JUNEAU – Today, the House of Representatives passed House Bill 169. This legislation is aimed at revitalizing salmon populations and promoting sustainable fisheries across our great state. This bill, which allows individuals, Alaskan corporations, school districts, and other organizations to apply for fish rehabilitation permits through the Department of Fish and Game, marks a significant step forward in our efforts to sustain Alaska’s natural resources for future generations.
House Bill 169 enables qualified permit holders to collect a limited number of fish, fertilize and hatch the eggs, and then release the unfed natural fish back into the water where they were taken. By boosting the survival rate of fertilized eggs to the emergent fry stage from a mere 5% to approximately 90%, this legislation promises to have a positive impact on the health and vitality of our salmon populations.
Bill sponsor, Representative Mike Cronk (R- Tok) stated. “By empowering individuals and organizations to actively participate in fish rehabilitation projects, we are taking concrete steps to ensure the long-term sustainability of our fisheries. By increasing salmon populations and improving data collection, we are not only preserving a vital food source for Alaskan families but also bolstering subsistence fishing practices for generations to come. Cronk added: “As stewards of our state’s natural resources, it is our obligation to enact resource policies assuring maximum sustained yield benefits for Alaskans.”
This bill represents a responsible and collaborative effort between the private sector and the Department of Fish and Game to rehabilitate wild salmon populations and expand scientific data collection throughout Alaska. House Bill 169 now moves to the Senate.