Session: State Capitol, Room 421 Juneau, AK 99801-1182 Phone: (907) 465-2693 Toll Free: (800) 463-2693 Fax: (907) 465-3835 Interim: 35477 Suite 101-B Spur Highway Soldotna, AK 99669 Phone: (907) 260-5236 Fax: (907) 260-5238

Sponsor Statement for HB 93
Kenai Dip Net Fishery Permit Fee

An Act establishing the permit fee for the personal use dip net fisheries for the Kenai River and the Kasilof River; and providing for an effective date.

The piece of legislation will require a $10.00 charge to dip net fish on the Kenai River and the Kasilof River. Being the largest sockeye salmon producer in the State of Alaska, there is a real abuse to this fishery.

Annually, there are approximately 10,000 to 15,000 permits issued. At $10.00 per permit, roughly $100,000 to $150,000 could be generated annually. The fishery opens on July 10 and runs until the end of the month. It is opened for 21 days. With this many fishermen in the area, there is complete disregard for habitat, environment, and the banks of these rivers. In addition, there have been complaints of trespassing on private property (those people trying to get access to the rivers). Costs of clean up on these two rivers have increased over the years due to the lack of enforcement. It has been reported that some fishermen are fishing without licenses, taking more than the 25 fish they are allocated to harvest, an abuse of this fishery. Temporary enforcement officers need to be hired for this 21-day period. It is the intent of this legislation that the monies raised will be used for enforcement. In addition dollars would be used for habitat protection and bank area cleanup. The program should pay for itself. Additionally, it has been reported that non-residents are illegally participating in this fishery, as they are not allowed by Alaska Statute 16.05.340.

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