In an effort to reduce the number of commercial set net fishers and decrease the pressure of commercial fishing on the east side of the Cook Inlet, Soldotna Representative Justin Ruffridge has introduced House Bill 195; the act to be known as the East Side of Cook Inlet Set Net Fleet Reduction Act.
The proposed HB 195 is relating to the powers of the Alaska Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission; relating to administrative areas for regulation of certain commercial set net entry permits; establishing a buy-back program for certain set net entry permits; providing for the termination of state set net tract leases under the buy-back program; closing certain water to commercial fishing; and providing for an effective date.
Ruffridge’s bill was introduced on May 8th and is a companion bill to Senate Bill 82, which was introduced by Senator Jesse Bjorkman and is currently advancing through the Senate.
Previous bills introduced in past Alaska legislative sessions have been strongly supported by set-netters.
HB 195 contains revisions to similar bills which have been initiated through past sessions including requirements, buy-back specifications, permit sale and renewal and time guidelines for institution.
The Ruffridge bill now moves through the hearing process. The Bjokman bill is currently in Senate Finance.
