SB 158-COOK INLET: NEW ADMIN AREA  2:25:28 PM CHAIR BJORKMAN reconvened the meeting and announced the consideration of SENATE BILL NO. 158 "An Act relating to administrative areas for regulation of certain commercial set net entry permits; and providing for an effective date." 2:25:44 PM KONRAD JACKSON, Staff, Senator Jesse Bjorkman, Alaska State Legislature, Juneau, Alaska, provided a summary, on behalf of the sponsor for SB 158. He said the bill directs the Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission (CFEC) to establish a new boundary in the upper subdistrict of Cook Inlet's Central District, incorporating six statistical areas traditionally fished by East Side set netters. He stated that this change reflects the fishery's unique history and management practices and would benefit local fishermen and their families. 2:26:36 PM CHAIR BJORKMAN opened public testimony on SB 158. 2:27:03 PM GREG JOHNSON, representing self, Vancouver, Canada, testified in support of SB 158 and stated that the bill is a crucial first step toward addressing the challenges facing this long troubled and currently unviable fishery. 2:27:51 PM GARY HOLLIER, representing self, Kenai, Alaska, testified in support of SB 158 and stated that he supports Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission (CFEC) Commissioner Glenn Haight's comment that passing SB 158 would make it simple and straightforward for CFEC to carry out its intent. 2:28:42 PM GARY DEIMAN, representing self, Ninilchik, Alaska, testified in support of SB 158 and asked for the legislators to be fair to the East Side net setters. 2:30:03 PM TED CROOKSTON, representing self, Kenai, Alaska, testified in support of SB 158. Testimony was not audible. 2:30:54 PM ALLAN CROOKSTON, Owner, Tide Chaser Fisheries, Kenai, Alaska, testified in support of SB 158 and stated that the past several years have been disastrous with little hope for the future. He emphasized that the East Side from Ninilchik to Nikiski is unique and should be managed separately to address its specific challenges and needs. 2:32:16 PM DANIEL NORMAN, representing self, Kenai, Alaska, testified in support of SB 158. He said fishing unites people, yet East Side set netters have faced federal disasters in six of the last seven years and bear most of the burden of Chinook conservation. East Side set netters fleet is shrinking, the voices are limited, and they've long been managed differently. He stated that SB 158 would finally recognize those differences and allow fair, tailored management for their fishery. 2:33:32 PM JOANN WICHERS, representing self, Kenai, Alaska, testified in support of SB 158. 2:34:07 PM LISA GABRIEL, representing self, Kenai, Alaska, testified in support of SB 158. 2:34:43 PM ANDY HALL, representing self, Anchorage, Alaska, testified in support of SB 158. He said his family owns four permits and that the East Side Set Net fishery has faced federal disaster declarations in six of the last seven years, with no end in sight. He emphasized that while their fishery is limited, sport and personal-use fisheries face no such restrictions and set netters need tools to build a sustainable future instead of remaining idle each season. 2:35:45 PM TRAVIS EVERY, representing self, Kenai, Alaska, testified in support of SB 158. He said creating a new administrative area would give fishermen more control over the future of their permits, fishery, and family businesses. He added that remaining idle year after year is not a good outcome for the fishery, the Kenai Peninsula community, or the state. 2:36:53 PM CHAIR BJORKMAN closed public testimony on SB 158. 2:37:06 PM CHAIR BJORKMAN solicited the will of the committee. 2:37:08 PM SENATOR MERRICK moved to report SB 158, work order 34-LS0519\I, from committee with individual recommendations and attached fiscal note(s). 2:37:24 PM CHAIR BJORKMAN found no objection and SB 158 was reported from the Senate Labor and Commerce Standing Committee.