Juneau, Alaska – The Alaska House of Representatives today passed a bill to generate more revenue for fisheries management and protect fishermen and women by reenacting the fisheries guide and operator licensing program. House Bill 41, by Representatives Cathy Tilton and Cathy Muñoz, brings back the program, which was in effect for more a decade before its sunset during the 28th Legislature.
“Guide and operator licenses help recreational anglers by providing a check on the unmanaged growth in the charter fishing industry. Alaskans and visitors deserve to know that the people they choose to do business with have a professional and certified basic level of knowledge,” said Tilton, R-Wasilla. “We’ve adjusted the fees to make them budget-neutral and will work with the Fisheries Committee on outreach as needed over the interim.”
The legislature created the licensing program in 2004 and ADF&G implemented it in time for the 2005 fishing season. HB41 doubles the fee, from $100 to $200 for guides who own their own business, and $100 (from $50) for guides. The fiscal analysis provided with the bill estimates the program will pay for itself next fiscal year.
“Continuation of this program ensures that fishing guides and operators meet certain industry safety requirements while also allowing ADF&G to monitor harvest trends for better management of our fishery resources,” said Cathy Muñoz, R-Juneau.
HB41 now moves to the Alaska Senate for consideration.
