It is a pleasure to join you at the Kodiak Chamber of Commerce's 26th Annual ComFish Trade Show & Policy Summit.

Commercial fishing has always been important to Kodiak's economy. From fishermen who risk their lives making their living from the sea to cannery workers whose families also depends on the catch, we all live in a town that benefits from a thriving fisheries industry.

As your Representative, fisheries are an important part of my Legislative duties. I co-chair the House Special Committee on Fisheries with Representative Bill Thomas, where we hear legislation that could potentially impact Kodiak. Proposed legislation can range from regulating aquaculture to fishing and vessel licensing fees. No matter the legislation, I appreciate local input when I consider these issues and feel it is my duty to provide whatever information I can.

This year, my Fisheries Aide Kimberly Wallace, sends out Fisheries Update e-mails about important fisheries legislation. We have also held a Fish Caucus twice this year. To complement this year's ComFish, we will hold a roundtable discussion on Thursday, March 17, 2005 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm in Fisherman's Hall. This is your opportunity to discuss Gulf of Alaska Groundfish Rationalization and other fisheries issues pertinent to Kodiak. I encourage you to attend.

Many thanks to the Kodiak Chamber of Commerce for continued sponsorship of ComFish. This is a great opportunity to learn about the latest in industry development and technology. While I'm in Kodiak, I hope we get a chance to talk. If I miss you, feel free to contact my office by calling toll free at 1-800-465-2487. Get on the Fisheries Update e-mail list by contacting Kimberly_Wallace ''at'' legis.state.ak.us. If you plan to travel to Juneau before the end of session, please stop by my office at the Alaska State Capitol.

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