HB 173-SPORT FISHING GUIDING SERVICES  1:44:14 PM CO-CHAIR SEATON announced that the next order of business is HOUSE BILL NO. 173, "An Act amending the termination date of the licensing of sport fishing operators and sport fishing guides; and providing for an effective date." 1:44:44 PM REPRESENTATIVE STEVE THOMPSON, Alaska State Legislature, stated that HB 173 would provide a one-year extension of an existing program for sport fishing guides, fishing operators' licensing and log book. He offered that this program benefits both the state and industry. The program provides valuable economic data on sport fishing industry and critical harvest data for resource managers and also provides recognition and professionalism for sport fish guides and operators. This bill has a companion bill in the other body. The ADF&G supports the bill in its current form. He reiterated that this bill would provide a one-year extension of an existing program that is good for the state and the industry. 1:46:22 PM CHARLES SWANTON, Director, Division of Sport Fish (DSF), Alaska Department of Fish & Game (ADFG), referred to the fiscal note and explained that the change would truncate the fiscal year 2013 to reflect the program's sunset date of January 1, 2013. The problem identified at the last hearing indicated that although the program operates on a fiscal year the actual program begins on January with the issuance of log books, licensing, and updating information for the upcoming season. 1:48:04 PM REPRESENTATIVE P. WILSON offered her belief that sport fish guiding is needed. She inquired as to the reason for the legislature taking this action for only one year at a time. CO-CHAIR SEATON related that over the interim a panel will meet to work out details on this program. Additionally, this bill coincides with a bill in the other body to avoid a conference committee. 1:49:36 PM REPRESENTATIVE MUNOZ said she hoped the task force will recommend extending this program beyond one year because she thinks it is effective. She asked about previous testimony about a duplication of data. 1:50:21 PM MR. SWANTON answered that the division has three primary data collection programs, including the comprehensive statewide harvest survey which has been conducted since 1977, the creel programs focused on certain fisheries, and the logbook program. He pointed out that there is some redundancy since anyone who buys a license is eligible to receive a survey so the chance of someone going out on a boat receiving a survey is high. Additionally, some redundancy exists since the department compares estimates using data from a subset of charter boat fishermen logbook reports as a verification tool. He offered his belief that the ADF&G's methods as well as the logbook program provide more than adequate data. 1:52:55 PM REPRESENTATIVE KAWASAKI referred to the fiscal note which includes funds from the sport fish license sales. He inquired as to whether the sport fish license fee use is appropriate. MR. SWANTON responded that the program was originally instituted in 2004. At that time sport fish guiding was voluntary. As soon as the program had fees the ADF&G saw a drop off of registered guides. The fees the department was collecting did not cover the cost of the entire program so the ADF&G supplemented the program costs from license fees, which are derived from resident and nonresident sport fishing licensees. He offered his belief the source represents a perfectly fine source of revenue to support this program. 1:55:14 PM REPRESENTATIVE KAWASAKI recalled the original program sunset date was 2009, based on the program becoming digitized with fewer costs. Costs have not been reduced so he inquired as to whether progress has been made. MR. SWANTON responded in 2011 the ADF&G reduced the logbook size and instituted scannable technology. He reported that some of the "bugs" still need to be worked out with the new reporting methods. He recalled any pencil marks that fall inside the information box negate or "kick out" the data. The department has been working to address the technology issues. Additionally, the department anticipates the saltwater logbooks will tabulate the timely and sensitive data input currently required. The cost savings are difficult to project. 1:56:49 PM REPRESENTATIVE HERRON referred to the fiscal note label on page one is different from the information on page two. MR. SWANTON offered his belief that the label was a mistake. 1:57:38 PM CO-CHAIR SEATON asked for further clarification. MR. SWANTON answered that the information should read 3.7 fulltime positions in 2012 and 2.1 in 2013. He explained the division took a percentage calculation of half a year and reduced the fulltime equivalents by that figure. REPRESENTATIVE HERRON said he is fine with that. 1:58:57 PM REPRESENTATIVE MUNOZ moved to report HB 173 out of committee with individual recommendations and the accompanying fiscal notes. There being no objection, HB 173 was reported from the House Resources Standing Committee. 1:59:34 PM The committee took an at-ease from 1:59 p.m. to 2:08 p.m.