This bill proposes a restructuring of the Board of Fisheries in Alaska, expanding it from a single board to three regional boards: the Southeast Board of Fisheries, the Central Board of Fisheries, and the Western Board of Fisheries. Each regional board will consist of five members, appointed by the governor and confirmed by the legislature, with specific representation from the commercial fishing, sport fishing, and subsistence fishing industries, as well as public members. The bill also clarifies that the commissioner will not be a member of the Board of Fisheries but will serve as an ex officio secretary.

Additionally, the bill outlines the administration and jurisdiction of the regional boards, specifying that they will manage fisheries based on geographic boundaries related to the Gulf of Alaska, Bering Sea, and Chukchi and Beaufort Seas. It establishes requirements for joint meetings between the regional boards and the Board of Game, as well as provisions for hiring clerical assistance. The bill includes a transition clause for current board members and allows for the adoption of regulations to implement the changes, with an effective date set for January 1, 2027, except for certain provisions that take effect immediately.

Statutes affected:
SB0269A, AM SB 269, introduced 02/23/2026: 16.05.221, 16.05.300, 16.05.305, 16.05.315, 16.05.320, 16.05.940, 16.05.225, 16.43.990, 16.05.280