This bill establishes a new administrative area for the regulation of commercial set net entry permits on the east side of Cook Inlet, as identified by the Department of Fish and Game. It amends AS 16.43.200 by creating a distinct administrative area separate from the existing Cook Inlet administrative area, specifically for statistical areas 244-21, 244-22, 244-31, 244-32, 244-41, and 244-42. The bill stipulates that entry permits for the Cook Inlet area do not automatically grant rights to fish in the new administrative area unless reassigned by the Alaska Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission.

Additionally, the bill outlines a transition process for the reassignment of entry permits, allowing individuals holding permits for the Cook Inlet area to renew them for the new administrative area starting January 1, 2027, provided they can prove participation in the fishery within the specified areas in the five years preceding December 31, 2024. It also includes provisions for appealing decisions made by the commission regarding permit renewals and ensures that individuals appealing such decisions receive provisional entry permits for the new area. The effective date for the provisions of this Act is set for January 1, 2027.

Statutes affected:
SB0158A, AM SB 158, introduced 04/07/2025: 16.43.200, 16.43.150
SB0158B, AM SB 158 am, introduced 03/20/2026, passed Senate 03/20/2026: 16.43.200, 16.43.150