"Extending the termination date of the Joint Legislative Salmon Industry Task Force until 2005."

Committee Substitute for Senate Concurrent Resolution 3 (RES) extends the life of the Joint Legislative Salmon Industry Task Force until the end of the regular session of the twenty-third legislature.

The Joint Legislative Salmon Industry Task Force was created by concurrent resolution in the twenty-second legislature. Commercial salmon industry professionals representing a cross-section of the industry and the state looked to the legislature for assistance to reclaim lost market share and assist in fostering an environment that encourages expansion into new markets.

The revenues resulting from the seafood industry, directly and indirectly, serve as the economic backbone for a large part of Alaska. In many coastal regions, the seafood industry generates nearly all of the economic activity. Diverse species, product forms, markets, harvest methods, individuals, and areas comprise the whole. In spite of this diversity, the Joint Legislative Salmon Industry Task Force made enormous progress.

The Task Force met for the first time on July 22, 2002. Five subcommittees were formed that met over 43 times and the Task Force met 7 times. More than 279 proposals were received, reviewed and incorporated into the recommendations of the Task Force. Public hearings were held in Ketchikan, Petersburg, Sitka, Sand Point, Soldotna, Homer, Cordova, Anchorage, Dillingham, Kodiak, Seattle, and on KDLG's Talk of Alaska.

The Task Force developed 13 pieces of draft legislation for the legislature's consideration as well as a host of continuing issues for further deliberation. Extending the life of the Task Force will provide an opportunity to more fully address the issues affecting the commercial salmon industry.

The Joint Legislative Salmon Industry Task Force respectfully requests support for Committee Substitute for Senate Concurrent Resolution 3 (RES).

Last Updated: 02/21/2003

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