State House passes cod resolution

Posted by The Highliner

Posted: March 23, 2009 - 1:40 pm

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Here’s a press release from state Rep. Alan Austerman, R-Kodiak.

For background, see my March 11 post titled, “Cod fishing in Juneau.”

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House Majority

March 23, 2009

AUSTERMAN’S HJR 21 PASSES HOUSE

Resolution would keep Pacific cod fisheries open without endorsement

JUNEAU, Alaska – The Alaska State House today passed House Joint Resolution 21, sponsored by Rep. Alan Austerman, R-Kodiak. HJR 21 expresses the Legislature’s belief that the North Pacific Fishery Management Council (NPFMC) should not adopt an amendment package requiring a Pacific cod endorsement for Gulf of Alaska license limitation program (LLP) license holders.

“Pacific cod is a tremendous resource to the state of Alaska and our fisheries,” Austerman said. “We want the NPFMC to recognize that they would create significant barriers for new commercial fishermen interested in harvesting Pacific cod, as well as those who have fished for cod in the past, but would not meet the qualification for the endorsement.

“NPFMC should know the Alaska State Legislature supports a policy of broad participation in the fisheries harvest, and Pacific cod is no exception. We want to encourage them whole-heartedly to oppose any amendment package that would reduce meaningful access opportunities for young fisherman and Alaskans,” Austerman added.

HJR 21 now moves to the Alaska State Senate for consideration.

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