"An Act allowing for revenue received from issuance of additional entry permits to be appropriated for reimbursement to salmon fishery associations. "

In 2002, the Alaska legislature created salmon fishery associations (AS 16.40.250) to encourage fleet reduction in the Alaska salmon fisheries. Salmon fishery associations may be formed in salmon fisheries throughout the state to facilitate a permit buyback program.

CSHB 484 is a housekeeping measure to clarify what may happen to the revenue if the Commercial Fishery Entry Commission should decide to sell (re-issue) permits that have been relinquished under the buyback program authorized under AS 16.40.250.

The state (CFEC) has the responsibility to monitor each limited entry fishery. CSHB 484 clarifies that in the event the CFEC determines more permits are needed in the same fishery in which the fleet reduction program was implemented, either through an optimum number determination or court action, the Association that paid or borrowed money to remove the permit from the market in the first place may have money returned to them if permit is sold (re-issued).

Under CSHB 484 a future Legislature may appropriate revenue from the permit sale (re-issue) to the Association that paid money or incurred debt to remove the permit from the market in the first place.

I ask for your support of CSHB 484 "Fishery Association Reimbursement."

Version: 24-LS1693/F

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