Alaska State Legislature
News from the House Majority

Jerry Ritter, House Majority Press Secretary
State Capitol
Juneau, AK 99801
Phone: (907) 465-3804
web site: http://www.akrepublicans.org
Actuality line: 1-800-478-6540

Higher Prices to Alaska Fishermen

More Information in a More Timely Manner

For Immediate Release April 24, 1998 Contact: Rep. Alan Austerman at (907) 465-4230.

Juneau -- The Alaska Senate Friday passed HB 392, which is designed to help fishermen derive the best price, or exvessel value, for their catch by modifying processor wholesale reporting to the state. HB 392, should help fishermen by providing more current market prices on a wider range of salmon products.

"It updates the statutes by requiring more useful and more timely information from processors," said Rep. Austerman, sponsor of HB 392, "and the unit-of-sale categories specified in current statute are often no longer used by the processing industry."

Under HB 392 the current semiannual reporting required of processors is increased from two to three times a year and stipulates that processors report thermally processed fish in terms of all sizes sold instead of specific can sizes which may not be currently utilized by the industry. Also, the wholesale information will now include pouches or alternative containers of sale.

"The new reporting periods and information will provide marketers and negotiators more information in a more timely manner," concluded Austerman.

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