Legislature(2023 - 2024)DAVIS 106
04/25/2024 06:00 PM House RESOURCES
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| Audio | Topic |
|---|---|
| Start | |
| Confirmation Hearing(s):|| Board of Fisheries | |
| Adjourn |
* first hearing in first committee of referral
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
+ teleconferenced
= bill was previously heard/scheduled
ALASKA STATE LEGISLATURE
JOINT MEETING
HOUSE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON FISHERIES
HOUSE RESOURCES STANDING COMMITTEE
April 25, 2024
5:35 p.m.
MEMBERS PRESENT
HOUSE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON FISHERIES
Representative Sarah Vance, Chair
Representative Kevin McCabe
Representative CJ McCormick
Representative Ben Carpenter
Representative Louise Stutes
Representative Rebecca Himschoot
HOUSE RESOURCES STANDING COMMITTEE
Representative Tom McKay, Chair
Representative Kevin McCabe
Representative George Rauscher, Vice Chair
Representative Thomas Baker
Representative Stanley Wright
Representative Jennie Armstrong
Representative Donna Mears
Representative Maxine Dibert
MEMBERS ABSENT
HOUSE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON FISHERIES
Representative Craig Johnson
HOUSE RESOURCES STANDING COMMITTEE
Representative Dan Saddler
COMMITTEE CALENDAR
CONFIRMATION HEARING(S):
Board of Fisheries
Marit Carlson-Van Dort - Anchorage
Curtis Chamberlain - Wasilla
- CONFIRMATION(S) ADVANCED
PREVIOUS COMMITTEE ACTION
No previous action to record
WITNESS REGISTER
CURTIS CHAMBERLAIN, Appointee
Board of Fisheries
Wasilla, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as an appointee to the Board of
Fisheries.
MARIT CARLSON-VAN DORT, Appointee
Board of Fisheries
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified as an appointee to the Board of
Fisheries.
PAUL SHADURA, representing self
Kenai, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in opposition to the appointment
of Curtis Chamberlain and Marit Carlson-Van Dort to the Board of
Fisheries.
ROBERT HEYANO, representing self
Dillingham, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the appointment of
Marit Carlson-Van Dort to the Board of Fisheries.
JOHN WOOD, Chair
Board of Fisheries
Willow, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the appointment of
Marit Carlson-Van Dort to the Board of Fisheries.
KIM LANDEEN, Assistant Executive Director
Southeast Alaska Guides Organization
Gustavus, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the appointment of
Marit Carlson-Van Dort and Curtis Chamberlain to the Board of
Fisheries.
VIRGIL UMPHENOUR, representing self
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the appointment of
Marit Carlson-Van Dort and Curtis Chamberlain to the Board of
Fisheries.
GALE VICK, Chair
Fairbanks Fish and Game Advisory Committee
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the appointment of
Marit Carlson-Van Dort and Curtis Chamberlain to the Board of
Fisheries.
SHANNON MARTIN, Executive Director
Kenai Sportfishing Association
Kenai, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the appointment of
Marit Carlson-Van Dort and Curtis Chamberlain to the Board of
Fisheries.
GREG SVENDSEN, Member
Board of Fisheries
Anchorage, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the appointment of
Marit Carlson-Van Dort to the Board of Fisheries.
EVA BURK, Contractor
Yukon River Intertribal Fish Commission
Fairbanks, Alaska
POSITION STATEMENT: Testified in support of the appointment of
Marit Carlson-Van Dort and Mr. Chamberlain to the Board of
Fisheries.
ACTION NARRATIVE
6:04:12 PM
CHAIR SARAH VANCE called the joint meeting of the House Special
Committee on Fisheries and the House Resources Standing
Committee to order at 6:04 p.m. Representatives Baker, Wright,
Armstrong, Mears, Dibert, and McKay from the House Resources
Standing Committee, Representatives McCormick, Carpenter,
Stutes, Himschoot, and Vance from the House Special Committee on
Fisheries, and Representative McCabe from both committees were
present at the call to order.
^CONFIRMATION HEARING(S):
^Board of Fisheries
CONFIRMATION HEARING(S):
Board of Fisheries
6:05:17 PM
CHAIR VANCE announced that the only order of business would be
the confirmation hearings on the governor's appointees to the
Board of Fisheries.
6:06:21 PM
CURTIS CHAMBERLAIN, Appointee, Board of Fisheries, testified as
an appointee to the Board of Fisheries. He shared that he grew
up in remote Alaska, fishing on the Kuskokwim River. He
provided his educational background and work experience as a
lawyer in the Lower 48 [resume copy included in the committee
packet]. He stated that he returned to Alaska to reconnect with
his culture and raise his children. He stated that he has
served on the Board of Directors for the Kuskokwim Corporation
and currently is the Assistant General Counsel for Corporate
Governance and Litigation at the Calista Corporation. He added
that he also serves on the North Pacific Anadromous Fish
Commission Advisory Panel.
MR. CHAMBERLAIN expressed pride in growing up in Alaska with
"the best fishing in the world." At that time, he said, all the
fisheries were thriving. He expressed the desire to see the
plentiful fish of the past return. He said he would work to
bring user groups together to promote healthy fishing stocks in
Alaska. He expressed the opinion that his litigation experience
would help, especially in terms of negotiations.
MR. CHAMBERLAIN stated that he has participated in all types of
fisheries, and he has witnessed the collapse of some. He stated
that he would work to bring user groups together to seek
innovative ways to meet the needs of communities and industries,
while helping to rebuild the fisheries. He acknowledged that he
has been appointed to a seat on the board that has traditionally
been a sport-fishing seat.
6:11:22 PM
REPRESENTATIVE STUTES expressed concern that the Calista
Corporation, which has encouraged federal control and management
of Alaska's fisheries, employs Mr. Chamberlain. She questioned
whether this would be reflected in his role as a board member.
MR. CHAMBERLAIN expressed uncertainty on the statement, as he
has no recollection of making such a statement. He noted that
the Calista Corporation has opted to not take a position in the
Kuskokwim litigation. He discussed the problems with
understanding any dual management system, which has been
difficult for shareholders to understand. He stated that he
would welcome a unified management system; however, he
acknowledged that there are hurdles to doing so. He stated that
the Calista Corporation has never requested that he adopt any
positions per his proposed seat on the Board of Fisheries. He
stated that if the corporation's position differs from his, he
would afford the same weight to this as any other person or
entity. If the corporation did insist that he conform, he said,
"I would be heart broken." He reiterated his desire for there
to be one management system in the fisheries. In response to a
follow-up question, he expressed his intent to support the
state's management of the fisheries; however, he noted that
there could be many lawsuits on this.
6:16:51 PM
REPRESENTATIVE HIMSCHOOT questioned what factors he would
consider in allocation decisions per the different gear types.
MR. CHAMBERLAIN responded that he would consider all possible
factors, noting that there are specifics statutes concerning
this. He stated that he would consider the historical use,
importance to the industry, and the subsistence priority. He
added that he would take a holistic approach looking for the
maximum benefit for the maximum number of people. In response
to a follow-up question concerning allocation for user groups,
he stated that the first duty is to the resource, ensuring that
enough fish is reaching the spawning grounds for future
generations. He continued that after this, his concern would be
finding a way to effectively harvest the salmon stocks that are
in abundance, while not harming those not in abundance. He
offered the advice that this would require innovative thinking
and difficult decisions, as one solution to make everyone happy
does not exist. He stated that the historical use would be
considered, and then the commercial use. This would be in
conjunction with the effect of downstream and upstream effects.
He spoke about the broader effects than just on fishermen.
6:21:08 PM
REPRESENTATIVE STUTES question his opinion on hatcheries in the
state.
MR. CHAMBERLAIN responded that the science on hatcheries is
evolving, but it is complicated. He stated that he has spoken
on Calista Corporation's behalf as an advocate; however, he
stated that on the Board of Fisheries his position would not be
an advocate but more of an arbitrator, as his position would not
be to advance the interest of the corporation. He further
discussed the topic. He stated that his primary position is to
not damage the native stocks, as any hatchery should be operated
in a way to not cause collateral damage or pain to any other
user groups.
6:23:27 PM
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE questioned whether a stakeholder or the
resource should be more important to a board member.
MR. CHAMBERLAIN responded that the resource would be the most
important issue. In response to a follow-up question, he stated
that he would be impartial in resource allocation, no matter
where the fishery is located.
6:24:27 PM
MARIT CARLSON-VAN DORT, Appointee, Board of Fisheries, testified
as an appointee to the Board of Fisheries. She shared that she
was born and raised in Alaska, living most of her life off the
road system in coastal Alaska. She discussed her participation
in the state's commercial fisheries and her participation in
subsistence. She provided her education and work history,
[resume copy included in the committee packet]. She stated that
how Alaska protects, uses, and manages its natural resources is
central to her personal and professional interests. She
discussed her work as an aide in the legislature and as the
legislative liaison to the Department of Environmental
Conservation. She continued discussing her work in the state
that involved environmental policy and resource development.
She stated that she is currently the chief executive officer for
Far West Inc., which is the Alaska Native Corporation for
Chignik Bay.
MS. CARLSON-VAN DORT stated that her initial interest on serving
on the Board of Fisheries came about because of the shifts in
the fish populations in the state. She expressed the interest
in learning about these changes and being able to assure that
management policies appropriately reflect what is observed
locally and what is seen in scientific data. She stressed the
importance of managing the fisheries for long-term
sustainability, which means a sufficient number of fish must
return to reproduce the wild populations first. She stated that
next in importance is that fisheries be managed in a way to
maintain a sustainable surplus. She stated that subsistence
policy should be upheld so Alaskans have the food needed to
support their health.
MS. CARLSON-VAN DORT expressed support for Alaska's commercial
fishing industry as well. She explained that the industry
supports the economy and food security in the state. She stated
that during her time on the Board of Fisheries, she worked to
develop relationships with resource users, and she has made
herself available to individuals and groups statewide. She
stated that her wide-reaching involvement has been challenging,
as there has been disagreements and disappointments. She stated
that she strives to be communicative and honest, while focusing
on what is best for the fish. She offered the advice that board
decisions should be based on sound science and local and
traditional knowledge, and this would be so ecosystems remain
healthy with a long-term resource that can provide for everyone.
She expressed gratitude for the fishery resource in the state
and expressed the desire to give back by continuing to serve on
the Board of Fisheries.
6:31:03 PM
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE pointed out the disagreement on the seat
designations on the Board of Fisheries. He questioned whether
she would support having legislation that would divide the board
seats equally, and he questioned which seat she would have.
MS. CARLSON-VAN DORT expressed the understanding that in doing
this the number of board members would be nine instead of seven.
She expressed the opinion that this would be equitable; however,
she expressed the concern that constituencies would be set up,
and this would come with problems. She expressed uncertainty on
how this would best serve the resource and the function of the
Board of Fisheries, as people should be able to maintain the
ability to vote their conscience. She offered the advice that
if this were done, there should be caution.
REPRESENTATIVE MCCABE stated that people do tend to divide
regionally or by stakeholder status. He expressed the opinion
that the larger focus needs to be on the resource. He
questioned whether she would be able to support a variety of
stakeholders.
MS. CARLSON-VAN DORT responded that her record has shown she
can, and she will do this.
6:34:47 PM
REPRESENTATIVE STUTES questioned her working relationship with
the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G).
MS. CARLSON-VAN DORT expressed her understanding that the
relationship is good. She stated that she and the commissioner
agree and disagree on many things. In response to a follow-up
question, she suggested that the environment between the Board
of Fisheries and ADF&G could be fraught with conflict. She
stated that some of her disagreements have come from the
information that is being presented and how it is being
presented, pointing out that she can be critical in this space.
She added that critical thinking is part of the job.
6:37:04 PM
REPRESENTATIVE CARPENTER questioned whether there have been
instances where there was not enough data in the analysis
presented by ADF&G. If so, he questioned instances of this.
MS. CARLSON-VAN DORT responded that this has occurred, and there
are instances where board members want more data. She
attributed this to issues with ADF&G's financial and human
resources. She expressed the opinion that some fisheries have
better data than other fisheries, such as the robust data around
king salmon in Southeast Alaska. This data exists because of
the treaty and the funding from this. She further explained why
more data is important. She stated that the Board of Fisheries
has formed a special committee to address the research needs
that would help in decision-making and the management of the
resource. Her interest in the process and research needs, she
said, is why she is committing to reappointment. In response to
a follow-up question, she stated that a written statement has
not been submitted to the administrative on specific research
needs. She expressed the desire to do this. She added that
there has been written communication to the legislature about
enforcement needs.
6:43:12 PM
CHAIR VANCE opened public testimony on the confirmation hearings
for the governor's appointees to the Board of Fisheries.
6:43:52 PM
PAUL SHADURA, representing self, testified in opposition to the
appointment of Mr. Chamberlain and Ms. Carlson-Van Dort to the
Board of Fisheries. He shared that he has been a commercial
fisherman for 56 years, a member of the Kenaitze Indian Tribe,
and the vice chair of the Kenai/Soldotna Fish and Game Advisory
Committee. He stated that he has attended many Board of
Fisheries meetings and witnessed public interaction. He stated
that he opposes both confirmations for many reasons, but the
reasons are not personal. He suggested that being a board
member would require a different set of skills than what these
individuals possess. He continued that in the original creation
of the board, members had been chosen for the following: their
ability with public affairs, their ability to have good
judgement, their ability in the field of action, their ability
to have diverse points of view, and their ability to have no
political affiliation. He argued that these appointments are
political in nature, as they come from the governor's office.
He noted that there should be representation that is more
diverse.
6:46:24 PM
ROBERT HEYANO, representing self, testified in support of Ms.
Carlson-Van Dort to the Board of Fisheries. He stated that he
is a lifelong resident of the Bristol Bay area, where he is a
commercial fisherman. He stated that he has been attending
board meetings since 1979. He expressed the opinion that Ms.
Carlson-Van Dort is an outstanding board member, as she is
accessible by the public, works toward consensus, takes on
leadership roles, acknowledges the importance of subsistence,
makes sure she understands the issues before voting, and does
not hesitate in making difficult decisions in order to protect
the resource.
6:47:34 PM
JOHN WOOD, Chair, Board of Fisheries, testified in support of
the appointment of Ms. Carlson-Van Dort to the Board of
Fisheries. He noted that his recommendation was unsolicited on
her part. He stated that one of the more difficult tasks for
the board is bringing parties together, and to do this the
process must be thoroughly understood. He acknowledged that Ms.
Carlson-Van Dort has been able to do this during her time on the
board. He stated that often they disagree, but she never
oversteps the boundaries. He noted that she incorporates local
and traditional knowledge into the process.
6:49:41 PM
KIM LANDEEN, Assistant Executive Director, Southeast Alaska
Guides Organization (SEAGO), testified in support of the
appointment of Ms. Carlson-Van Dort and Mr. Chamberlain to the
Board of Fisheries. On behalf of SEAGO, she expressed support
for the appointment of both appointees. She stated that SEAGO
represents around 300 saltwater guide businesses, with around
600 active charter boats. She stated that the Board of
Fisheries has authority over every fish in this industry except
halibut; therefore, a good working board is important to SEAGO.
She expressed the opinion that Ms. Carlson-Van Dort understands
the nuances in fisheries management, as she is able to
comprehend complex ideas. She added that Ms. Carlson-Van Dort
knows her material and is capable of interacting with ADF&G in a
productive way. She stated that Mr. Chamberlain has been very
responsive to SEAGO, and she noted his background in law and
fishery issues. She expressed the opinion that he has a good
vision for renewing Alaska's fishery resource.
6:52:16 PM
VIRGIL UMPHENOUR, representing self, testified in support of the
appointment of Ms. Carlson-Van Dort and Mr. Chamberlain to the
Board of Fisheries. He stated that he served three terms on the
Board of Fisheries. He stated that he is a current member of
the Yukon River Panel and a member of the Fairbanks Fish and
Game Advisory Committee, but he is testifying on behalf of
himself.
6:53:44 PM
GALE VICK, Member, Fairbanks Fish and Game Advisory Committee,
testified in support of the appointment of Ms. Carlson-Van Dort
and Mr. Chamberlain to the Board of Fisheries. She stated that
she is a fisheries policy consultant, a former commercial
fisherman, and a 55-year resident of Alaska. She stated that
she chairs a fisheries subcommittee for the Fairbanks Fish and
Game Advisory Committee, where she facilitates a weekly Bristol
Bay/Arctic-Yukon-Kuskokwim (AYK) coalition. On behalf of these
organizations, she expressed support for the appointment of
these nominees. She noted their experience and backgrounds in
biology and law. She stated that they both are diligent in
their research and are able to weigh options carefully, always
putting the resource first. She stated that she has worked with
the Board of Fisheries for almost 40 years, and she expressed
the opinion that Ms. Carlson-Van Dort is one of the most
competent members she has ever worked with. She expressed trust
in their judgements, even though she may not always agree with
them.
6:55:31 PM
SHANNON MARTIN, Executive Director, Kenai River Sportfishing
Association (KRSA), on behalf of KRSA, testified in support of
the appointment of Ms. Carlson-Van Dort and Mr. Chamberlain to
the Board of Fisheries. She stated that KRSA is the leading
sport fishing and personal use advocacy organization in Alaska,
with thousands of members. She stated that KRSA is a nonprofit
organization dedicated to ensuring the sustainability of the
Kenai River. She discussed Ms. Carlson-Van Dort's work ethic
and positive impact on the fishing resource, as well as her
availability to the public. She noted Mr. Chamberlain's
dedication to putting the resource first.
6:57:12 PM
GREG SVENDSEN, Member, Board of Fisheries, testified on behalf
of himself in support of the appointment of Ms. Carlson-Van Dort
to the Board of Fisheries. He stated that he is a first year
Board of Fisheries member. He expressed agreement on much of
the testimony on Ms. Carlson-Van Dort. He expressed her
important role on the board, as she has a wealth of knowledge on
the issues. He stated that as a first-year member of the board,
he has learned from listening to her questions and answers on
many of the issues.
6:58:03 PM
EVA BURK, Contractor, Yukon River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission,
testified in support of the appointment of Ms. Carlson-Van Dort
and Mr. Chamberlain to the Board of Fisheries. She stated that
she has participated in board meetings, noting Ms. Carlson-Van
Dort's ability to work with the various stakeholders in a
contentious environment. She noted that both nominees are very
involved in fishery issues, attending various stakeholder
meetings across the state. She noted that both participate in
making decisions outside of the board, noting Mr. Chamberlain's
involvement with subsistence. She expressed appreciation for
each individual's knowledge of the fishery resource.
7:00:03 PM
[After ascertaining that there was no one else who wished to
testify, public testimony was closed.]
7:00:42 PM
CHAIR MCKAY stated that in accordance with AS 39.05.080, the
House Resources Standing Committee has reviewed the following
and recommends the appointments be forwarded to a joint session
for consideration: Alaska Board of Fisheries Marit Carlson-
Van Dort and Curtis Chamberlain. He advised that this does not
reflect an intent by any of the members to vote for or against
the confirmation of any individual during any further sessions.
7:01:15 PM
CHAIR VANCE moved to advance the confirmations of Marit Carlson-
Van Dort and Curtis Chamberlain, appointees to the Board of
Fisheries, to the joint session of the House and Senate for
consideration. She reminded members that signing the reports
regarding appointment to boards and commissions in no way
reflects individual members' approval or disapproval of the
appointees, and that the nominations are merely forwarded to the
full legislature for confirmation or rejection. There being no
objection, the confirmations were advanced.
7:01:50 PM
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the committees, the joint
meeting of the House Special Committee on Fisheries and the
House Resources Standing Committee was adjourned at 7:01 p.m.
| Document Name | Date/Time | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| Curt Chamberlain BOF Application Resume.pdf |
HRES 4/25/2024 6:00:00 PM |
|
| Marit Carlson-Van Dort BOF Application Resume.pdf |
HRES 4/25/2024 6:00:00 PM |