Sponsor Statement for HB 423

"An Act relating to the Alaska access fishery trust, purchase of commercial fisheries permits, vessels, gear, equipment, and leases by the Department of Fish and Game, sport fishing license surcharge and the entry permit surcharge; and providing for an effective date."

House Bill 423 was introduced in response to a resolution passed in the February meeting of the Board of Fisheries during which they requested the legislature to address the issue of over capitalized fisheries and implementation of a buyback program.

This bill addresses the funding aspect of a future buyback program. The goal of this legislation is to provide an incentive for the creation of buyback program.

HB 423 will create the "Alaska Access Fishery Trust" (AAFT) within the fish and game fund. The funds appropriated to AAFT will come from both the sportsfishing industry and the commercial fishing industry.

The sportsfish industry will be assessed a $1.00 surcharge on each sport fishing license sold. The commercial fishing industry will be assessed at the time of renewal of an entry permit of interim-use permit, a surcharge of 5% of the permit renewal fee.

The funds appropriated to the Alaska access fishery trust will be used by the Department of fish and game to purchase commercial fishing limited entry permits, shore fishery development leases, and fishing vessels, gear and equipment that would result in a direct and immediate benefit to sport fishermen.

HB 423 includes a provision for the elimination of this fund in 10 years if a buyback program fails to be developed and implemented.