Juneau -- The House Special Committee on Fisheries today announced a hearing on the implications of a federal takeover of subsistence fisheries. The hearing, scheduled for Monday, March 15, will examine the impact on Alaskans, particularly the effects on the commercial, sport and subsistence users as well as potential impacts on the fisheries resource itself.

"I believe it is the committee's responsibility to inform legislators and the Alaska public about the implications of a Federal takeover," said Representative Bill Hudson (R-Juneau), Chair of the House Fisheries Committee. "A Federal takeover could result in tangible changes in the way the state conducts its fisheries."

The hearing will include a presentation from the Federal Office of Subsistence Management as well as comments from the the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

"Now that the Federal managers have published their final regulations, we can evaluate the effects on our subsistence, sport, and commercial fisheries." said Hudson. "By having both Federal and State fisheries managers at the table, the committee will be able to evaluate the differences and the potential conflicts between the two management systems."

The hearing is scheduled for March 15 at 5:00 PM in Room 124 of the Alaska State Capitol Building. The hearing will be teleconferenced.