If you have ideas on how to improve fishing regulations in Western Alaska, there are a few weeks remaining to send that idea you have to the top. That is, to the Board of Fish to consider during their meeting next year.
The process is simple.
“It’s just a one page document," explained Jen Peeks, Support Coordinator for the Board of Fish in Western Alaska. “You can make it as long as you want, but it doesn’t have to be real extensive either.”
The form asks for two main pieces of information: What is the issue you’d like the board to address and why? And, what would you like the new regulation to say?
Peeks and the biologists at the Bethel Alaska Department of Fish and Game office can help you out with the language you might want to propose.
“We’re available to help people if they’re a little confused or if they’re not exactly sure how to word something," Peeks said. "They can give me a call."
You can reach Jen at 907-543-2931 orjennifer.peeks@alaska.gov.
Residents can also reach out to their local ADF&G Advisory Committees, composed of residents like themselves, to support their proposals.
Proposals could suggest changes on any aspect of finfish or subsistence fishing, like gear restrictions, opening fishing areas, or even creating a new fishery.
Proposals are due April 10. They will then enter a long public review process before being considered by the Board of Fish in January of 2019.
