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

House Cracks Down on Commercial Fishing Violations

Measure Aims to End "Cost of Doing Business" Philosophy

For Immediate Release: March 20, 1997 Contact: Rep. Ivan Ivan (907) 465-4942.

JUNEAU -- 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 fishers.

"It has been said that some of these illegal activities have become a philosophy among some fishers as the cost of doing business should they be convicted for 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.

# # #

Broadcasters note: An actuality is available from the Majority Actuality Line: 1-800-478-6540
= Ivan Ivan, 35 K in English = Ivan Ivan, 22 K in Yupik