State Sen. Scott Kawasaki, D-Fairbanks, has filed Senate Bill 44 requiring the Board of Fisheries to "prioritize personal use fisheries when implementing fishing restrictions to achieve a management goal."
"SB 44 is a personal use fish priority for local Alaskan families. Each year, the number of salmon available to dipnetters at Chitina continues to decline in favor of commercial fishermen as governed by the state Board of Fisheries. The bill would allow priority to Alaskans who want to fill their freezers in times of decreased catch limits. During COVID-19, Alaskans who may not have the financial means, should have the ability to feed their families."
Kawasaki, in an email today, explained his bill:
ReplyDelete"SB 44 is a personal use fish priority for local Alaskan families. Each year, the number of salmon available to dipnetters at Chitina continues to decline in favor of commercial fishermen as governed by the state Board of Fisheries. The bill would allow priority to Alaskans who want to fill their freezers in times of decreased catch limits. During COVID-19, Alaskans who may not have the financial means, should have the ability to feed their families."