AK HB220

Establishes a new fisheries enhancement permit issued by the Department of Fish and Game allowing qualified persons to remove fish, collect and incubate eggs, and place fertilized eggs or hatched fish in state waters.

Permits may also authorize habitat enhancement, nutrient augmentation, and use of specific technologies to aid fish survival, subject to existing regulations under AS 16.10.375-16.10.480.

Applicants must submit a $100 application fee along with detailed information including project feasibility, management plans, collaboration documentation, stakeholder communication plans, and performance measures.

Department must approve or reject applications within 60 days of notification of completeness; applications are automatically approved if the commissioner fails to act within this timeframe.

Permit requirements include preserving natural fish feeding patterns, using only supplemental nutrients from indigenous state sources, and implementing controls to prevent introduction of nonindigenous or invasive pathogens.