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.