HJR 21 Summary

• Requests the North Pacific Fishery Management Council to cease consideration of an amendment package requiring Pacific cod endorsements for Gulf of Alaska fixed gear license holders.

• Opposes fishery rationalization programs that consolidate fishing fleets, reduce participant numbers, and eliminate crew jobs in Alaska's coastal communities.

• Supports broad participation in marine resource harvesting and retention of the current license limitation program to allow existing permit holders to continue fishing all groundfish species.

• Notes that Alaska residents own approximately 75 percent of Central Gulf and 65 percent of Western Gulf limited license program permits that would be affected by the proposed endorsement requirement.

• Directs copies of the resolution to be sent to the North Pacific Fishery Management Council, NOAA Fisheries Alaska Region, Alaska Department of Fish and Game, and the Governor's office.