House Resolution 8 has been introduced which calls on Fish and Game to support actions and regulatory changes on both the state and federal levels to increase utilization of fish that would otherwise become economic discards. During the April 23, 2024, House Fisheries Committee meeting, Chair Sarah Vance made it clear that bycatch utilization is not the best way to stop the wanton waste that is occurring in Alaska’s federally managed waters. She also recommended amendments to HR 8, please send a note to the House Fisheries Committee asking that any language added to HR 8 should make it very clear that the top priority is reducing the trawl fleet’s total bycatch.

The House Fisheries Committee will also hold public testimony on HR 8 on Thursday, April 25th at 10 am. If your phone # has an Anchorage prefix, call 563-9085 - Juneau prefix, call 586-9085 - elsewhere (toll-free) call 844-586-9085 or in person at your local Legislative Information Office.