Bill > HB117

This bill establishes a framework for commercial set gillnet fishing cooperatives in Alaska, allowing two or more set gillnet entry permit holders to fish together under specific conditions. The legislation requires permit holders fishing cooperatively to register with the state department, mandates reporting requirements for collaborative fishing, and allows the Board of Fisheries to determine the maximum number of permit holders that can form a cooperative in each administrative area (with a minimum of three permit holders). The bill allows cooperative members to operate each other's fishing gear in certain circumstances, such as when a member is traveling to sell fish or tends to other stationary gear, and permits any cooperative member to sell salmon caught collectively by the group. When establishing cooperative regulations, the Board of Fisheries must consider historical fishing practices, maximize local participation, and aim to preserve the existing status quo regarding the number of permit holders fishing together. The primary goal appears to be providing more flexibility for commercial set gillnet fishermen while maintaining regulatory oversight of collaborative fishing practices.