The Alaska state House Friday unanimously approved the passage of a bill to establish a point system for commercial fishing violations, sponsored by representative Ivan M. Ivan (D-Akiak). The Committee Substitute for House Bill 285 addresses illegal fishing activities committed by commercial fishermen.
“It has been said some of these illegal activities have become philosophy among some fishers as the cost of doing business should they be convicted of such activities,” Ivan said. “This bill will help put an end to that Philosophy.”
The bill establishes a point system against a commercial fishing permit holder for a conviction of commercial fishing laws found under Title 16. A suspension of a permit for a period of one to three years could occur depending on the number of points accumulated by a permit holder.
The measure passed the House 38-0.
