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 adds a new subsection to AS 16.05.251, allowing multiple permit holders to fish cooperatively while stipulating that they must be physically present during operations unless certain conditions are met. It also requires the Board of Fisheries to implement regulations regarding registration, reporting of harvested fish, and the maximum number of permit holders in a cooperative, ensuring that no cooperative can have fewer than three members. Other amendments clarify the conditions under which permit holders can be absent and allow for the collective sale of fish harvested by cooperatives. 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