This bill establishes a preference for residents of Alaska in the allocation of fishery resources for personal and family consumption. It amends existing regulations to ensure that the taking of fishery resources by residents is prioritized over other uses, such as sport and commercial fishing. Specifically, the bill modifies AS 16.05.251(d) to state that regulations must provide that residents have preference for personal and family consumption, replacing the previous language that referred to a fair and reasonable opportunity for various fishing uses.

Additionally, the bill updates AS 16.05.251(e) to allow the Board of Fisheries to allocate fishery resources while considering this new preference for residents. The board is tasked with adopting criteria for allocation decisions, which now includes the importance of fisheries for residents' personal and family consumption, among other factors. The bill emphasizes the need for a fair opportunity for all types of fishermen while ensuring that residents' needs are prioritized. The act is set to take effect immediately upon passage.

Statutes affected:
HB0297A, AM HB 297, introduced 02/09/2026: 16.05.251, 16.05.258