Legislature(2025 - 2026)GRUENBERG 120
05/08/2025 10:00 AM House FISHERIES
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| Presentation: In-season Chum Salmon Assessment in the Shoreside B-season Bering Sea Pollock Trawl Fishery | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
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+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
HOUSE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON FISHERIES
May 8, 2025
10:42 a.m.
DRAFT
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: IN-SEASON CHUM SALMON ASSESSMENT IN THE SHORESIDE
B-SEASON BERING SEA POLLUCK TRAWL FISHERY
- HEARD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
No previous action to record
WITNESS REGISTER
JORDAN HEAD, Executive Director
Bristol Bay Science and Research Institute
Dillingham, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Offered the In-Season Chum Salmon
Assessment in the Shoreside B-Season Bering Sea Pollock Trawl
Fishery presentation.
ACTION NARRATIVE
10:42:21 AM
CHAIR LOUISE STUTES called the House Special Committee on
Fisheries meeting to order at 10:42 a.m. Representatives
McCabe, Vance, Elam, Himschoot, and Stutes were present at the
call to order. Representatives Kopp and Edgmon arrived as the
meeting was in progress.
^PRESENTATION: IN-SEASON CHUM SALMON ASSESSMENT IN THE
SHORESIDE B-SEASON BERING SEA POLLOCK TRAWL FISHERY
PRESENTATION: IN-SEASON CHUM SALMON ASSESSMENT IN THE SHORESIDE
B-SEASON BERING SEA POLLOCK TRAWL FISHERY
10:43:10 AM
CHAIR STUTES announced that the only order of business would be
the In-Season Chum Salmon Assessment in the Shoreside B-Season
Bering Sea Pollock Trawl Fishery presentation.
CHAIR STUTES noted that this project was first introduced by
Linda Kozak during the May 1 meeting of the Alaska Bycatch
Advisory Council. The Bristol Bay Science Research Institute
(BBSRI) received legislative funding in 2024 for a pilot program
designed to provide weekly data on chum salmon bycatch during
the shoreside B pollock trawl fishery - a significant
improvement over the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration's (NOAA's) previous end-of-season reporting. The
availability of in-season weekly data now offers a valuable tool
for fishery managers and trawlers, helping to minimize the
impact of the shoreside trawl fishery on Western Alaska chum
salmon. Members should be aware that there is an appropriation
in the Fiscal Year 2026 (FY 26) House capital budget, but it is
not included in the Senate budget. As a result, this
appropriation will be subject to conference negotiations, and
members are encouraged to support it by engaging with their
Senators.
10:44:58 AM
JORDAN HEAD, Executive Director, Bristol Bay Science and
Research Institute, began the In-Season Chum Salmon Assessment
in the Shoreside B-Season Bering Sea Pollock Trawl Fishery
presentation.
MR. HEAD thanked the committee for the opportunity to speak. As
the Executive Director of the Bristol Bay Science and Research
Institute (BBSRI), he provided a report on the in-season chum
salmon genetics assessment project, conducted in collaboration
with NOAA in the Bering Sea pollock trawl fishery. The project
was primarily funded through a State of Alaska legislative
grant, facilitated by Senator Hoffman's office. The
presentation began with background on BBSRI, followed by context
on the fishery and chum bycatch, explaining its significance.
He then outlined the 2024 feasibility study and discussed plans
for the 2025 fishing season and beyond. He said BBSRI, a
501(c)(3) nonprofit, was founded in 1998 as a subsidiary of the
Bristol Bay Economic Development Corporation. Guided by a board
of seven Bristol Bay watershed community leaders, it has worked
closely with resource managers, the fishing industry,
municipalities, and communities for the past 25 years to improve
fish stock management and fisheries sustainability in Bristol
Bay.
10:46:40 AM
MR. HEAD emphasized that BBSRI is driven by its mission to
conduct scientific research and management that provides social
and economic benefits to Bristol Bay communities while ensuring
the sustainability of fish stocks and other renewable natural
resources. This is achieved through fisheries monitoring,
research, technology development, and policy analysis, focusing
on critical research needs that may not fall under government
agency mandates. While agencies do essential work, resource
constraints can push certain studies to lower priority. The
institute fills these gaps and enhances overall fishery
management, collaborating closely with the Alaska Department of
Fish & Game (ADF&G). Despite occasional disagreements, the
shared goal remains world-class fisheries management for the
benefit of Alaskans.
MR. HEAD noted that over the past 25 years, BBSRI has led
projects such as management plan reviews, salmon population
assessments, and the Bristol Bay Fisheries Collaborative,
securing millions for fisheries research during budget
shortages. The institute is best known for operating the Port
Moller test fishery and developing the ATC genetics lab in
partnership with ADF&G's Gene Conservation Lab. For over two
decades, the Port Moller test fishery has provided early
indicators of Bristol Bay salmon runs. In 2022, BBSRI
successfully integrated a genetics lab aboard a research vessel,
allowing identification of salmon origins within 24 hours of
capture. This information gave fishery managers and the
industry precise insights into returning sockeye salmon
populations 5-7 days before their arrival. Following the
success of the ATC genetics lab, BBSRI was approached to develop
a similar in-season genetic program for chum salmon bycatch in
the Bering Sea pollock fishery.
10:49:55 AM
MR. HEAD explained that chum salmon collapses in western Alaska
during the late 2010s and early 2020s led to subsistence
closures, creating hardships for rural communities.
Simultaneously, the Bering Sea pollock fishery recorded high
bycatch numbers of chum salmon, prompting calls for further
mitigation measures. However, Western Alaska chum salmon
represent only a small proportion of the total chum salmon
bycatch, raising questions about their stock origins in the
Bering Sea. Data from 2011 to 2023 indicates that Asian-origin
chum salmon accounted for 52 percent of annual bycatch, ranging
between 28 and 68 percent. These stocks are divided into
Southeast Asian hatchery fish from Japan and Korea and Northeast
Asian Russian chum salmon, which include a large hatchery
component. Southwest Alaskan chum salmon comprised only 2
percent of the bycatch on average, while Eastern Gulf of Alaska
and Pacific Northwest stocks made up 27 percent, peaking at 51
percent in 2015. Coastal Western Alaska chum salmon accounted
for 19 percent on average, but their presence varied, dropping
to 9 percent in 2020 and rising to 25 percent in 2016. Analysis
of western Alaska chum salmon bycatch trends reveals relative
stability over time, with declining numbers since 2017. The
higher overall bycatch in recent years is largely driven by
Pacific Northwest, Gulf of Alaska, and Northeast Asian hatchery
fish. Despite the decline, efforts should continue to minimize
Western Alaska chum salmon bycatch.
10:52:46 AM
MR. HEAD discussed the challenges in minimizing the impact of
the Bering Sea pollock fishery on Western Alaska chum salmon
stocks. The proportion of western Alaska chum salmon in bycatch
is highly variable, ranging from 9 to 25 percent annually, and a
significant portion of the bycatch consists of Asian, Gulf of
Alaska, and Pacific Northwest hatchery chum. While the fishing
industry takes measures to avoid high chum bycatch rates,
efforts to move away from affected areas may inadvertently
increase encounters with Western Alaska chum stocks.
Traditionally, bycatch composition has been assessed using
NOAA's postseason genetic analysis, which, while scientifically
rigorous, provides only retrospective databecoming available 8
to 10 months after the fish are caught. By that point, the
opportunity to adjust fishing practices to protect native
Western Alaska chum stocks is long past. An example from 2021
highlights this issue. That year, the total chum salmon bycatch
reached 550,000 fish, with Western Alaska chum accounting for 10
percent [51,000 fish]. In 2022, total bycatch was reduced to
under 250,000, yet genetic analysis showed that Western Alaska
chum made up 23 percent of the catch, meaning their bycatch
numbers were higher than in 2021. This underscores the need for
real-time genetic data to ensure targeted efforts in reducing
Western Alaska chum salmon bycatch rather than relying solely on
general reductions in total chum bycatch. The three sectors
within the pollock fishery have varying impacts on chum salmon
bycatch. The catcher/processor sector, made up of large vessels
that fish and process onboard, operates offshore and has the
lowest proportion of Western Alaska chum bycatch, primarily
catching Asian and Pacific Northwest salmon. The mothership
sector, consisting of floating processors with smaller fishing
vessels, operates across multiple fishing grounds and has the
lowest overall chum bycatch, with minimal impact on Western
Alaska chum stocks. The shoreside sector, made up of catcher
boats delivering to shore-based plants in Dutch Harbor and
Akutan, primarily fishes closer to shore and has the highest
rate of Western Alaska chum bycatch. With trip durations
averaging 48 hours, this sector is the largest contributor to
chum bycatch in the pollock fishery.
10:56:35 AM
MR. HEAD described the 2024 feasibility study, which aimed to
determine whether in-season genetic testing could help the
Bering Sea Pollock fishery avoid bycatch of critical Western
Alaska chum salmon stocks. The shoreside sector was selected
for testing because it is the largest contributor to chum salmon
bycatch and Western Alaska-specific bycatch, making it the most
impactful area for mitigation. Additionally, its logistical
feasibility allowed port samplers to be stationed at shore-based
plants, enabling efficient sample collection and genotyping.
Weekly testing was chosen due to statistical reporting needs and
the long fishing season, which runs from June through early
October. While the Port Moller test fish project operates every
two days to benefit fisheries management, adjustments to testing
frequency will be determined in collaboration with industry and
fishery managers. The 2024 study aimed to provide timely
information on chum bycatch and develop a tool for the shoreside
fleet to assist in avoiding Western Alaska chum salmon bycatch.
The project was structured into three components. The first
component was port sampling, where staff sampled fish inside
processing plants to meet weekly targets for accurate stock
estimates, requiring a higher sampling rate than had been
previously used. The second component was genotyping, which
involved laboratory analysis of fish samples to determine their
genetic composition. To increase efficiency, genotyping was
conducted on-site in Dutch Harbor, necessitating the
construction of a new lab and protocol development for accurate,
rapid analysis. The third component was stock composition
estimates, where NOAA analyzed the genetic makeup of each fish
to calculate weekly bycatch stock origins. Mr. Head said NOAA
performed this analysis in 2024 and will continue in future
years. For port sampling, five plants accepted shoreside sector
deliveries - four in Dutch Harbor [Alyeska, Northern Victor,
UniSea, and Westward] and one in Akutan [Trident]. He said
BBSRI deployed four port samplers in Dutch Harbor and two in
Akutan from June through early October 2024. Sampling covered
91 percent of over 1,000 vessel offloads, and improvements have
been made to reach 100 percent in 2025. The 2024 effort was
fully operational, generating stock estimates for the entire
shoreside sector. Of 22,000 chum salmon landed, 7,000 [32
percent] were sampled. By contrast, NOAA's standard one-in-
thirty sampling rate would have yielded only 700 sampled chum,
insufficient for accurate stock estimates.
11:01:09 AM
MR. HEAD described the genotyping phase of the 2024 feasibility
study, explaining that BBSRI's genetics team arrived in Dutch
Harbor on June 2 to establish a genetics lab near the airport.
The lab became operational on July 1, when BBSRI's lead
geneticist and ADF&G's genetics lab manager began genotyping
trials and refining lab procedures. By July 17, the lab was
fully operational, processing the backlog of samples collected
since June, and was fully caught up by the end of July. From
that point, the Dutch Harbor team maintained pace with sample
processing, completing genotyping within three days of each
statistical week's end. Plans for 2025 include hiring
additional geneticists to reduce processing time further. Over
the course of the season, BBSRI's genetics team genotyped 3,000
chum salmon, the amount necessary to generate accurate weekly
stock composition estimates. Extensive quality control measures
ensured the accuracy of the project, including sending data
subsets to ADF&G's genetics lab and NOAA's Auke Bay Lab for
independent verification. Both labs confirmed BBSRI's results.
The main results of the study are illustrated in two graphs.
The left graph displays the proportion of weekly chum salmon
bycatch, categorized into seven stock reporting groups. The
right graph shows the actual number of chum salmon landed per
week, broken down by stock origin. Data reveals that 2024
bycatch was primarily composed of Southeast Asian chum [dark
blue], Northeast Asian chum [orange], and Eastern Gulf of
Alaska/Pacific Northwest chum [light green]. In contrast,
Western Alaska stocks, represented by green, pink, and light
blue, formed a smaller portion of the catch. The three largest
weeks of bycatch - statistical weeks 27, 33, and 36 - contained
high numbers of Asian and Gulf of Alaska/Pacific Northwest chum
salmon. Examining each stock individually highlights the real
value of the project, particularly when compared to NOAA's
postseason estimates. Mr. Head said NOAA's postseason analysis
estimated that coastal Western Alaska stocks accounted for 9.6
percent of the shoreside sector's bycatch in 2024, represented
by the dark line on the corresponding graph.
11:05:34 AM
MR. HEAD explained that overlaying the results from the in-
season genetics project provides a clearer picture of stock
proportion variations over time. In 2024, the proportion of
Western Alaska chum salmon started low at 58 percent in the
early season, dipped to just under 5 percent in week 32, and
later rose; but bycatch levels were low in the late season.
Distinct trends emerged among Asian-origin chum stocks.
Southeast Asian chum salmon formed a large proportion of early-
season bycatch, then declined. In contrast, Northeast Asian
chum salmon started low early in the season but increased
significantly later. Gulf of Alaska and Pacific Northwest chum
stocks remained consistently high throughout the season, showing
little temporal variation.
MR. HEAD stated that in 2024, project results were not released
publicly to ensure accuracy through quality assurance/quality
control (QA/QC) verification and comparison with NOAA's
postseason analysis. Two figures illustrate the season's
findings; the top graph shows totals from BBSRI's in-season
project, while the bottom graph [red] represents NOAA's
postseason results. Both datasets are extremely similar,
confirming that Eastern Gulf of Alaska and Pacific Northwest
chum stocks were the largest contributors to bycatch, followed
by Asian stocks. Coastal Western Alaska, Kotzebue, and Yukon
stocks displayed similar patterns across both analyses.
Aggregated results indicate that Western Alaska chum stocks
comprised approximately 1415 percent of total bycatch in 2024,
reinforcing the credibility of the genetics program. Despite
using different sampling technologies, laboratory chemistry, and
analytical objectives, the weekly in-season estimates aligned
closely with NOAA's full-season summary, demonstrating the
effectiveness of real-time genetic monitoring.
11:08:04 AM
MR. HEAD emphasized the significance of in-season genetic
testing, explaining that even without further evolution, the
program can provide valuable insights into seasonal chum salmon
bycatch. Since the Western Alaska component varies
significantly each year, ranging between 9 percent and 25
percent, knowing whether it is a high or low year allows fishery
managers and the fleet to adjust avoidance measures accordingly.
However, the goal is continuous improvement, and efforts have
been made with NOAA and industry to identify the next steps for
enhancing mitigation strategies. For 2025, several improvements
will be implemented. Weekly results will be publicly released
via BSI.org/in-season-data, alongside an email distribution list
for real-time updates. Additionally, spatial analysis will be
introduced, shifting from sector-wide estimates to weekly
breakdowns of distinct fishing zones. The fleet operates in two
primary areas - one northwest and another east, closer to shore
- and both will now be analyzed separately to pinpoint
concentrations of Western Alaska chum salmon. Managers will use
this data to adjust vessel movement, directing fishing efforts
away from high-risk zones. The project will also integrate with
hotspot closure policies, ensuring that closures occur only when
Western Alaska chum stocks are heavily impacted, rather than
prematurely restricting fishing areas dominated by Asian
hatchery chum.
MR. HEAD also discussed the economic role of the pollock fishery
in Alaska. It generates millions in annual tax revenue,
including $9 million shared with Akutan and Unalaska through
resource landing and fisheries business taxes, which split
revenue 50/50 with the state. The community development quota
(CDQ) program, heavily supported by this fishery, contributes
$80100 million annually to regional jobs and economic programs.
While the industry provides significant economic benefits, they
must not come at the expense of wild fish populations and
subsistence users. Multiple efforts, including task forces,
legislative committees, and the North Pacific Fisheries
Management Council have sought solutions to mitigate bycatch
impacts on Western Alaska stocks. In-season genetic testing has
repeatedly been recognized as a viable strategy, and thanks to
state investment and Senator Hoffman's support, the 2024
feasibility study confirmed that it is accurate and practical
for integration into industry and management. Through
collaboration between state and federal agencies, the fishing
industry, stakeholders, and research organizations, the pollock
fishery can continue using scientifically rigorous, data-driven
tools to protect Western Alaska chum stocks, sustain local
communities, and maintain economic viability. Mr. Head said
BBSRI remains committed to these ongoing collaborative efforts.
11:12:53 AM
MR. HEAD noted that the project has widespread support from a
diverse array of stakeholders, including industry
representatives, agencies, the CDQ sector, Western Alaska
subsistence users, and tribal organizations. He emphasized that
the project was not completed by BBSRI alone, but rather made
possible through collaboration. The ADF&G Gene Conservation
Lab, under the leadership of Commissioner Doug Vincent-Lang,
provided staff and resources to support the initiative.
Additionally, NOAA played a critical role as a collaborator,
engaging in monthly meetings for over a year and a half to help
develop and implement the program. The processing plants also
played a key role, voluntarily allowing port samplers to collect
fish samples. These plants include Trident, Westward, Alyeska,
UniSea, and Northern Victor, all of whom contributed to the
success of the project. In closing, Mr. Head expressed
gratitude for the collective efforts that made the project
possible and made himself available for questions.
11:14:19 AM
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE asked why genetic testing was conducted
weekly and why handheld sequencing devices, such as the
Department of Natural Resources (DNR) sequencer, Oxford's
MinION, and the Liberty 16 polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
device, which cost less than $10,000, were not being used
directly on fishing boats to conduct on-site genetic testing.
MR. HEAD responded that testing frequency is determined by
fishery management requirements. The Port Moller test fish
project operates every other day to meet management needs,
whereas the 2024 feasibility study implemented weekly testing
due to the long season. Future adjustments will be made based
on industry, NOAA, and management input. Handheld sequencing
devices currently lack the capability to process the 8690
genetic markers required for stock identification. Existing
PCR-based devices analyze only a few markers, making onboard
sequencing impractical at this time. Advancements in genome
sequencing may improve efficiency in the future, allowing for
more robust genetic analysis in a fishing environment.
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE said that he hopes the vision [of
fisheries management] is a time when portable PCR sequencers are
utilized by fishing boats to make determinations regarding
probabilities of incidental by-catch of Western Alaska chum
salmon.
MR. HEAD said that Real-time genetic analysis onboard fishing
vessels remains a long-term goal, as no genetic data is
currently available until six to eight months after the season
concludes. The in-season genetic testing project marks a
significant advancement, now providing weekly updates, with
ongoing efforts to increase reporting frequency. While
achieving minute-by-minute genetic analysis would be the holy
grail of fisheries management, the current focus is on
transitioning from no data to weekly reporting, with future
developments aiming for daily updates and improved real-time
monitoring.
11:18:50 AM
REPRESENTATIVE VANCE asked how the gathered information is
transmitted to the trawling fleet in order to adjust their
fishing locations and avoid the by-catch of Western origin chum
salmon.
MR. HEAD responded that currently BBSRI was releasing this
information to both the public as well as the industry. He said
that the industry has an organization called SEASTATE which
monitors the fishery closely on a day-to-day basis and BBSRI was
working with SEASTATE to deliver this information directly into
their management system. He said that this upcoming season
BBSRI was trying to determine how to integrate this information
with management structures.
REPRESENTATIVE VANCE said that she was very excited about this
program and wanted to understand its funding structure. She
asked what other funding sources were available in addition to
NOAA funding and asked whether there were concerns regarding the
loss of funding for this initiative.
MR. HEAD responded that funding for the project is primarily
supported through a direct legislative grant, with about
$260,000 remaining to begin operations for the season.
Additionally, Bristol Bay Economic Development Corporation has
committed landing tax revenue from the fishery, allocated
through CDQ organizations for research and education
initiatives. Securing funding through the legislature remains a
priority, as state-backed funding enhances credibility among
stakeholders and eliminates the need for industry contributions
during the initial proof-of-concept phase. While industry
funding can be sensitive, state investment ensures broad
acceptance of the project's validity. An FY 25 congressional
directed spending (CDS) request was submitted through Senator
Lisa Murkowski's office, aiming to secure federal support for
three to five years, but the request did not advance. However,
a resubmission for FY 26 is under consideration, with strong
indications of continued support. If additional funding is not
secured, operations will run until mid-to-late July, but
completing the full season would be challenging. Despite
funding uncertainties, commitment remains strong to keep the
project moving forward, with efforts ongoing to identify
alternative sources to ensure its continuation.
11:22:41 AM
CHAIR STUTES clarified a previous comment that the $500,000
request to the state came out of the operating budget rather
than the capital budget.
11:22:57 AM
REPRESENTATIVE EDGMON said that the program remains in its early
stages, particularly in the Bering Sea component, and can be
considered a pilot initiative. Transitioning it into a fully
integrated in-season management tool will require continued
state investment, including the $500,000 allocated in this
year's budget. The Bycatch Advisory Council, task force, and
advisory commission - established under the direction of the
Commissioner of Fish and Game - have highlighted the economic
significance of bycatch management, affecting both commercial
and subsistence users. Subsistence fishing has an economic
dimension, reinforcing the importance of data-driven management
solutions. With a clear roadmap now outlined, ongoing progress
in real-time genetic monitoring will be critical, and future
updates will further shape the program into an effective data-
sharing tool for industry and management. Continued discussions
and refinements will help solidify its role in the years ahead.
11:24:32 AM
REPRESENTATIVE KOPP noted that Trident, whom BBSRI cooperated
with for sampling, were closing their plant in Akutan. He asked
whether this would hurt BBSRI's ability to conduct sampling for
the upcoming season.
MR. HEAD noted that Trident was building a new plant in Dutch
Harbor and sampling efforts would be facilitated due to the
difficulty of getting samples in and out of Akutan. He said
that the relocation to Dutch Harbor would likely make sampling
endeavors easier.
REPRESENTATIVE KOPP asked whether BBSRI was a nonprofit.
MR. HEAD said that this is correct.
REPRESENTATIVE KOPP said that it is remarkable to him that a
little nonprofit is tasked with managing all the river systems
of the Bristol Bay Salmon Fishery with so little financial input
from the state. He said that he did not think that there was
another nonprofit that was operating like they were.
11:27:01 AM
REPRESENTATIVE EDGMON wanted to "give a shoutout" to Michael
Link, now the CEO of BBEDC, for his work in the early stages of
this project.
REPRESENTATIVE EDGMON said that he wanted to ask about National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) budget cuts and if
some sort of letter could be written to note the support for
their work and partnership. He asked whether Mr. Head had any
knowledge of this and how it could hamper research efforts.
MR. HEAD responded that this was a big question, and he thought
that everyone understood how vital NOAA and the Alaska Fisheries
Science Center are to the fisheries in Alaska. He noted that
this project, in particular, benefits from close collaboration
with the Auke Bay Genetics Lab in Juneau, where staff perform
much of the analysis. He said that last year, they contributed
without funding because they prioritized this project,
dedicating staff time to support its progress, and they continue
to do so. Regarding the fishery observer program, the process
works as follows: vessels arrive at dock, NOAA observers are
stationed there to oversee the offloading process, which can
take many hours. Observers then sort bycatch by species; once
completed, BBSRI comes afterwards and are provided with one or
two totes of chum salmon, which can be sampled within an hour or
two before moving on. He said that if funding was reduced,
particularly for the observer program, it would present a
serious challenge. He noted that the Bering Sea pollock fishery
operates with 100 percent observer coverage on vessels and at
processing plants which sets a gold standard for observed
fisheries. He said that funding cuts would make this project
considerably more costly and difficult.
11:29:42 AM
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE said that the project fits well within the
purview of the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission and
asked whether any funding could come from them.
MR. HEAD responded that BBSRI has not received any funding from
the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission and had not
contacted them, but he remarked that Representative McCabe had
provided a "very good option going forward."
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE said that this was something that could be
explored moving forward and it "dovetails perfectly."
11:30:44 AM
CHAIR STUTES said that there has been considerable discussion
and concern regarding trawlers and salmon bycatch in the state.
Since the work involves regional testing and determining the
origin of salmon, she asked whether Mr. Head believed that there
is less impact on Alaska salmon compared to Asian or Pacific
Northwest salmon. She noted that based on the graphs reviewed,
it seemed to suggest that. She asked whether he viewed this as
an accurate assessment.
MR. HEAD responded that on Slide 8 of the presentation one can
see the percentage breakdown of bycatch from 2011 to 2023. He
noted that Asian chum, specifically from Southeast Asia and
Northeast Asia account for around a 52 percent average and have
been as much as 68 percent in some years. He said that
regarding coastal Western Alaska, one of the challenges faced
with genetics is the difficulty to distinguish populations by
river system. He said that Western Alaska chum salmon are
genetically very similar, which makes precise identification
difficult. He said that BBSRI can differentiate certain stocks
such as Kotzebue and sections of the Yukon, but the rest of
Western Alaska chum were challenging. He said that as a result
all stocks from Norton Sound to Bristol Bay were grouped
together.
MR. HEAD noted that looking at coastal Western Alaska, which
consists entirely of wild salmon populations, they constitute
about 19 percent of the bycatch on average. In some years it
was as low as 9 percent and in other years it was as high as 25
percent. He said that this is different from king salmon
bycatch which typically is all Alaska fish. He said that while
the current bycatch rates were low, it did not mean that there
were significant challenges facing these fish stocks and
measures were needed to mitigate the impact.
CHAIR STUTES thanked Mr. Head for the presentation, and she said
she hoped that the committee would have an opportunity to get an
update next year.
11:33:57 AM
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the committee, the House
Special Committee on Fisheries meeting was adjourned at 11:34
a.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| House Fisheries Committee Presentation_Chum Salmon Bycatch Genetics_Final V2.pdf |
HFSH 5/8/2025 10:00:00 AM |