Legislature(2025 - 2026)GRUENBERG 120
05/01/2025 10:00 AM House FISHERIES
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| Presentation: Alaska Bycatch Advisory Council | |
| Adjourn |
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ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
HOUSE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON FISHERIES
May 1, 2025
10:03 a.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Louise Stutes, Chair
Representative Bryce Edgmon, Vice Chair
Representative Rebecca Himschoot
Representative Chuck Kopp
Representative Kevin McCabe
Representative Sarah Vance
Representative Bill Elam
MEMBERS ABSENT
All members present
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
PRESENTATION: ALASKA BYCATCH ADVISORY COUNCIL
- HEARD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
No previous action to record.
WITNESS REGISTER
LINDA KOZAK, Former Chair
Alaska Bycatch Advisory Council
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Co-offered a presentation outlining the
Alaska Bycatch Advisory Council
MEGAN O'NEIL, Chair
Alaska Bycatch Advisory Council
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions during the Alaska
Bycatch Advisory Council presentation.
DOUG VINVENT-LANG, Commissioner
Alaska Department of Fish and Game
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Responded to questions during the
presentation on the Alaska Bycatch Advisory Council.
RACHEL BAKER, Deputy Commissioner
Alaska Department of Fish and Game
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions during the presentation
of the Alaska Bycatch Advisory Council.
MEGAN O'NEIL, Chair
Alaska Bycatch Advisory Council
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Answered questions related to the
presentation on the Alaska Bycatch Advisory Council.
ACTION NARRATIVE
10:03:08 AM
CHAIR LOUISE STUTES called the House Special Committee on
Fisheries meeting to order at 9:40 a.m. Representatives Vance,
Elam, Himschoot, Edgmon, and Stutes were present at the call to
order. Representatives McCabe and Kopp arrived as the meeting
was in progress.
^PRESENTATION: ALASKA BYCATCH ADVISORY COUNCIL
PRESENTATION: ALASKA BYCATCH ADVISORY COUNCIL
10:04:07 AM
CHAIR STUTES said that in 2022, Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy
appointed 17 Alaskans to the Alaska Bycatch Review Task Force to
represent key stakeholder groups. These members bring extensive
fisheries knowledge and a commitment to sustaining resources for
future generations. In 2023, Commissioner Doug Vincent-Lang
established the Bycatch Advisory Council to help the Alaska
Department of Fish and Game implement recommendations from the
final task force report. Linda Kozak, former chair of the
Advisory Council, has lifelong fisheries involvement, starting
in Bristol Bay's set-net salmon fishery as a child. Since 1988,
she has worked as a fisheries consultant, engaging in policies
at the Board of Fisheries, North Pacific Fisheries Management
Council, and the International Halibut Commission. She has also
served on various committees and participated in federal
management workshops. She noted that Ms. Kozak would present to
the committee using Microsoft Teams. Additionally, she noted
that several individuals were available online for questions in
order to facility discussions.
10:07:23 AM
LINDA KOZAK, Former Chair, Alaska Bycatch Advisory Council, Co-
offered a presentation outlining the Alaska Bycatch Advisory
Council. Presenting the first 4 slides of the PowerPoint
presentation [hardcopy included in the committee packet], she
noted that the committee is being recognized for its discussion
on the critical issue of bycatch, with appreciation expressed to
the commissioner for his efforts in establishing the Bycatch
Advisory Council. The speaker, recently retired from the
council, acknowledges the importance of addressing
recommendations from the Alaska Bycatch Review Task Force.
MS. KOZAK remarked that the definition of bycatch is reiterated
as fish harvested but not sold or kept, including economic,
regulatory, and prohibited species. Bycatch is present in all
commercial fisheries, with recent focus placed on high-value
species such as halibut, crab, and salmon. In 2022, the
governor created the Alaska Bycatch Review Task Force, a 17-
member group composed of representatives from subsistence,
commercial, sport, and community interest groups, along with
commissioners. Over an eight-month period, the task force and
subcommittees convened 45 times to develop policy
recommendations for policymakers. Their work centered on three
key areas: state engagement, research, and management, aimed at
improving the health and sustainability of Alaska's fisheries.
Following the task force's recommendations, several individuals
recognized the need for additional efforts to advance the work.
In 2023, the commissioner established the Bycatch Advisory
Council to provide recommendations on priority areas identified
in the final task force report. The council comprises members
from commercial, sport, subsistence, and community sectors,
ensuring broad representation across Alaska's regions.
10:11:02 AM
MEGAN O'NEIL, Chair, Alaska Bycatch Advisory Council, shared
that she is a fourth-generation resident of Petersburg, Alaska,
with a lifelong connection to commercial fishing in Southeast
Alaska, alongside her family, targeting salmon, shrimp, crab,
and sablefish. She noted that she continues to participate in
fisheries with her family when possible. She detailed her
extensive experience representing fishermen through the
Petersburg Vessel Owners Association at various regulatory
bodies, including the Board of Fisheries, the North Pacific
Council, and the International Pacific Halibut Commission. She
also served on the board of United Fishermen of Alaska. She
explained that she is now the director of government affairs for
the Canfisco Group, which owns 11 shoreside processing plants
across Bristol Bay, Kenai, Kodiak, Yakutat, Ketchikan, and
Sitka. These plants process salmon, halibut, sablefish, Pacific
cod, pollock, rockfish, and crab, sourced from 1,750 individual
fishermen. She concluded by expressing appreciation for the
committee's interest in the work of the Alaska Bycatch Advisory
Council.
10:12:00 AM
MS. KOZAK concluded slide 4 by mentioning that a link was
available at the bottom of the slide that contained meeting
information.
MS. KOZAK presented slide 5 and noted that the Bycatch Advisory
Council began meeting in 2023, holding five meetings that year.
The first meeting focused on establishing operating procedures,
followed by discussions on issues raised by the task force. All
meetings have been open to the public and conducted virtually.
Four meetings were held in 2024, and two have taken place so far
this year, on March 3 and April 24. Public testimony has been
available at each meeting. The next Bycatch Advisory Council
meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, September 23. Efforts have
been made to increase public awareness, with the highest
attendance reaching approximately 145 people at the November
meeting. Engagement has been growing, which is beneficial for
addressing bycatch issues. Additionally, the commissioner held
two town hall meetings on bycatch, one in Kodiak and one in
Homer. He has also met individually with various groups and
organizations across the state to discuss bycatch-related
concerns.
10:14:05 AM
CHAIR STUTES let committee members know that as the presentation
was occurring, they were free to ask questions.
10:14:18 AM
REPRESENTATIVE EDGMON asked Commissioner Vincent-Lang about
residents in the Yukon-Kuskokwim area that did not have an
opportunity to attend any townhalls that were organized in that
region. He asked whether there was a response to this.
10:14:35 AM
DOUG VINVENT-LANG, Commissioner, Alaska Department of Fish &
Game (ADF&G) responded that there has not been a bycatch
specific townhall in this region; however, he has been available
to other meetings in the area. Additionally, bycatch has been
addressed in other meetings in this region.
REPRESENTATIVE EDGMON said that he appreciates the response and
thinks it would be good to hold a hearing of sorts on the issue
and it would be a "hot button" issue. He advised that to serve
statewide public interests, the townhalls should be statewide.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG responded that he agreed, and one
should be held in Southeast Alaska as well.
10:15:37 AM
REPRESENTATIVE VANCE noted that there was a meeting in Homer at
her request and bycatch has been a point of concern in her
district. She said that having the commissioner available to
answer questions was helpful and among all the commissioners he
has been readily available to support community discussions.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG added to his response to
Representative Edgmon's previous comment and noted that he was
not sure if a meeting would be best in Bethel or in a different
location. He also said whether to pair it with another set of
meetings that would have people congregated already would be a
point of discussion ahead.
10:16:46 AM
REPRESENTATIVE EDGMON responded that there is an annual meeting
of village council presidents during the later part of August to
early September and this could be a point of interest for
organizing a meeting.
10:17:07 AM
MS. KOZAK noted that the Commissioner has made it clear to the
Bycatch Advisory Council that he is willing and able to
participate in discussions in Alaska's various regions and has
been extremely responsive to requests for previous meetings.
MS. KOZAK continued the presentation and proceeded to present
slides 6 to 10. She noted that the Bycatch Advisory Council
conducted a comprehensive review of all task force
recommendations in 2023. A suggestion was made to prepare
progress reports, which proved highly valuable in tracking
priorities outlined by the task force and assessing
responsiveness from the state and the North Pacific Fishery
Management Council. The latest progress report, completed in
early March, is available.
MS. KOZAK remarked that due to public and task force concerns,
the council formed a Bycatch Utilization Subcommittee in 2023
and, in 2024, efforts shifted to identifying priorities for
management and research recommendations. In 2025, the focus has
moved toward state engagement, which includes informing the
public about bycatch issues and gathering community input. Town
hall meetings have been part of this outreach, with additional
engagement strategies being explored. The council has worked on
three key issues identified by the task force: management,
research, and state engagement. Management recommendations have
been prioritized, with the most significant effort devoted to
establishing a scientific-based chum salmon cap in the Bering
Sea for Pollock. This initiative has been led by the North
Pacific Fishery Management Council, with extensive testimony and
review documents presented. Initial analysis was reviewed in
February, and final action is tentatively scheduled for
December. A research recommendation from the task force
emphasized improving stock-of-origin determinations for Chinook
salmon bycatch. Many chum salmon found in the Bering Sea
originate from Asia, and the National Marine Fisheries Service
lab has conducted genetic analyses. There has been discussion
on achieving real-time genetic reporting to aid in avoidance
measures.
MS. KOZAK remarked that in 2024, the State of Alaska issued a
legislative grant to the Bristol Bay Science and Research
Institute (BBSRI) to evaluate the feasibility of in-season
weekly chum salmon genetic testing in the Bering Sea. A report
on this effort was presented in November, confirming its
viability. The next step is incorporating real-time genetic
information into in-season management with the National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The institute has
partial funding for this research through July but requires
additional financial support. Some funding has been proposed in
the House, though its implementation remains uncertain. This
initiative is critical for avoiding areas where Western Alaska
chinook salmon are present, with real-time data being the key to
effective mitigation efforts.
10:24:02 AM
REPRESENTATIVE EDGMON, in response to slide 10, reflected that
there is $500,000 in the fiscal year 2026 (FY 26) operating
budget in the House of Representatives to follow through on year
two of BBSRI's work. He asked Commissioner Vincent-Lang whether
this was something that the Bycatch Advisory Council could
advocate for, in terms of passing it through the legislative
bodies and ensuring no vetoes by the governor. He asked whether
the governor's Office of Management & Budget (OMB) team could be
contacted to ensure that it remains in the budget, given its
importance to fisheries management. He raised concerns that it
could get caught in the same type of "sieve" that ASMI funding
got cut from. He said that if this does not follow through then
the meeting is just talk. He reiterated that something like
this needs to be funded.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG responded that he cannot guarantee
what the governor would or would not do, but at the end of the
day, he did not veto this last year. He said he suspects that
the governor was convinced that there is some value in this type
of work. He said that he received an e-mail from BBSRI that
suggested that they would be able to provide weekly estimates
for upcoming seasons. He said that the data from the trawl
survey has really informed how the council is tackling the
bycatch issue. This includes spatial or temporal mapping of
Western Alaska chum salmon. He said that this data is critical
with how the state could design its management moving forward.
REPRESENTATIVE EDGMON responded that there would be an attempt
to get funding through and it was a "lean and mean year";
however, he had some assurance of continued efforts in research
and determining "where the salmon are going."
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG responded that there were two
important pieces to this topic. The first focuses on refining
Western Alaska genetic chum salmon identification. Current
methods do not allow differentiation between populations from
the Kuskokwim and Yukon Rivers, Norton Sound, and Bristol Bay.
Improving these distinctions is critical for understanding stock
origins and identifying at-risk populations. Internal work on
this issue continues within ADF&G, with experts actively engaged
in refining genetic analyses. The second component involves
ensuring the accuracy of in-season genetic estimates. A
trolling vessel may fish in multiple locations before returning
to the dock, where genetic samples are collected. This creates
a challenge in pinpointing precisely where each sample
originated. Collaboration with the Bristol Bay Science and
Research Institute is underway to ensure that genetic samples
accurately reflect fishing efforts in specific areas. He noted
that from his viewpoint the work was looking "very positive."
CHAIR STUTES noted that this was imperative research and
emphasized the importance of funding these endeavors.
10:28:33 AM
REPRESENTATIVE VANCE asked Commissioner Vincent-Lang to further
elaborate on the project because it was regionally focused.
Furthermore, she asked whether it was a pilot project last year.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG offered his understanding that it was
a pilot project and they were looking at the areas that impact
Western Alaska chum salmon. He said that the federal money
associated with this type of project is in jeopardy now and
continuing this work is imperative.
REPRESENTATIVE VANCE opined that she thought that this was the
future, real time genetic testing that can help in-season
management. She asked whether the data was used by the feds,
the state, or whether it was a partnership between the two.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG responded that it is basically a
federal research effort but was run by the BBSRI, meaning that
it is a "team effort." He said that ADF&G was using the
information from them to design alternatives to reduce chum
salmon bycatch. He said that BBSRI is doing the testing and is
neither a state nor federal entity.
REPRESENTATIVE VANCE asked whether BBSRI was the only institute
doing this kind of testing either in Alaska or nationwide.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG responded that currently similar
initiatives were occurring with Bristol Bay sockeye salmon. He
said that accurate estimates can be determined with the data.
He said that similar methods have been used to monitor king
salmon across the state. Additionally, he said that a lot of
genetic testing work was occurring in other coastal states.
10:31:16 AM
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE asked why someone should care about
genetics and where the fish came from. He said that genetic
testing would take a week and opined that trawlers could catch
plenty of bycatch during this period. He said that putting the
nets down and getting a big haul of bycatch, maybe trawlers
should not be fishing there. He said that without the money to
continue this work, maybe creating some "best practices" within
the industry would be effective.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG said that it is important for
determining the impact to Western Alaska chum salmon stocks and
if trawlers were impacting hatchery origin fish from Asia, it
would not be as much of an issue of concern. He said that the
state needs spatial and temporal mapping to better understand
these things and gene testing can assist with this
understanding.
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE said that he was asking these questions so
that everybody else watching could understand this project. He
opined that there should be a bounty on hatchery chums in
Alaska. Furthermore, he asked whether real-time genetic testing
was possible and reiterated that a seven-day delay could result
in consequential bycatch.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG responded that real-time onboard
identification in this fishery is extremely challenging, as the
ratio of chum salmon to Pollock is approximately 1:8,00010,000.
This makes locating chum salmon difficult, with the first
opportunity to identify them occurring when they are brought
back to the dock and processed. This differs from the test-net
fishery at the Port Moller line, where all fish are sampled
directly. The challenge is primarily a numbers issue, as
finding chum salmon on trawl vessels is particularly difficult.
Regarding the rationale for weekly assessments, if a council-
approved management plan is implemented to encourage avoidance
of Western Alaskan chum salmon, the ability to track whether the
chum caught are from Western Alaska becomes essential. The
approach mirrors previous management efforts in Area M, where a
chum cap was set, and incentives were established to keep
harvest levels below a designated threshold. If the target was
exceeded, fishers would lose time and area in subsequent
periods. A similar strategy is being pursued now encouraging
the fishery to avoid regions known for Western Alaska chum
salmon. If the target cap is reached, access to those
historically significant fishing areas is reduced, reinforcing
responsible management practices.
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE asked about the "catcher processor" boats
and whether daily onboard genetic testing was feasible in this
fishery rather than weekly since they never go to the dock.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG said that he thinks this was feasible
but believed that most of that fleet is offshore and were not
impacting Western Alaska chum.
10:35:54 AM
REPRESENTATIVE HIMSCHOOT said that it is difficult for her to
grasp the scale on what was being discussed. She asked for a
better understanding of the scope of how many boats would be out
there.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG said that this can depend on "how good
the fishing is" and said that this can determine the boat
activity in the area. He noted that there were also market
considerations given that fish need to be brought in within 4-5
days of fishing to ensure quality. He said that most of the
fishing that occurs closer to the coast are more Asian chum
dominated. Typically, these boats will come in and the fish
would be sampled for estimates. He reiterated that the data is
delayed by a week and while its more real time than what has
been available in the past, it would be useful for upcoming
management endeavors.
REPRESENTATIVE HIMSCHOOT said that she understood that there was
100 percent observer coverage for these vessels.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG responded that there is 100 percent
observer coverage; however, they were not observing every fish
when its trawl nets are offloading. He said that actual
observance of what is being caught is probably occurring at the
processing plant.
10:38:12 AM
MS. KOZAK recommended the committee consider inviting Jordan
Head with the Bristol Bay Science and Research Institute (BBSRI)
to provide a summary of their research endeavors for this topic.
She noted that genetic testing conducted by the National Marine
Fisheries Service takes several months to produce results, often
rendering data outdated by the following season. Weekly in-
season genetic testing represents a significant advancement
toward real-time analysis, aligning with the direction experts
believe fisheries management should be heading. The importance
of this work was emphasized, though it was acknowledged that the
Bycatch Advisory Council serves in an advisory capacity to the
commissioner and does not lobby the legislature. She noted that
the work at BBSRI and their insights are considered highly
valuable.
MS. KOZAK, presenting slides 11 and 12, noted that the Bycatch
Advisory Council has highlighted several key management
recommendations from the task force. One proposal under
consideration is a rationalization program for Bering Sea pot
cod vessels measuring 64 feet and greater, aimed at improving
bycatch management in the region. The North Pacific Fishery
Management Council requested a discussion paper on this topic,
which is scheduled for review in June 2025. Another significant
issue being addressed is the potential closure of certain Bering
Sea areas to protect red king crab populations. The North
Pacific Council has adopted a two-pronged approach to this
effort. First, they are examining trawl project trail
definitions, and second, they are seeking input from the trawl
fleet on possible innovations in trawl gear technology. A
review of the trawl gear innovation paper is also scheduled for
the June 2025 meeting. These ongoing discussions reflect a
broader effort to enhance fisheries management and ensure
sustainability in Alaska's waters.
10:41:02 AM
CHAIR STUTES asked about the Bering Sea pot cod fishery and
asked what the observer requirements were.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG remarked that this may be a question
for Rachel Baker.
10:41:25 AM
RACHEL BAKER, Deputy Commissioner, Alaska Department of Fish and
Game, explained that the pot cod fishery was in a partial
coverage program, meaning that it is less than 100 percent. She
remarked that generally around 15-20 percent of trips have an
observer on board.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG added that this is one of the benefits
of going to a rationalization program: higher observer
coverage.
10:43:01 AM
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE asked whether Chair Stutes was referring
to the pot cod fishery.
CHAIR STUTES confirmed she was.
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE asked how much bycatch in a pot dies after
thrown overboard as bycatch.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG responded that it depends on how the
gear is fished and it was something that an upcoming discussion
paper would highlight. He said that one of the areas of
research interest was the impact of trawl gear on the red king
crab fishery. He said that the state was trying to balance
discard from a trawl fishery and directed fishery moving
forward.
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE asked whether the reasons there are fewer
observers in this fishery was because there is a higher
survivability of bycatch discards. He asked whether mortality
rates with bycatch influenced observer coverage.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG said that this is part of the reason,
but reality is that most of Alaska's rationalized fisheries have
100 percent coverage. Otherwise, it gets pooled into other
fisheries, and it would be partial observer coverage. He said
that this is one of the reasons why discussions were held
regarding rationalizing fisheries in the Bering Sea.
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE said that every fishery would have bycatch
and when talking about all this, it should be noted that if the
survivability is great then some of the regulations and
rationalization may not be as necessary. He said that the pot
and long line trollers may have greater survivability than a
trawler or other gear type. He said that he was unsure about
these technical details.
10:46:05 AM
MS. KOZAK, presenting slides 12-14, noted that management
recommendations for the Gulf of Alaska included Tanner crab
protections and reviewing trawl gear open and closed areas. At
the state's request, the North Pacific Fishery Management
Council initiated discussion papers, with a problem statement
and analysis options finalized in April. Timing for further
review remains uncertain due to staffing constraints.
Electronic monitoring for pelagic trawl vessels and tenders was
approved by the council and implemented this year. However,
electronic monitoring legislation for Tanner crab and state
waters pot cod fisheries has yet to be enacted. Due to vessel
size and operational challenges, onboard observers are
impractical, making electronic monitoring the preferred
solution. To improve bycatch utilization, the Bycatch Advisory
Council formed a subcommittee in 2023 to assess proposals and
submit a report to the commissioner. Public feedback largely
opposed regulatory bycatch utilization for high-value species
like salmon, halibut, and crab. Concerns were raised about
infrastructure limitations, individual accounting challenges,
and processor capacity issues. The report details significant
regulatory, economic, logistical, and political obstacles to
implementation.
MS. KOZAK, presenting Slides 15-17, noted that The Advisory
Council received the Utilization Subcommittee report and
forwarded it to the commissioner without recommending regulatory
action at this time. Research efforts were then discussed,
focusing on general recommendations from the Bycatch Review Task
Force rather than specific projects. Three main areas were
highlighted: communication, cooperation, and collaboration.
These will later be integrated with state engagement
recommendations. The first recommendation is to develop state
bycatch research priorities by incorporating input from
communities, Alaska Native tribes, industry, and the public.
These priorities will be shared with funding entities to secure
research funds. The second recommendation is to implement
strategies that foster cooperative research between industry and
agencies to reduce bycatch and associated mortality. While some
progress has been made at the state level, efforts remain
limited at the federal level, and further work is being
encouraged. The third recommendation is to establish
collaboration methods between Alaska Native tribes,
organizations, and research entities to improve tracking of
proposed and funded bycatch research. Additionally,
opportunities for cooperative projects and combined reporting of
findings should be explored. Concerns were raised about
difficulties in accessing information on funding allocations
among various organizations, including state and federal
entities. A greater need for collaboration was identified to
streamline research efforts, with the state positioned to assist
in this process.
MS. KOZAK, presenting slides 18-20, noted that in 2024, the
Bycatch Advisory Council identified four research priorities.
The first was to maintain emphasis on salmon genetics and
advance real-time reporting of salmon origins. The second was
to track bycatch research conducted by various organizations and
make this information publicly available. A significant issue
raised by Western Alaska members was the integration of cultural
and historical knowledge into bycatch discussions and regulatory
actions. The final priority was to establish an annual virtual
meeting focused on bycatch-related research, which could be
hosted by the legislature, the Department of Fish and Game, or
the Bycatch Advisory Council. The public strongly supported
this initiative, recognizing its value in sharing information.
The Bycatch Review Task Force also examined state engagement and
put forth six recommendations. The first was for Alaska to
develop a system for presenting bycatch-related information in
an accessible and understandable format. Efforts are underway
to improve the bycatch website, though further development is
needed. The second recommendation was for Alaska's federal
fishery staff to continue offering opportunities for public
input before North Pacific Fishery Management Council meetings.
Deputy Commissioner Rachel Baker and her team have been
conducting virtual and in-person meetings before each council
session, allowing the public to contribute to state policy
decisions. The final recommendation, already approved, was
support for legislative action to remove the sunset provision
from the education tax credit program.
MS. KOZAK, presenting slides 21-25, noted that the State of
Alaska continues working to secure real-time data on Chinook and
chum salmon taken in Russian domestic fisheries, though
challenges persist. Efforts remain ongoing. A recommendation
was made to establish a permanent bycatch advisory entity,
modeled after the Bycatch Review Task Force. The commissioner
has implemented this through the Bycatch Advisory Council for
the current administration's term. The final state engagement
recommendation calls for Alaska to collaborate with stakeholders
to develop a bycatch policy, though this process has not yet
begun. At the March 3 meeting, Advisory Council members
unanimously agreed that a dedicated staff position should be
created to manage bycatch-related information, assist with
website development, and support council meetings. Current
state personnel juggle multiple responsibilities, making a
dedicated role essential for ensuring timely and accurate public
communication. Recent developments include a chum salmon
excluder experimental fisheries permit review in April, with
final bycatch policy decisions expected in December. The
council will review pelagic trawl gear definitions and pot cod
rationalization in June, while a maximal retainable amount
adjustment is scheduled for final action in October. Tanner
crab protections for the Gulf of Alaska remain under evaluation,
with problem statements finalized in April. The North Pacific
Council and the state are actively addressing numerous bycatch
issues, though staff availability for required analytical work
remains a challenge. However, significant progress has been
made since the 2022 Bycatch Review Task Force report. The
Advisory Council expressed commitment to continuing efforts and
welcomed further inquiries and final questions.
11:01:16 AM
COMMISSONER VINCENT-LANG noted that the formation of the
department advisory committee was intended to ensure continued
action on the governor's Bycatch Task Force report rather than
allowing it to be overlooked. The goal was to have a diverse
group review the report, prioritize recommendations, and guide
policy decisions. Efforts are ongoing at the council, state,
and departmental levels to address bycatch issues. Upcoming
participation in the North Pacific Council meeting in June aims
to maintain pressure on gear innovation initiatives. While some
believe more should be done, significant work is already
underway. The recent recommendation to create a dedicated
position for bycatch research is being evaluated, though it was
introduced too late for inclusion in budget discussions.
Meanwhile, progress continues improving the department's website
to provide real-time access to bycatch-related information in a
single, user-friendly location.
11:03:02 AM
CHAIR STUTES said that she was happy the ADF&G was pursing the
establishment of a bycatch specialist for public contact.
11:03:15 AM
REPRESENTATIVE VANCE noted that it has been two years, and
questioned why [not until] now was the start of an Alaskan
bycatch policy.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG responded that he was hoping to
receive more information from the bycatch advisory council that
could later be submitted to the Board of Fisheries. He said
that a well thought out proposal would be needed, and he was
reluctant to throw something out there without advisory council
involvement.
REPRESENTATIVE VANCE asked whether the legislature had a part to
play with this proposed policy. She said that if it were
addressed only through the Board of Fisheries, then it may have
a narrower scope than what the public expects. She asked
whether legislators could collaborate in this process.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG said that if it would turn into
regulation then it may be most appropriate to go through the
Board of Fisheries process.
REPRESENTATIVE VANCE said that this has been one of the bigger
issues that people talk about, why there was not a policy.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG noted that bycatch is a topic
frequently discussed, with ongoing legislative proposals and
regulatory actions at both the council and state levels. Every
meeting reinforces its significance, underscoring the need for
careful decision-making. As a science-based organization,
decisions must be grounded in the best available data. Policy
should not be overly restrictive, potentially harming economic
interests when bycatch does not have a substantial negative
impact. Representative McCabe's point was noted - that all
fisheries experience some level of bycatch unless occurring on
spawning beds. Regarding a chum cap in the Bering Sea,
regulations should not penalize fisheries with minimal influence
on Western Alaska chum. Instead, targeted actions should focus
on areas where reductions would be most effective. Developing
policy requires balancing regulatory, scientific, and strategic
objectives, and while efforts are progressing, the framework is
not yet ready for full implementation.
11:06:52 AM
CHAIR STUTES noted to committee members that several people were
available online to help with questions and facilitate
discussions.
11:07:08 AM
REPRESENTATIVE EDGMON noted that Representative McCabe's earlier
question highlights why this issue should not be front and
center in the legislature; it is too complex and highly
specialized. Navigating even a single committee would take
days, not to mention multiple committees needed to advance
legislation to the governor's office. However, this does not
mean the legislature should remain a silent bystander. While
passing policy through the legislature would be difficult due to
competing interests, legislators still have a role in advocating
on behalf of their constituents. Bycatch is not only a
regulatory challenge but also an economic issue. It affects
industry participants as well as subsistence fishers who rely on
the same ecosystem. This economic impact should not be
overlooked. Additionally, the Department of Public Safety
created the "AKTIPS" app to allow casual users to report crimes
or suspicious behavior via their phones. Traditional websites
are becoming less effective for public engagement, and an app
could be a valuable tool for tracking bycatch data. Widely
distributing an app would make information more accessible and
encourage participation. Finally, while significant work is
being done, much of it remains unnoticed in the legislative
process. Representative Edgmon said he recognizes that he have
more to learn, but broader public awareness of the Advisory
Council's efforts would be beneficial. Whether through an app
or another means, increasing visibility would help ensure that
ongoing progress is recognized and appreciated.
COMMISIONER VINCENT-LANG responded that an app would be a great
idea.
11:10:39 AM
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE asked Commissioner Vincent-Lang whether he
knew who Canfisco was.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG responded that he did not know.
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE said that this question was asked at a
bycatch advisory taskforce meeting since the chair is the vice
president of governmental affairs at Canfisco, which he said is
a huge Canadian trawl company with more than a dozen owned
trawlers and several more that were co-owned. He said he has
received word that the chair, whom Commissioner Vincent-Lang
appointed to the bycatch advisory taskforce has a huge interest
in the trawl fishery.
11:11:38 AM
MS. KOZAK said that Megan O'Neil is the new chair, and she was
recently elected to the body by the body. She said that
Canfisco is primarily a salmon company in Alaska and to her
knowledge, no trawl vessels were allowed to be foreign owned.
She said that Ms. O'Neil could provide an overview of Canfisco
operations including Bristol Bay and Kodiak.
11:12:56 AM
MEGAN O'NEIL, Chair, Alaska Bycatch Advisory Council, noted that
there are tiers of ownership and as plants have been purchased,
many have not been renamed. She said that there is not any
ownership in any vessels, although they purchase trawl caught
fish at the plant in Kodiak.
11:13:54 AM
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE said that Google says differently and
maybe it was subsidiaries of Canfisco that own the vessels. He
said that they have partial or full ownership in more than a
dozen trawlers. He said that he is responding to e-mails from
his constituents and the concerns that the chair of a bycatch
advisory taskforce had interests in a foreign owned fishing
fleet.
CHAIR STUTES suggested that Ms. O'Neil send in information to
the committee to clarify the ownership.
11:15:16 AM
MS. O'NEIL said that she can submit this information. She said
that while they are a Canadian company, there was no Canadian
ownership of vessels.
11:15:32 AM
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE said that this alludes to previous
discussions regarding recusals prior to discussion of issues in
which a speaker has conflict. He said that there is possibly a
major trawl influence in a bycatch advisory council.
11:16:08 AM
CHAIR STUTES said that this is a reason why conflict of interest
related bills were important.
11:16:16 AM
REPRESENTATIVE HIMSCHOOT added that Canfisco also owns the
Yakutat plant and was a good addition. She said that Ms. O'Neil
is a Petersburg grown expert. Regarding slide 22 and the State
of Alaska bycatch policies, she asked whether other states had
similar policies and how one policy would be developed to
consider the various industry nuances.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG responded that federal fisheries
operate under national standards and guidelines, which mandate
that bycatch should be reduced to the extent practicable. The
question is whether Alaska should follow these federal
guidelines or develop a more state-specific approach. Other
states' policies are being reviewed as part of this process.
However, at the federal level, bycatch is not prohibited but
rather managed with the goal of minimization. The effort now is
to piece these elements together and determine the most
effective approach for Alaska.
11:18:24 AM
CHAIR STUTES noted that the discussion highlighted the
importance of verifying information and addressing issues based
on science rather than speculation. The Advisory Board's role
in distinguishing fact from misinformation was acknowledged as
invaluable. Ms. Kozak was specifically thanked for her time,
especially as she transitions into retirement. Appreciation was
also given for the suggestion to invite Jordan Head to speak at
the fisheries committee, an idea Chair Stutes said she would
pursue.
11:19:52 AM
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG thanked Ms. Kozak for her efforts and
said she has done a remarkable job.
CHAIR STUTES echoed Commissioner Vincent-Lang's comments.
11:20:31 AM
REPRESENTATIVE EDGMON circled back to slide 22. He said the
idea of establishing a permanent bycatch advisory entity was
revisited, with two possible approaches outlined. One option is
to formalize it through statute, ensuring long-term protection
and standing. The other is to integrate it within the
department, which would allow flexibility but may not provide
the same level of security or authority. Given the ongoing
nature of bycatch management, it was acknowledged that the issue
will persist, evolving alongside scientific advancements.
Support was expressed for creating a lasting framework, and the
possibility of further discussion offline was mentioned to
explore additional thoughts on implementation.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG said that he acknowledges its
importance and intends to maintain it for as long as he serves
as commissioner. However, he said Representative Edgmon was
correct that a future commissioner could decide otherwise. That
said, he said he expects the pressure to address bycatch will
remain just as strong, ensuring that an advisory task force
continues in some form. He recommended allowing ADF&G to
sustain this effort, but if it falters down the line, there
would still be an opportunity to formally establish it.
11:21:51 AM
CHAIR STUTES discussed the upcoming committee scheduling and
agenda.
11:22:17 AM
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the committee, the House
Special Committee on Fisheries meeting was adjourned at 11:22
a.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| BAC Report to House Fisheries Committee 05.01.25.pdf |
HFSH 5/1/2025 10:00:00 AM |
|
| 2023_Nov_ABAC_Report.pdf |
HFSH 5/1/2025 10:00:00 AM |
|
| 2024_Spring_ABAC_Progress_Report.pdf |
HFSH 5/1/2025 10:00:00 AM |
|
| 2024_Nov_ABAC_Report.pdf |
HFSH 5/1/2025 10:00:00 AM |
|
| 2024_April_ABAC_Report.pdf |
HFSH 5/1/2025 10:00:00 AM |
|
| Salmon Bycatch Overview (8 x 11 in) Final.pdf |
HFSH 5/1/2025 10:00:00 AM |
|
| abrt_final_report.pdf |
HFSH 5/1/2025 10:00:00 AM |