Legislature(2021 - 2022)BARNES 124
02/24/2021 01:00 PM House RESOURCES
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| Overview(s): Department of Fish & Game | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
HOUSE RESOURCES STANDING COMMITTEE
February 24, 2021
1:02 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Representative Josiah Patkotak, Chair
Representative Grier Hopkins, Vice Chair
Representative Zack Fields
Representative Calvin Schrage
Representative Sara Hannan
Representative George Rauscher
Representative Mike Cronk
Representative Ronald Gillham
Representative Tom McKay
MEMBERS ABSENT
All members present
OTHER LEGISLATORS PRESENT
Representative Kevin McCabe
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
OVERVIEW(S): DEPARTMENT OF FISH & GAME
- HEARD
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
No previous action to record
WITNESS REGISTER
DOUG VINCENT-LANG, Commissioner
Department of Fish and Game
Juneau, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Offered an overview of the work that the
Department of Fish and Game does.
ACTION NARRATIVE
1:02:03 PM
CHAIR JOSIAH PATKOTAK called the House Resources Standing
Committee meeting to order at 1:02 p.m. Representatives
Hopkins, Schrage, Hannan, Rauscher, Gilham, Cronk, McKay, and
Patkotak were present at the call to order. Representative
Fields arrived as the meeting was in progress.
^OVERVIEW(S): Department of Fish & Game
OVERVIEW(S): Department of Fish & Game
#hb79
#hb80
#sb22
#sb59
#sb60
[Contains discussion of HB 79, HB 80, SB 22, SB 59, and SB 60.]
1:03:28 PM
CHAIR PATKOTAK announced that the only order of business would
be an overview of the Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G).
1:03:34 PM
DOUG VINCENT-LANG, Commissioner, Department of Fish and Game
(ADF&G), expressed that the resources managed by ADF&G belong to
the people of Alaska and that by being engaged in the
legislative process, residents are expressing their preferences
on how the resources are used.
1:05:02 PM
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG provided a PowerPoint presentation,
titled "Alaska Department of Fish & Game; House Resources
Committee Department Overview." He directed attention to slide
2, "Constitutional and Statutory Mandates" which read as follows
[original punctuation provided]:
The Constitution of the State of Alaska
Article 8 Natural Resources; ?4. Sustained Yield
Fish, forests, wildlife, grasslands, and all other
replenishable resources belonging to the State shall
be utilized, developed, and maintained on the
sustained yield principle, subject to preferences
among beneficial uses.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG explained that the key phrase here is
"sustained yield principle," which is unique to Alaska. He
further noted that Article 8 of the Constitution does not,
however, call for a "maximum sustained yield." He cited rainbow
trout as an example of something that is managed for a
sustainable yield rather than a maximum yield. He stated that
Alaska doesn't' try to get the maximum poundage of rainbow
trout, instead many of Alaska's trout populations are optimally
managed to have populations that are giving the best catch and
release numbers possible. He further clarified that this is
subject to preferences amongst beneficial uses, which is why
there exists a Board of Fish and a Board of Game process -- to
decide who gets to utilize these resources. He reiterated that
both those principles of a "sustained yield" and "subject to
preference" are in the Alaska constitution.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG continued onto the second point on
slide 2, his duty as the commissioner, in the middle third of
the slide, which read as follows [original punctuation
provided]:
The Alaska Statutes
Title 16. FISH AND GAME; Sec. 16.05.020. Functions of
commissioner
(2) manage, protect, maintain, improve, and extend the
fish, game and aquatic plant resources of the state in
the interest of the economy and general well-being of
the state.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG said those were the authorities he was
vested in and noted that he had emergency order authority to
work with the Board of Fish, the Board of Game, and the Alaska
State Legislature to ensure that the resources are used in the
best interest of the state's economy and the well-being of the
state. He explained that there may be times where there is a
conflict between what is best for the economy and what is best
for the well-being of the people of the state of Alaska. He
offered the example of dealing with human-bear interactions in
urban communities, which he would categorize as being in the
well-being of the state.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG concluded with the departments mission
statement, which read as follows on the bottom third of slide 2
[original punctuation provided]:
Mission Statement
To protect, maintain, and improve the fish, game, and
aquatic plant resources of the state, and manage their
uses and development in the best interest of the
economy and the well-being of the people of the state,
consistent with the sustained yield principle.
1:08:21 PM
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG moved on to slide 3, "Core Services,"
which read as follows [original punctuation provided]:
Management
Provide hunting, fishing and trapping opportunities,
protect state's rights to manage its fish and wildlife
resources, conserve and improve habitat and access.
Stock Assessment and Research
Ensure sustainability and harvestable surplus, improve
assessment and research capabilities, invest in new
technologies, anticipate changing conditions.
Customer Service and Public Involvement
Make improvements to information and education
services, the Boards and other regulatory processes,
licensing and permitting.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG explained that ADF&G has a fundamental
management program that manages the areas listed on the slide.
He said there is a research program that is associated with
that. He noted that the second component in the department is
the "Stock Assessment and Research" arm, clarifying the
department's management is based on science-based research. He
shared that Alaska has a world-wide recognized stock assessment
program. He described ADF&G as "cutting edge" in stock
assessment in commercial fisheries. He said the final component
is "Customer Service and Public involvement," which enables
people to use the resources managed by ADF&G. He said that
ADF&G has walk-in capacity across the state for the average
Alaskan to come in and ask about how and where to go hunting and
fishing.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG next directed attention to slides 4
and 5, titled "Return on Investment" and "Return on Investment
Continued," both of which were subtitled "The Alaska Department
of Fish and Game turns a $198 million dollar (of which $62
million is GF) into a return of over $11 billion annually." He
summarized the contents of the slides, which read as follows
[original punctuation provided]:
Economic Value of Commercially Harvested Alaska
Seafood:
Directly employs 60,000 workers annually, more than
any other industry in Alaska Largest private sector
employer in Alaska
? Contributes $146 million in taxes, fees, and self-
assessments which help fund state, local and federal
government
? Alaska seafood contributes an annual average of $5
billion in economic output to the Alaska economy
? Alaska exports over 1 million metric tons of seafood
each year, returning over $3 billion of new money into
the U.S. economy
Economic Value of Sport Fisheries
? 15,879 Jobs supported
? $246 million in taxes contributed (adjusted for
inflation, $298.64 million in 2019 dollars)
? $545 million in income provided (adjusted for
inflation, $661.63 million in 2019 dollars)
? $1.6 billion industry output. (adjusted for
inflation, $1.950 billion in 2019 dollars)
Economic value of Wildlife
? More than 27,000 Jobs supported
? 1.4 billion in labor income (adjusted for inflation,
1.566 billion in 2019 dollars)
? 3.4 billion spent by hunters and wildlife viewers
(adjusted for inflation, 3.87 billion in 2019 dollars)
? $4.1 billion economic activity statewide. (adjusted
for inflation, 4.59 billion in 2019 dollars)
Economic Value of Subsistence
? 2014 Nutritional replacement value schedules show
that subsistence provides Alaskans with between
$183,878,022- $367,756,045 ($200,826,510- $391,020,417
adjusted for inflation to 2019 dollars) worth of wild
food per year.
1:11:12 PM
REPRESENTATIVE RAUSCHER asked where the $136 million that is not
in the general fund (GF) is spent.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG replied that a later slide will break
down ADF&G's budget. He noted that subsistence is a statutory
and constitutional requirement in Alaska and that the fisheries
are managed with a subsistence priority, which has greatly
helped people in rural Alaska.
1:12:11 PM
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG continued to slide 6, titled "Alaska
Department of Fish & Game Leadership," and highlighted Deputy
Commissioner Rachel Baker, who leads the national and
international fishery issues. He said that she has a chair on
the North Pacific Fisheries Management Council (NPFMC). Ben
Mulligan is the other deputy commissioner, who oversees the
habitat program, federal subsistence program, Board of Game and
Board of Fisheries activities, and federal/state subsistence
interactions. He named Legislative Liaison Rachel Hanke,
Special Assistant Rick Green, and the Division of Administrative
Services (DAS) Deputy Director Melissa Hill. He also named the
division directors as Sam Rabung, Director of Commercial
Fisheries; Dave Rutz, Director of Sport Fish; Eddie Grasser,
Director of Wildlife Conservation; Kristy Tibbles, Executive
Director, Board of Game; and Glenn Haight, Executive Director,
Board of Fisheries.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG said there are two sections in ADF&G:
the Habitat section, and the Subsistence Research Section. He
explained that those used to be divisions, until about two years
ago. He said that during the first round of budget cuts, a
decision was made to forgo assigning directors, and rather leave
those as sections.
1:14:12 PM
REPRESENTATIVE HANNAN asked for the backgrounds of Deputy
Commissioner Ben Mulligan and Deputy Commissioner Rachel Baker.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG replied that Deputy Commissioner
Rachel Baker worked for ADF&G a number of years ago and was more
recently with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA) in Washington D.C. She has experience
with national and international fisheries issues. He explained
that she understood the federal processes when it comes to
managing fisheries. Deputy Commissioner Ben Mulligan was a
legislative liaison for ADF&G for many years and has experience
in the Division of Sport Fish.
REPRESENTATIVE HANNAN asked whether both deputy commissioners
have a fisheries background.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG answered that Deputy Commissioner
Mulligan's time as a legislative liaison gave him experience in
a wide range of issues including habitat, fisheries, and
subsistence. Deputy Commissioner Baker, he continued, has had
more experience in fisheries.
1:15:54 PM
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG turned to slide 7, "Budget," which
read as follows [original punctuation provided]:
FY 2020 Authorized Budget
? $202,781 million
? 835 permanent full-time positions
? 605 permanent part-time positions and 8 non-
permanent position
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG explained the two pie charts also
included on the slide show funding sources as undesignated
general fund (UGF), designated general fund (DGF), other, and
federal, and he clarified that the category "other," which is
the single largest source of funds, is a combination of Fish and
Game fund with DGF receipts. Unique to Alaska, he explained, is
the dedicated Fish and Game fund. He explained that voters
chose to designate that fund to allow access to additional
matching federal funds such as the Pittman-Robertson (PR) fund
and the Dingell-Johnson funds, which are created by taxes
collected on hunting and fishing licenses at the federal level
and returned to the states with a matching ratio of 1:3. He
noted the high amount of federal and UGF dollars used to fund
ADF&G. By component, he continued, the largest division is
Commercial Fisheries, which is followed closely by the Wildlife
and Sport Fish. Next is the Support Services and then
Subsistence and Habitat, he concluded.
1:18:13 PM
REPRESENTATIVE GILLHAM inquired about CARES Act funds totaling
$50 million and asked whether that money was included in the
budget as described.
1:18:32 PM
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG explained that the National Marine
Fisheries Service (NMFS) made $300 million available for
nationwide fisheries relief, of which Alaska received $50
million. The money was added to NMFS's budget and given to the
Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission (PSMFC) for
distribution, assigning to the State of Alaska the task of
creating a spending plan. He noted frustration at the slow
progress and explained that the plan was to allow all affected
fisheries eligibility for relief; however, two factors affected
the pace of the funding rollout. Some fisheries opened in the
fall, he said, and they shouldn't be ineligible simply due to a
late start date. Another factor was that a fishing operation
was required to have suffered a 30 percent loss in revenue over
the calendar year; this necessitated waiting until the fisheries
were closed, since a loss over two months could be made up for
in the longer term. He also noted that the public needed to be
engaged in the process, and the plan was open for two rounds of
public comment before being submitted to PSMFC for approval.
Commissioner Vincent-Lang related that PSMFC is currently
awaiting approval from NMFS. He concluded by stating that none
of that money is in ADF&G budget.
1:21:20 PM
REPRESENTATIVE HANNAN noted that the Dingell-Johnson funds are
federal funds but are included in the "other" section of fund
sources instead of the "federal" section.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG answered, "Yes."
REPRESENTATIVE HANNAN asked how much of the "other" is
recaptured by license fees and how much is federal Dingell-
Johnson money.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG answered that PR funds are much
greater than the Dingell-Johnson right now.
1:22:19 PM
REPRESENTATIVE FIELDS asked where PR funds are shown in the
chart.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG responded that PR funds are included
in the "other" section.
REPRESENTATIVE FIELDS asked how much money is received from PR
and Dingell-Johnson funds.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG responded that the funds total $14-$15
million and that he would get the exact amounts.
REPRESENTATIVE FIELDS asked about spending restrictions on PR
and Dingell-Johnson funds.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG explained that the funds must be used
for wildlife management, development of shooting ranges, or
access. He noted that there has been an issue in recent years
in not having enough money in the ADF&G fund to match all
eligible PR monies.
1:23:30 PM
REPRESENTATIVE HOPKINS asked how specific [the allocation of PR
dollars must be] to hunting and fishing access and whether there
exists a gray area.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG replied citing a proposal for the
Chugach State Park to develop a parking area for access to
wildlife viewing. It was difficult to use PR funds for this
project because the area is closed to hunting, he explained. He
finished by saying PR funds are intended for hunting and
fishing.
REPRESENTATIVE HOPKINS asked if the funds could be used for
conserving land as a hunting area.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG replied that they could but explained
that land purchased with federal dollars has a long-term
expectation that the land is used for that specific purpose.
1:25:22 PM
REPRESENTATIVE RAUSCHER asked whether the Advisory Committees
(ACs) are paid for by the GF or by federal dollars.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG responded that they are funded by the
GF and explained that PR and Dingell-Johnson funds can't be used
for regulatory measures.
1:26:05 PM
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG resumed presentation by paraphrasing
slide 8, "FY2022 Budget Highlights," which read as follows
[original punctuation provided]:
·The Department will be able to continue to
provide an excellent return on investment as we have
in the past under the governor's proposed budget.
·The proposed budget includes $26 million to
fisheries, wildlife, and resource projects.
·We do not anticipate any reduction in services
as a result of the proposed budget.
·We were able to use alternative funding sources
and cost efficiencies to reduce our general fund
needs.
·We are consolidating the various budget
components in the Division of Commercial Fisheries
into a single unit to improve efficiency.
1:27:43 PM
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG explained the structure of ADF&G, as
addressed on slide 9, "Office of the Commissioner." He
explained that his office provides management and oversight, as
well as handling the obligations to approximately 76 boards and
commissions such as the Pacific Salmon Commission and the North
Pacific Fishery Management Council. He explained that the
budget for the Office of the Commissioner of ADF&G is $1.2
million, with seven full-time staff.
1:29:06 PM
REPRESENTATIVE RAUSCHER asked about the Board of Fisheries
"doubling up" on meetings and whether residents in remote areas
are able to participate in meetings held via online.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG replied with the note that the
regulatory process is publicly driven, and any individual can
submit a proposal for consideration; the ACs offer individuals
an opportunity to voice their concerns on a proposal while in
their local area. He said ADF&G ensures that every AC has an
opportunity to send somebody to participate in the board process
during proposal deliberations. He explained that in
transitioning to COVID-19 protocols it was his recommendation to
the Board of Fisheries (BOF) and Board of Game (BOG) to not rely
heavily on virtual meetings because of the possible compromises
to the public process; BOG decided to move all of its meetings
into "out years," while BOF decided to double up on meetings
next year at a cost of approximately $500,000 not currently
included in the budget. He clarified that he has informed BOF
that he doesn't have the additional money in his budget to
double the meetings.
1:33:01 PM
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG continued his explanation of the
structure of ADF&G with slide 10, "Division of Commercial
Fisheries," which read as follows [original punctuation
provided]
Contribution to Department Mission
The mission of the Division of Commercial Fisheries is
to manage subsistence, commercial, and personal use
fisheries in the interest of the economy and general
well being of the citizens of the state, consistent
with the sustained yield principle, and subject to
allocations through public regulatory processes.
Core Services
Ensure the conservation of natural stocks of fish,
shellfish and aquatic plants based on scientifically
sound assessments.
FY 2020 Authorized Budget
·$70.5 million
·295 permanent full-time positions
·373 permanent part-time positions
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG moved on to slide 11 which contained
more information about the Division of Commercial Fisheries,
which manages all of the salmon, herring, shellfish, groundfish,
and dive fisheries, as well as many but not all personal use and
subsistence fisheries.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG then addressed the structure of the
division as outlined on the slide; management regions are
Southeast, Central, Westward, and Arctic-Yukon-Kuskokwim (AYK).
The division has chief scientists to oversee the salmon
fisheries research and groundfish/crab research, and it houses
the federal fisheries coordination staff and Pacific Salmon
Treaty staff.
1:35:44 PM
REPRESENTATIVE HANNAN noted that ADF&G gets $70 million from the
GF and asked how much the commercial fish taxes bring into the
GF.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG replied that he did not have that
information, but Alaska collects more in fish taxes than
budgeted to ADF&G.
1:36:23 PM
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG continued onto slide 12, "Division of
Sport Fish" which read as follows [original punctuation
provided]]:
Contribution to Department Mission
The mission of the Division of Sport Fish is to
protect and improve the state's sport fishery
resources.
Core Services
Fisheries Management: Manage the state's sport
fisheries for sustained yield and angler satisfaction.
Fisheries Research: Perform objective-based
research based on sound scientific practices to
support sport fisheries management.
Fisheries Enhancement: Create and diversify sport
fishing opportunities for anglers.
Fish Habitat: Protect and restore fish habitats
for the benefit of fish and sport anglers.
Communication and Outreach: Inform and
communicate with the public about sport fishing.
Internal Operations: Provide leadership and
administrative support for the Division's core
functions.
FY 2020 Authorized Budget
$40.9 million
187 permanent full-time positions
145 permanent part-time positions
COMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG said "the division is "basically
funded" by federal Dingell-Johnson funds and ADF&G funds, "with
a little bit of UGF and comes in to that section to do things
that aren't eligible for funding under the other two
categories." He added, "So, they're basically a user-funded
division; they're funded through license fees and ... federal
excise taxes on sport fishing."
1:37:23 PM
REPRESENTATIVE FIELDS asked about the part-time positions in the
department.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG replied that the permanent positions
are mostly research, management, and administrative positions.
The part time positions are the positions on the weirs [counting
fish returns] and survey work.
1:37:54 PM
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG next presented slide 13, which offered
more information on the Division of Sport Fish and read as
follows [original punctuation provided]:
Major Fisheries
Salmon
Freshwater fisheries
Groundfish
Personal Use Fisheries
Structure
Houses 3 management regions (Southeast,
Southcentral, Interior)
Houses Sport Fish Hatchery Operations
Houses one chief fisheries scientists
Houses Department Invasive Species Program
Houses Sport Fish Access Program
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG noted that according to federal
statute, a portion of the Dingell-Johnson funds must go towards
boating access; this is an annual appropriation matched with
ADF&G funds, a small component of which goes towards non-boating
access in the form of developing trailheads.
1:38:51 PM
REPRESENTATIVE HOPKINS referred to slide 12 and asked whether
the UGF is composed of user and licensing fees.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG answered that a bit of additional UGF
covers things that cannot be paid for with Dingell-Johnson or
federal funds, such as regulatory support.
1:39:24 PM
REPRESENTATIVE GILLHAM asked whether by-catch for ground fish is
managed by either one of the divisions.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG explained that by-catch management
falls under interactions with the federal fisheries management
with NPFMC, which uses the limited entry program to reduce by-
catch by spreading out the fisheries or by setting hard limits
on by-catch.
1:41:18 PM
REPRESENTATIVE GILLHAM asked whether it's state or federal
responsibility to manage halibut by-catch, considering halibut
is federally-managed.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG responded that the State of Alaska has
no distinct management authority over halibut, since it's a
federal program covered by a treaty. He added that one of the
priorities of the NPFMC is to get accurate by-catch numbers
while maintaining affordability for fishing operations.
1:42:35 PM
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG turned to slides 14 and 15, "Division
of Wildlife." Slide 14 read as follows [original punctuation
provided]:
Contribution to Department Mission
The mission of the Division of Wildlife Conservation
is to conserve and enhance Alaska's wildlife and
habitats and provide for a wide range of public uses
and benefits.
Core Services
Maintain and enhance opportunities to hunt, trap,
and view wildlife.
Provide opportunities for Alaskans to gain
knowledge of and appreciation for Alaska's wildlife,
its management, and ways to safely and ethically
interact with wildlife.
FY 2020 Authorized Budget
$50.5 million
231 permanent full-time positions
52 permanent part-time & non-permanent positions
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG then directed attention to slide 15
which read as follows [original punctuation provided]:
Major Activities
Management of hunting and trapping across the
state
Management of Special Areas
Participation in Board of Game process
Structure
Houses 3 management regions (Southeast,
Southcentral, Interior, Central/Southwest)
Houses Department ANILCA/State Defense program
Houses one chief wildlife scientist
Houses Department Veterinary Program
Houses Shooting Range Program
Houses Department Waterfowl Program
Houses Department ESA Program
Houses Department Marine Mammal Program
Houses Department Wildlife Diversity Program
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG elaborated on the Alaska National
Interest Lands Conservation Act (ANILCA), explaining how a
primary driver for gaining statehood was the right to manage
state resources, which had previously been subject to federal
oversight. As part of the compact, Alaska attempted to gain the
right to manage fish and game regardless of whether the resource
was on state or federal land. He said that the state believed
ANILCA further aided Alaska in obtaining management rights. He
opined that federal agencies were intruding into the authorities
granted by statehood and ANILCA and that ADF&G needed to
"defense up at a state level to try to defend those rights that
we had guaranteed at statehood and through ANILCA."
1:47:46 PM
REPRESENTATIVE RAUSCHER asked which is the deciding entity when
the hunt structure changes, and how funding is affected.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG answered that the money goes into the
Fish and Game fund, and that BOG decides who has the authority
to make the changes.
1:48:31 PM
REPRESENTATIVE HANNAN asked about the recent migration of
cougars into Alaska, and whether increased numbers had been
measured by ADF&G.
1:49:13 PM
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG described the increasing movement of
various animals from the Yukon into Alaska and opined that as
the climate changes, wildlife will move. He said that ADF&G is
somewhat concerned about disease vectors presented by wildlife
not historically present in the state.
1:50:50 PM
REPRESENTATIVE HOPKINS referred to a moose hunt in the Nenana
area for which all of the permits were sold out online in under
a minute, so residents with internet access problems didn't have
a chance for a permit. He asked whether ADF&G is looking at
diversifying ways to access permits.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG replied that having permits available
only in rural communities, ensuring local access to resources,
creates a different problem when encountering travel
restrictions.
REPRESENTATIVE HOPKINS asked how the BOG will address similar
issues in the future.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG said that the BOG will discuss options
next year. He noted that the Fortymile Caribou hunt resulted in
damage to the habitat.
REPRESENTATIVE HOPKINS asked what some possible proposals would
be, especially those relating to the Fortymile herd.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG replied that the winter hunt is still
ongoing, so proposals will be considered later; he noted that
some of the hunt happens on federal land and that the
requirements are different.
1:54:32 PM
REPRESENTATIVE RAUSCHER asked if there is a long-term plan for
the herd in the Nelchina River Basin.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG replied that the state's intensive
management statute is the authority for that herd and that there
are harvest objectives which have been met. He said that part
of the complexity is that the herd overlaps occasionally with
the Fortymile Herd. He also noted that even though there were
enough animals to meet federal subsistence needs as well as non-
federally qualified users, the Federal Subsistence Board limited
access for the non-federally qualified users and legal
proceedings are ongoing.
REPRESENTATIVE RAUSCHER asked where it is "on the radar" to make
a plan for the Nelchina herd.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG responded that the herd is monitored
annually and managed based on access, permits, and past success
rates. He explained that caribou are very habitat-dependent,
and the populations can fluctuate for reasons other than
hunting; a bad winter that naturally thins the herd will affect
the hunt later.
1:58:28 PM
REPRESENTATIVE GILLHAM referred to Commissioner Vincent-Lang's
earlier note of deer migrating from Canada and asked whether
someone can shoot one.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG said that the deer may be shot.
1:59:13 PM
REPRESENTATIVE CRONK referred to the emergency order for a "two
caribou bag limit" and asked whether the decision for that order
was sudden.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG responded that after the survey there
were more animals than expected in the Fortymile herd and many
discussions on harvesting were had.
REPRESENTATIVE CRONK asked what the last survey number was.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG said that he was unsure what the
number was, but herd size was still a concern.
2:01:44 PM
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG resumed presentation with slides 16
and 17, "Habitat Section," which read as follows [original
punctuation provided]:
Contribution to Department Mission
Protect Alaska's valuable fish and wildlife resources
and their habitats as Alaska's population and economy
continue to expand.
Core Services
logicalnot Review applications and issue permits for
activities in fish-bearing waters and legislatively
designated Special areas; provide expertise to protect
important fish and wildlife habitat; monitor
authorized projects and conduct compliance actions.
logicalnot Manage Alaska's Special Areas in accordance
with legislative guidelines; prepare and update
management plans for these areas.
logicalnot Review proposed timber harvest activities;
conduct field inspections; work cooperatively with
timber operators and other governmental agencies
logicalnot Review development projects (e.g., oil and gas,
hard rock mining, hydroelectric) authorized under
other agencies' authorities.
logicalnot Maintain and update the "Catalog of Waters
Important for Spawning, Rearing, or Migration of
Anadromous Fishes."
logicalnot Conduct applied research to develop methods and
means to minimize impacts of development projects on
fish and wildlife resources
logicalnot Seek opportunities to improve and protect
habitat in cooperation with state and federal
agencies, local governments, non-governmental
organizations, and others.
FY 2020 Authorized Budget
? $5.4 million
? 37 permanent full-time positions
3 permanent part-time & non-permanent positions
Major Activities
logicalnot Title 16 permitting
logicalnot Special Areas permitting
logicalnot Maintenance of the Anadromous Fish Catalog
logicalnot Involvement in the DNR Project Management and
Permitting Program
logicalnot Pipeline Office Liaison
Structure
logicalnot Houses 3 management regions (Southeast,
Southcentral, Interior) 1
2:03:31 PM
REPRESENTATIVE HANNAN asked about Department of Natural
Resources' (DNR's) proposed regulations on water reservations as
they would affect anadromous fish.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG explained that the concept of water
reservations comes from the western U.S. where water is owned;
he explained that instream flow reservations are often based on
model data, which could give an inaccurate average stream flow
and affect the amount of water available to be drawn. He said
that it's a better approach to decide on the instream flow
requirement at the time of permitting any large project, using
real data collection as a condition of the permit.
REPRESENTATIVE HANNAN asked whether Commissioner Vincent-Lang
was saying that the new regulations would affect ADF&G's ability
to say that the volume of water in a body needs to remain the
same.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG replied, "Let's say a mine was going
to be developed. My staff would have to look at the water flow
requirements of the context of what's occurring out there as
part of out Title 16 permitting, and we would not issue a permit
unless we were sure we were protecting the fish down below
there." He added that a stream flow requirement may be
established at that time.
2:07:38 PM
REPRESENTATIVE HANNAN remarked that the Anadromous Fish Catalog
is not inclusive of all relevant streams and is continually
updated, and she asked how many of Alaska's anadromous streams
are catalogued.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG replied that with the major river
systems and tributaries already catalogued, he is confident that
most of the water is catalogued and that it's likely missing
headwaters in remote areas.
2:08:54 PM
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG tuned to the Subsistence Research
Sections and emphasized that ADF&G takes the state subsistence
program seriously and considers the program in decisions to open
sport and personal use fisheries. He paraphrased slides 18 and
19, titled Subsistence Research Section," which read as follows
[original punctuation provided]:
Contribution to Department Mission
The mission of the Subsistence Section is to
scientifically gather, quantify, evaluate, and report
information about customary and traditional uses of
Alaska's fish and wildlife resources. (AS 16.05.094)
Core Services
logicalnotCompile and analyze existing data; conduct
research to gather information on the role of hunting
and fishing by Alaskans for customary and traditional
uses.
logicalnotDisseminate current subsistence use information
to the public; appropriate agencies and organizations;
and fisheries and wildlife management divisions.
logicalnotAssist the Board of Fisheries, the Board of
Game, and the Joint Board of Fisheries and Game to
evaluate customary and traditional uses of Alaska's
fish and wildlife resources and amounts reasonably
necessary for subsistence uses (ANS) of those
resources.
logicalnotAssist fisheries and wildlife managers in
preparing management plans to ensure information on
customary and traditional uses and fish and wildlife
harvests is incorporated.
FY 2020 Authorized Budget
? $5.3 million
? 22 permanent full-time positions
? 27 permanent part-time & non-permanent
positions
Major Activities
logicalnot Collection of Subsistence Use Information
logicalnot Participation in the Board process
Structure
logicalnot Houses 2 management regions (Southern and
Northern)
logicalnot Houses statewide program manager position
overseeing research activities
2:11:06 PM
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG summarized slides 20-21, "Board
Support Section" which read as follows [original punctuation
provided]:
Contribution to Department Mission
The Boards Support Section facilitates an effective
board and public process for the state's fish and
wildlife regulatory system.
Core Services
logicalnot Ensure citizens participating in the fish and
game regulatory process have clear and helpful
information in advance to engage effectively.
logicalnot Provide and support an environment for board
members to make effective decisions.
FY 2020 Authorized Budget
? $1.2 million
? 6 permanent full-time positions
Major Activities
logicalnot Support of the Boards of Fisheries and Game
process
Structure
logicalnot Houses 2 executive director positions (Board of
Game and Board of Fisheries)
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG paraphrased slide 22, titled "Advisory
Committee Support Section," which read as follows [original
punctuation provided]:
Contribution to Department Mission
The Boards Support Section facilitates an effective
board and public process for the state's fish and
wildlife regulatory system.
Core Services
logicalnot Ensure citizens participating in the fish and
game regulatory process have clear and helpful
information in advance to engage effectively.
logicalnot Provide and support an environment for board
members to make effective decisions.
FY 2020 Authorized Budget
? $0.5 million
? 0 permanent full-time positions
2:12:02 PM
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG directed attention to slide 24, "Last
Year," which read as follows [original punctuation provided]:
The Department worked to ensure we had the necessary
research and management infrastructure in place to
safely conduct fisheries and hunts across Alaska
? Nearly all commercial fisheries were conducted,
allowing commercial fishermen to fish their permits
and thereby make a living and contribute to the state
and local economies through collected fish taxes.
? Sport and personal use fisheries operated, allowing
anglers an opportunity to fill their freezers, feed
their families, and get outside.
? Subsistence fisheries and hunts occurred, allowing
subsistence harvesters opportunities to feed their
communities and pass on traditions.
? Hunts occurred throughout Alaska, giving Alaskans
opportunities to fill their freezers and pass on
traditions.
? Charter fishing and guided hunting operated,
providing needed recreational opportunities and
economic boosts to the state and local economies.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG expressed his appreciation to ADF&G
staff for working hard throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and
noted that almost all fisheries were open.
2:13:17 PM
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG presented slide 25, "Issues/Concerns,"
which read as follows [original punctuation provided]:
? Reduced marine survivals of salmon
? Federal intrusion into state management authority
? COVID-19 impacts e.g., lost license revenue to Fish
and Game Fund
? Impacts associate with implementation of the
Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal
Protection Act
? Urban wildlife management issues
? Hatchery-wild stock interactions
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG explained that while freshwater
habitats throughout the state have remained largely unaltered,
marine survivals of salmon have been clearly reduced and he has
assigned a fisheries scientist to take a lead role in finding
out how the ocean is affecting the fish. He discussed the push
by federal partners into the state's resource management and how
national diversity guidelines don't necessarily apply to
Alaska's resources. He discussed his concerns with impacts
associated with the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal
Protection Act and opined that Alaska is being singled out for
climate-related listings.
2:19:05 PM
REPRESENTATIVE MCKAY said that he understood that Bristol Bay
has been having record salmon runs. He also asked about how
engine size impacts salmon spawning on the Kenai River.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG explained that Bristol Bay is likely
"masking" marine survival numbers due to its freshwater
capacity, but other habitat areas are in complete collapse. He
then said, as far as Cook Inlet is the "breadbasket" of Alaska
and the most complex fishery managed by ADF&G, the department
will consider all possibilities.
2:22:39 PM
REPRESENTATIVE FIELDS asked a question related to the impacts of
the pandemic on fisheries.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG replied that with the delay of cruise
ships, there may be fewer fishermen in Southeast Alaska, so
ADF&G will be creative in how the sport fisheries are managed.
2:23:48 PM
REPRESENTATIVE CRONK expressed his concern about the Yukon River
salmon run.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG responded that the Yukon is a
transboundary river, so it's managed differently, and ADG&G has
an obligation to pass a certain amount of fish across the
border. There is extra funding from the federal government and
ADF&G will be assessing the salmon's survival rate.
2:27:26 PM
REPRESENTATIVE HANNAN said that in a typical year there would be
12 bears killed in the Haines area, but in 2020 the number was
over 36 and the bears were causing an excess of damage. She
asked what is being done about that problem.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG said that ADF&G missed the shift in
attitude from tolerance to an issue of personal safety and is
examining what happened in 2020 and whether there should have
been more control of the situation.
CHAIR PATKOTAK spoke of his observations with what he
characterized as "federal overreach" and said that he is looking
forward to working with ADF&G.
2:31:14 PM
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG concluded his presentation with slide
26, "Legislative Bill Priorities," which read as follows
[original punctuation provided]:
? Sport fish hatchery license surcharge (SB60/HB80)
? Saltwater guide licensing for saltwater logbook
program (SB59/HB79)
? Intensive management surcharge sunset (SB22)
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG described how hatcheries in Anchorage
and Fairbanks were funded and how SB 60 and HB 80 are intended
to fund the maintenance of those facilities as well as fulfill
the commitment to produce chinook and coho in southeast Alaska.
He then discussed SB 59 and HB 79, which would reinstate
sportfishing guide licensing standards and address fees and
logbook reporting requirements. He then described SB 22, which
would repeal the termination date for the intensive management
hunting license surcharge. Last, he discussed the capital
budget for marine mammal research and Endangered Species Act
issues.
2:40:04 PM
REPRESENTATIVE HANNAN asked whether there were any concerns
regarding verification of eligibility for the Senior Resident
Permanent Identification Card.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG replied that currently an enforcement
officer may ask someone to prove residency, and that any action
taken on lifetime licensing would be the call of a different
department.
REPRESENTATIVE HANNAN asked whether, from the perspective of
ADF&G, possible abuses of the benefit are a problem.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG responded that in terms of harvest,
it's not a problem.
2:42:33 PM
REPRESENTATIVE FIELDS commended ADF&G on the work done during
the COVID-19 pandemic.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG noted that all offices were kept open.
2:43:07 PM
REPRESENTATIVE GILLHAM asked whether HB 79 is for halibut
counting.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG replied that it's for halibut and
salmon in southeast Alaska and that the state has treaty
obligations for salmon.
REPRESENTATIVE GILLHAM said that all catches are written on the
back of the fishing license, so he doesn't see the need for a
logbook.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG replied that currently one isn't
required to report what's on the back of their fishing license;
ADF&G is working on a new licensing program using a smartphone
application. He said that the issue is regarding allocations
set for the charter industry, which have no way of being
reported except for in a logbook.
REPRESENTATIVE GILLHAM asked whether the electronic reporting
system is in place.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG responded that it's in the works.
2:45:48 PM
REPRESENTATIVE SCHRAGE asked whether there are broad efforts to
understand the changes that are coming as the result of climate
change.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG explained that research efforts have
recently become more focused on management-related activities,
and questions of climate change are broader than ADF&G would be
able to answer. He said that fisheries scientists are
interacting with international boards and commissions, some
staff members have been assigned to the cruises moving through
the Arctic Ocean to collect samples, and overall the plan is to
be engaged, watch carefully, and participate where possible. He
remarked that it would be irresponsible to not consider the
effects of climate change.
2:49:08 PM
CHAIR PATKOTAK summarized those questions requiring more
discussion, thanked the commissioner, and asked whether
Commissioner Vincent-Lang had any closing remarks.
COMMISSIONER VINCENT-LANG stressed that he has been trusted as
the commissioner to manage ADF&G, but that the department
belongs to the residents of Alaska.
2:50:52 PM
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the committee, the House
Resources Standing Committee meeting was adjourned at 2:51 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| HRES DF&G Overview 2.24.21.pdf |
HRES 2/24/2021 1:00:00 PM |