This bill amends existing laws related to commercial set gillnet fishing in Alaska, specifically focusing on the establishment and operation of cooperatives among set gillnet entry permit holders. It introduces a new section that outlines the legislative intent for the Board of Fisheries to regulate the number of permit holders that can fish together as a cooperative in each administrative area. The Board is instructed to maximize local participation, consider historical fishing practices, and maintain the current number of permit holders fishing together. Additionally, the bill specifies that permit holders may fish cooperatively, provided they are physically present during the operation of the gear, with certain exceptions for sales and other permitted activities.

The bill also includes provisions for the Board of Fisheries to adopt regulations that require cooperative registration, reporting of harvested fish, and the establishment of a maximum number of permit holders in a cooperative, ensuring that no cooperative has fewer than three members. Furthermore, it allows cooperative members to sell collectively harvested salmon, either by themselves or through a designated transporter. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
HB0117A, AM HB 117, introduced 02/26/2025: 16.05.251, 16.05.680
HB0117B, AM CSHB 117(RES), introduced 04/07/2025: 16.05.251, 16.05.253, 16.05.680