Senate Resources moves SB158 after Eastside set‑net permit holders testify

Senator Jesse Bjorkman introduced Senate Bill 158 to the Senate Resources Committee, saying the bill would create a new administrative area on the east side of Cook Inlet so East Side set‑net permit holders can have more self‑determination over permit management and prevent permit holders from other districts moving into that area.

The committee opened public testimony. Andy Hall (Kenai Peninsula Fishermen's Association board member) told the committee he and his family own four set‑net permits and have been idle since 2022; he said SB158 would allow East Side set‑net managers to pursue fleet reductions and provide predictability and protections for permit holders. "This legislation would give the Eastside Setnet fishery and its managers the ability to manage this very unique fishery, and provide some predictability and protections," Hall said.

Mark Donner (Palmer) described options facing East Side permit holders—fish elsewhere, sell, or hold on and hope for future fishing opportunities—and said many East Side permit locations currently have little or no resale value; he urged passage so boards could have finer tools to manage the fishery.

Brian Gabriel (Kenai), who said he has fished for 39 years, described SB158 as an extension of limited‑entry management and stressed the bill does not change allocation between user groups; he said establishing a permit count consistent with current participation would prevent an influx of permits from altering management outcomes.

After closing public testimony, Senator Sandra Wilikowski moved SB158 (draft LS0519) from committee with individual recommendations and attached fiscal notes and gave Legislative Legal authority to make technical and conforming changes. Chair Giesel noted no objections and declared that SB158 will move from committee; the committee signed documents before leaving.