Fish and Game asks to protect surveys and vessels as funding tightens; highlights marine research
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Summary
Alaska Department of Fish and Game officials told lawmakers they seek to preserve core fisheries assessment programs and vessel maintenance after prior cuts forced survey reductions; commissioners emphasized marine research into salmon declines and measures to reduce trawl bycatch.
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game briefed the House Finance Committee on Feb. 6 about FY27 priorities, deferred surveys and the department’s emphasis on marine research to understand salmon declines.
Commissioner Doug Vincent‑Lang said ADF&G’s statutory and constitutional mandate focuses on sustained‑yield management and that the FY27 request prioritizes fishery assessment programs, marine research (sonar, genetics) and Gulf of Alaska Chinook salmon work. He said the department produces a large economic return: "We turn about a $274 million investment into about $15 billion annually," a figure he said the department can break down by sector on request.
Budget hits and deferred work: Administrative Services Director Bonnie Jensen said FY26 legislative reductions forced the department to scale back or delay several surveys and projects (Sandy River Weir, Togiak herring project, Prince William Sound trawl survey) and reduced vessel maintenance funding. Jensen said maintenance for the research vessel Kestrel is underway with an estimated shipyard cost near $1.3 million and that deferred maintenance constrained other planned shipyard visits.
Payroll and services deconsolidation: Members asked about returning payroll and shared services from centralized administration to departments. ADF&G said four of six payroll positions returning to the department are filled and are already processing agency payroll; the department plans a phased approach to reconstitution and said DOA will assist during peak field season.
Trawling, bycatch and marine causes: Lang described marine conditions as a likely root cause for Alaska salmon declines—warmer ocean conditions, lower prey quality and observed reductions in size and age at return. He said the department has strengthened bycatch controls in the Bering Sea and is working with the National Marine Fisheries Service and industry to inventory and regulate trawl gear to reduce bottom contact and gear impact.
Invasive species and other priorities: The department is monitoring green crab and said it is in a monitoring and research phase; ADF&G is coordinating with tribes and communities on containment and research measures.
Next steps: ADF&G officials said they will continue to pursue federal grants to fill assessment gaps, maintain key vessels where possible and provide requested breakdowns of economic impacts and program details to the committee.
(Reporting based solely on committee testimony; no votes were taken on ADF&G items.)