MILLETT inquired how much has been spent and how
comprehensive is the plan for studying the statewide downturn in
Chinook harvest.
MR. BROOKOVER agreed to provide further information.
10:45:19 AM
MR. BROOKOVER highlighted the past years accomplishments.
Beginning with management and research, he pointed out that,
although in-season regulations saw further restrictions on
Chinook throughout the state, bag limits were increased in many
systems for coho and sockeye. Also, the regulation summary
booklets, which are being revised to simplify and standardize a
user friendly guide for anglers, have been released in all but
Region II. The revision for Southcentral is the final area to
receive a new booklet, and it will be out in time for the 2015
season.
10:47:57 AM
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON referred to the Susitna drainage fishery
and asked whether information with the Alaska Energy Authority
(AEA) is shared regarding the studies surrounding the hydro
project.
MR. BROOKOVER responded that the division is working with AEA,
and the energy agency is funding some of the research being
conducted. He offered to provide further information.
10:49:30 AM
MR. BROOKOVER returned to accomplishments in the area of
enhancement and said a key milestone was the completion of the
four year project transitioning the old Fort Richardson facility
to the new William Jack Hatchery. Also, production of
reared/released fish biomass, for the interior region, reached a
twenty year high. The Crystal Lake Hatchery, in southeast, is
owned by the state, operated under contract by the Southern
Southeast Regional Aquaculture Association (SSRAA), and funded
by the Division of Sport Fish. The facility is important for
the production of Chinook salmon stocks, which contribute to
regional commercial and sport fisheries. In March of 2014, a
fire destroyed the majority of the structure and it is being
rebuilt using risk management funds and SSRAA contracts, he
reported. Although minor loss occurred to eggs and smolt, the
majority of the rearing fish were unharmed and able to be
released with minimal disruption to the operations planned for
2014. A fair amount of the 2015 stocks were a loss, but the
rebuild of the hatchery will be complete, this year, and brood
take goals are expected to be met, which will comprise the
foundation of stocks for rearing and release in succeeding
years. Finally, he said, the fishery center doors were opened
to the public at the hatcheries in Anchorage and Fairbanks.
These centers will allow visitors the opportunity to learn more
about departmental enhancement operations.
10:51:38 AM
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON asked whether the Fairbanks hatchery
could be used to rear Chinook salmon for release in the Yukon
River.
MR. BROOKOVER stated his understanding that Chinook are already
being reared in that facility. The question would be whether or
not additional stocks could be reared. On the member's request,
he agreed to provide further information regarding the concept.
MR. SWANTON offered that use of the Fairbanks hatchery to rear
additional Chinook salmon, is an issue of capacity.
Additionally, lacking an understanding of how the released stock
might fair, during the first year of ocean residency, presents a
concern. He cautioned that it is important to establish a cost
on return ratio when enhancing a stock, and it could prove to be
fairly costly.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON asked to qualify what fairly costly
represents and he stressed the current statewide concern over
the Yukon River Chinook stocks.
MR. SWANTON said estimates do exist and he offered to provide
further information.
REPRESENTATIVE MILLETT asked about viability research and what
the department has to report on success rates.
MR. SWANTON said the smolt to adult survival is about one
percent. A good rate would be the three to five percent range
and the costs are commensurate.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON asked whether conversations have been
held with Canada regarding the possibility of sharing the costs
for stock enhancement.
MR. SWANTON deferred, stating that the director of the Division
of Subsistence could answer that question. He offered that a
mitigation hatchery has been used in Whitehorse, Yukon
Territory, Canada, for enhancement efforts to some degree.
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON expressed interest in pursuing Canada as
a partner, during these economic times. Also, study of the
Canadian success rates may prove helpful, he opined, and
suggested that this avenue be pursued.
11:03:59 AM
MR. BROOKOVER continued to review the 2014 accomplishments and
the access improvement activities, which includes work on a
False Island mooring float, the Hoonah boat ramp, a fish
cleaning facility in Southeast, the Bings Landing dock, the
Cooper Landing ramp, a Birch Creek launch, and Wrangell and
Haines pump-outs.
11:04:30 AM
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON asked about progress on the Kasilof ramp.
MR. BROOKOVER agreed to provide specific information.
11:05:01 AM
MR. BROOKOVER moved to the 2014 accomplishments of the habitat
program, which works with communities to restore riparian areas,
and rehabilitate stream banks and lake shores. He provided a
series of before and after pictures to illustrate the work that
has taken place. Further, he reported: 2,400 feet of riverbank
area has been rehabilitated; 192 miles of water bodies have been
added to the anadromous waters catalogue; 11.9 miles of fish
passage have been improved with culverts; and 20 reservation of
water applications have been submitted, which, if approved by
the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), will reserve in-
stream flows for fish.
11:06:29 AM
REPRESENTATIVE MILLETT returned to the bank enhancement
activities to inquire about work on the Susitna River drainage.
MR. BROOKOVER agreed to provide further information.
11:07:22 AM
MR. BROOKOVER reported on the efficiencies in the workforce that
have been in progress since FY08, in response to a decline in
funding. The FY16 budget request is only slightly more than
what was submitted in FY08, he pointed out. Important projects
and programs have been maintained despite the reduction of 91
positions and a cut of $600 thousand in administrative staff
costs.
11:08:16 AM
MR. BROOKOVER turned to the handout page titled, "Moving
Forward," to note the division's activities in the coming year,
which include: update of the strategic plan; work with the
University of Alaska to transfer the Kachemak Bay research
reserve from the division to the university; initiation of
efforts to develop electronic reporting, including a 2015 launch
of an electronic charter logbook program on the Kenai River and
marine creel data.
11:08:48 AM
REPRESENTATIVE MILLETT recalled that the charter logbook for the
Kenai River has been in place for six years.
MR. BROOKOVER offered that the log book program has been in
place since about 1998.
REPRESENTATIVE MILLETT asked specifically about the Chinook
salmon log book data.
MR. BROOKOVER said that the log book requirement, as it is now
understood, dates to 2005. He further explained the use of the
harvest information, how it is accessed by federal and state
agencies, and that ADF&G accesses and uses the data at different
times of the year. He provided a number of examples.
11:11:13 AM
CHAIR STUTES clarified that the log book information can be
gathered and used in-season as well as at the end of the season.
MR. BROOKOVER concurred and added that an annual harvest report
is compiled from the data, along with the other uses.
11:11:42 AM
REPRESENTATIVE ORTIZ inquired about using a limited entry
approach for charter boat fishing and suggested that it may
prove helpful for tracking harvest information.
MR. BROOKOVER acknowledged that the idea has been discussed, but
no crystalized plan exists for moving in that direction. He
emphasized that the current reporting methods are considered
adequate, useful, and provide a comfortable level of
information.
11:13:22 AM
MR. BROOKOVER continued with the current activities, and said
that an electronic permitting and reporting program for personal
use fisheries is being introduced in 2015, which will allow dip
net users to obtain permits and report activities via the ADF&G
website. He added that this will not preclude the option for
paper applications and reports. Finally, he said the two access
projects that will be taken up in 2015 are the Auke Bay harbor
improvements and the Homer boat ramp and float facility.
11:14:27 AM
MR. BROOKOVER said the challenges for the division include
fluctuating revenues that must be dealt with while still
delivering on the core services; low Chinook salmon abundance,
which is expected to continue; invasive species; and the
completion and staffing of the interactive public fishery
centers at the Anchorage and Fairbanks hatcheries. Regarding
the invasive species, he elaborated on the eradication and
elimination of pike in certain locales and the ongoing removal
of invasive tunicate from Sitka's Whiting Harbor, which is being
handled with assistance from the Smithsonian Environmental
Research Center.
11:17:10 AM
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON asked for a discussion regarding the gill
net across the Kenai [River], and the inevitable court case.
MR. BROOKOVER deferred.
COMMISSIONER COTTON answered that, to his knowledge, a court
case has not been filed. The federal subsistence board was
petitioned, and approved, the use of a gill net for the village
of Ninilchik. Of the four agencies that sit on the board, the
National Parks Service voted to allow the use, despite the area
being designated as a wildlife refuge. Reconsideration may be
requested, and as concerns have continued, the Alaska National
Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA) has joined the
conversation.
11:20:07 AM
REPRESENTATIVE MILLETT asked about the existence of citizen
advisory groups to the Sport Fishing Division.
MR. BROOKOVER answered that there are no formal advisory groups
established, but a number of angler groups do contribute and
work with the division.
11:21:21 AM
REPRESENTATIVE MILLETT requested an opinion as to whether
adequate public input exists around local sport fish management
efforts and the Board of Fisheries (BOF) process.
MR. BROOKOVER responded that the BOF conducts a transparent
process, which allows for a high level of participation. Many
recreational anglers are not aware of the board operations but
the division works to inform users about the process.
11:22:47 AM
JEFF REGNART, Director, Division of Commercial Fisheries, Alaska
Department of Fish & Game (ADF&G), described the major tasks of
the division, which are to manage subsistence, commercial, and
personal use fisheries in the interest of the economy and
general wellbeing of the citizens of the state, consistent with
the sustained yield principal, and subject to allocations
through public regulatory processes. He reviewed the division's
primary responsibilities, which are to: manage subsistence,
commercial, and personal use fisheries within state waters;
manage shellfish species and some groundfish out to 200 miles;
conduct applied research on Alaska's aquatic resources; plan and
permit salmon hatcheries and mariculture operations; negotiate
fishing agreements subject to the Pacific Salmon treaty and
Alaska-Yukon Treaty; and coordinate with federal and
international fisheries management agencies. The core services
are harvest management, stock assessment and applied research,
aquaculture permitting, and customer service and public
involvement. Elaborating on these core services, he said
harvest management is at the heart of the divisions activities.
Harvest management involves supporting the Board of Fisheries
(BOF) in establishing regulations and management plans; opening
and closing fishing areas and setting fishing times; and
collecting harvest and biological data.
11:24:35 AM
MR. REGNART continued with the components of harvest management,
which provides in-season management through the employment of a
cadre of fisheries managers, proximate to the pertinent areas,
who exercise broad authority to open and close the fisheries.
Applied science is used in order to ensure that management of
Alaska's fisheries is consistent with the sustained yield
principle. He then provided a series of pictures to illustrate
the variety of Alaska commercial fishing techniques, which
included images of vessels for seining and crabbing. In the
area of stock assessment and applied research, he explained that
a number of techniques are employed which include: salmon
escapement enumeration through the use of weirs, towers, sonar,
foot and aerial surveys; estimate juvenile salmon production;
groundfish and shellfish surveys; herring spawn deposition and
hydro-acoustic surveys; aerial surveys for herring; dive
surveys; and biological, genetic, and coded-wire tag sampling.
Pictures of salmon weirs for enumeration and sampling as well as
some to illustrate how field staff conduct stock assessments,
were shared.
11:26:33 AM
MR. REGNART said the division is involved in the permitting
process of all aquaculture endeavors, and reviewed the active
permits, which include: 29 hatcheries for salmon, 2 shellfish
hatcheries, 68 shellfish farms, and 8 shellfish nurseries. He
directed attention to a page in the committee handout, titled
"Commercial Salmon Harvests" showing graphed information from
1977-2013 to contrast the harvest of fish sources from natural
runs versus hatchery production.
11:27:04 AM
CHAIR STUTES inquired about the division's involvement in the
fertilization project at Karluk and whether the project is
moving forward.
MR. REGNART confirmed that the division is involved with
assessing the biological perspective, and the state has given a
green light to the project; however, being situated on a refuge,
an Environmental Impact Assessment is out for comment and the
federal government is in charge of the next step.
11:27:52 AM
REPRESENTATIVE MILLETT provided questions on behalf
Representative Herron regarding the Kuskokwim management
strategy. She asked whether the division's in-season managerial
staff is adequate, whether staff will work with the local
advisory groups, and whether there is pull to have a year-a-
round manager position for that area.
MR. REGNART said the division meets regularly with the local
working groups, shares information, and attempts to reach
consensus on in-season decisions. Often there is accord, but
not always; however, the division uses the disagreement points
as learning opportunities.
REPRESENTATIVE MILLETT stressed the importance to have year-a-
round management for the Arctic, Yukon, and Kuskokwim (AYK)
area.
MR. REGNART agreed, and said that staffing an imbedded manager
is the goal; however, the Bethel office has been difficult to
staff year-a-round and in recent years has had a seasonal
manager who works out of Anchorage.
REPRESENTATIVE MILLETT asked whether a communication plan is in
place to help ease the closure situations. She reported that
small, AYK communities can be devastated and their livelihoods
threatened through the closure actions.
MR. REGNART agreed that outreach is important and described the
pre-season and in-season activities for informing the residents
of predicted actions and in-season occurrences. He reminded the
members that federal waters are also included in the AYK
drainage.
REPRESENTATIVE MILLETT stressed the importance to position an
employee who will be a stable presence and glean beneficial
institutional knowledge of the area. Local talent may be
necessary to ensure stability, when staffing a fisheries
manager.
11:33:08 AM
MR. REGNART reviewed the research that is on-going regarding the
interactions of hatchery fish with wild stocks. The legislature
initiated funding but the industry is now financially sustaining
the work. It is a long-term project that is expected to yield
better salmon research and enhance the department's partnership
with the industry. He described the laboratory services that
the division actively supports, which include: pathology, coded
wire tag and otolith aging, and genetic stock identification.
The division hosts four management regions, which are: Westward
comprised of Kodiak and points west through the Aleutian islands
including Chignik, False Pass and Dutch Harbor; Arctic, Yukon,
and Kuskokwim (AYK) comprised of lands north of the Kuskokwim
River and taking in the Yukon River, Kotzebue Sound, and Norton
Sound; Central comprised of the points south of the Kuskokwim
and extending west from Cordova to Bristol Bay; and Southeast,
which encompasses the panhandle, through Yakutat, to Cordova.
11:34:44 AM
CHAIR STUTES recalled that when the Bering Sea was rationalized,
a cap was placed on the percentage of the quota that any single
entity could hold, and asked about capping the quota ownership
prior to a possible rationalization program being invoked for
the GOA. An entity is currently purchasing real estate and
boats in anticipation and, she opined, without appropriate
planning "it could end up as a one-horse town."
MR. REGNART offered to provide further information, and include
the work that is underway in collaboration with DOL.
11:36:26 AM
MR. REGNART reviewed the 2014 regional highlights, beginning
with the AYK area, which included: the Chinook salmon run
exceeded the forecast; the successful use of dip nets for
harvesting chum salmon while releasing Chinook salmon, proved
successful; Kotzebue's commercial chum salmon harvest was the
second largest on record; Norton Sound had a salmon harvest that
ranked as the highest since 1998; and Norton Sound also had a
profitable red king crab fishery, which had an ex-vessel value
of $1.96 million. The Westward region, being the home of the
largest crab and groundfish fisheries in Alaska, reported:
nearly 60 million pounds of Pacific cod harvested in state
waters; and the Bristol Bay red king crab fishery harvested
nearly 10 million pounds for an ex-vessel value estimated at $61
million. The Central region reported an all species Bristol Bay
harvest value of $196.6 million, maintaining the status of
Alaska's most valuable salmon fishery; and the Prince William
Sound pink salmon harvest reached 36.8 million fish. In the
Southeast region, the summer Dungeness crab season was the most
successful in recent history, with a total value of $12.2
million; and the pink salmon harvest was better than expected,
with a harvest of 31 million fish.
11:38:27 AM
MR. REGNART reviewed the economic impact of the seafood industry
on Alaska's economy, to report: 63,100 jobs generated, that are
combined in the areas of harvesting, processing and related
support industries; 41,530 of these jobs are held by [Alaskan
residents]; $1.73 billion is generated in direct payments to
labor, with $1.28 billion going to Alaskan residents; and total
sales of Alaskan caught product totaling about $4.6 billion.
11:38:53 AM
MR. REGNART directed attention to the committee handout page,
titled "Exvessel Value of Alaska's Commercial Fisheries" showing
the graphed results for salmon, shellfish, halibut, herring, and
groundfish from 1977-2013, in millions of dollars. He pointed
out that since 2004, following steady declines, there has been
an uptick, which he attributed to an increase in salmon value.
He followed this with another graph, titled "1878-2014 Alaska
Salmon Catches and Value," to provide a historic perspective of
the salmon industry and include the 2014 preliminary outcomes.
Indicated on the graph are points of interest such as the year
that the state began managing the salmon harvest and the
inception of limited entry. He opined that, although Mother
Nature continues to contribute to the outcomes, the fishery has
had record success, during the last ten years, under state
management.
11:39:40 AM
MR. REGNART said the statewide division staff [projected for
2016] are for 308 permanent and 433 seasonal positions, to man
20 permanent offices and 84 seasonal offices/field camps.
Addressing the FY16 budget, he indicated a total request for
$71,341.7 million, with a breakout comprised of 62 percent
unrestricted general fund dollars, 10.5 percent designated
general fund dollars, 14.3 percent federal contributions, and
13.2 percent from other sources.
11:40:12 AM
MR. REGNART discussed the highlights from 2014, which included
strong salmon harvests that were above average in many areas,
increased crab harvests albeit in federal waters, and
advancement in information received via technological
innovations including electronic landing and fish ticket
reporting. Finally, he alluded to the effects that the fiscal
challenges will incur, which include: fewer stock assessment
and research projects; greater uncertainty in population
estimates, trends, and forecasts; in some cases, more
conservative management will be employed; and a limited ability
to support new fisheries.
11:41:14 AM
REPRESENTATIVE JOHNSON asked whether northerly based geoduck
permits have been requested since the legislature provided for
the action.
MR. REGNART reported that no permit requests have been
submitted.
11:42:07 AM
CHAIR STUTES asked on behalf of Representative Herron, whether
the division anticipates re-staffing the Round Island walrus
sanctuary.
COMMISSIONER COTTON reported that the cost is about $100,000,
for a staff of two, for three months. Plans are to meet the
need for protecting the walrus and allow visitors to the island
without allocating those funds to that project. To accomplish
this goal, electronic visitor registration and user group
partnerships are being sought.
11:44:05 AM
CHAIR STUTES asked what measures the department will take to
comply with the governor's request for budget reduction.
COMMISSIONER COTTON indicated that one example is how the
commercial division has prioritized projects and eliminated
those low on the list; the other divisions have done similarly.
An area that will not be reduced, he said, is the cost for
supporting the board and maintaining the opportunity for the
public to participate in those meetings. He pointed out that
one valuable source of funding comes from private user groups
who contribute to the department to help finance projects. New
partnerships are being sought. Additionally, these private
contributions assist in meeting the requirement for matching
federal funds; which has seen a rise in receipts. He said the
match is a 1:3 ratio, where one state dollar is matched by three
from the federal Pitman-Roberts program.
11:46:17 AM
REPRESENTATIVE MILLETT recalled that many members of the
Anchorage advisory board have recently resigned, but offered to
hold the question for the confirmation hearing.
COMMISSIONER COTTON returned to the member's earlier question
regarding public communication, to state that the administration
is prioritizing improvement in this area and welcomes all
feedback. Regarding another member's interest in the potential
for rearing Chinook salmon at the Fairbanks hatchery, he assured
the committee that the cost estimates would be made available.
11:48:37 AM
CHAIR STUTES thanked the participants and announced the next
meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the committee, the House
Special Committee on Fisheries meeting was adjourned at ll:48
a.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 House Fisheries Committee Fisheries Overview.pdf |
HFSH 2/3/2015 10:00:00 AM |