AK SB172

Authorizes nonprofit corporations to obtain permits for shellfish stock rehabilitation, enhancement projects, and hatchery operations, with a $1,000 application fee and requirement that the commissioner determine substantial public benefits and no jeopardy to natural stocks.

Requires public hearings at least 30 days before shellfish permit issuance with newspaper notice published weekly for three consecutive weeks, allowing public comment and requiring written department responses to objections within 30 days.

Establishes permit conditions including procuring shellfish from approved sources, placing only in designated state waters, prohibiting genetically modified shellfish, destroying diseased shellfish as directed, and releasing shellfish in areas available to traditional fisheries.

Allows permit holders to harvest surplus shellfish and establishes cost recovery fisheries through both special agent/employee harvest and open common property fisheries, with assessments set by the Department of Revenue not to exceed 50 percent of shellfish value.

Increases salmon hatchery permit application fees from $100 to $1,000 and extends tax exemptions to nonprofit shellfish operations receiving income from shellfish sales or cost recovery fisheries.