Bill > SB158

This bill establishes a new administrative area for regulating commercial set net fishing permits on the east side of Cook Inlet, separating it from the existing Cook Inlet administrative area. This change, which takes effect on January 1, 2027, will affect individuals holding entry permits for the commercial set net fishery. Specifically, permits valid in the Cook Inlet administrative area as of December 31, 2024, will not automatically grant access to the new administrative area unless the permit is reassigned. The bill outlines a process for permit holders to have their permits reassigned to the new area if they can prove participation in the fishery within specific statistical areas (244-21, 244-22, 244-31, 244-32, 244-41, and 244-42 of the Upper Subdistrict of the Cook Inlet Central District) within the five years preceding December 31, 2024, or if they acquired their permit from an immediate family member who participated. Proof of participation can include things like shore fisheries leases, registrations, buoy tags, or submitted fishing statistics. The bill also allows individuals to appeal decisions by the Alaska Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission regarding permit reassignment to the new administrative area, with appeals to be filed with the superior court by March 1, 2027, and the commission will issue provisional permits during the appeal process.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Business and Industry

https://www.akleg.gov/basis/Bill/Detail/34?Root=SB158