Fish politics

Two legislators with serious fish connections now sit at the top of the legislative leadership in Juneau.

Sen. Peter Micciche, R-Soldotna, was elected in January as Senate president. He's a Cook Inlet commercial drift gillnet fisherman.

And today comes news that Rep. Louise Stutes, R-Kodiak, was elected speaker of the Alaska House. She served for a number of years as chair of the House Special Committee on Fisheries.

Cook Inlet setnet buyback proposed

State Sen. Peter Micciche, R-Soldotna, today introduced Senate Bill 90, which would establish a buyback program to reduce the number of eastside Cook Inlet commercial setnetters.

Cook Inlet permit buyback proposed

State Sen. Peter Micciche, R-Soldotna, has introduced legislation to establish a buyback program for eastside Cook Inlet setnet permits.

Some of the most interesting details of the proposal are on Page 5 of the bill.