An Act relating to licensing and regulation of sport fishing operators and sport fishing guides; authorizing the Department of Fish and Game and the Alaska Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission to release records and reports to the Department of Natural Resources and the Department of Public Safety; and providing for an effective date.

Currently Alaska lacks a unified set of standards for sport fish guiding. This makes it difficult to protect fish habitats and ensure the maximum utilization of Alaska's resources. HB 452 is intended to legitimize and protect the sport fishing industry by establishing professional standards and ensuring accurate reporting of guiding activity throughout the state. This legislation will enhance public confidence in the guided sport fishery and the data upon which management decisions are made. HB 452 will establish licensing and reporting requirements for businesses and guides providing sport fishing guide services in fresh and salt waters of Alaska.

The bill establishes two types of licenses: a sport fishing services operator license and a fishing guide license, and establishes minimum requirements and fees for obtaining each license. Under the provisions of the bill, sport fishing service operators must meet licensing, insurance, and other requirements established by the Board of Fisheries. It requires that fishing guides operate under the authority of a sport fishing service operator license, either by holding that license themselves or by being employed by, or under contract with, a holder of a fishing service operator license. The bill also requires that the licensed guide be certified in first aid, have applicable U.S. Coast Guard vessel licenses, and meet other requirements adopted by the Board of Fisheries.

HB 452 establishes reporting requirements, including where guided sport fishing activities are conducted and the quantity of fish harvested. The bill ensures that sensitive information will be kept confidential. I urge you to support this bill.

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