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 Alaska State Legislature. It amends current law to create a distinct administrative area separate from the existing Cook Inlet administrative area, specifically designating 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. The bill also stipulates that entry permits for the Cook Inlet administrative area do not automatically grant rights to fish in the new administrative area unless reassigned by the commission.

Additionally, the bill outlines a transition process for individuals holding entry permits, allowing them to renew their permits for the new administrative area starting January 1, 2026, 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 Alaska Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission regarding permit assignments, with a deadline for appeals set for March 1, 2026. The effective date for the new regulations is January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
SB0158A, AM SB 158, introduced 04/07/2025: 16.43.200, 16.43.150