AK SB90

Establishes a separate administrative area for Cook Inlet set net fishing comprising statistical areas 244-21, 244-22, 244-31, 244-32, 244-41, and 244-42, effective January 1, 2020, with existing Cook Inlet permits requiring reassignment to operate in this new area.

Permits individuals who can prove participation in the specified Cook Inlet areas between 2017-2019 to be reassigned entry permits for the new administrative area on January 1, 2020, with appeals available to superior court by March 1, 2020.

Establishes a voluntary entry permit buy-back program offering $260,000 per permit (less administrative costs) for 200 unencumbered permits selected by lottery, with applicants eligible if they held permits since January 1, 2016 and actively fished the area within two years before December 31, 2018.

Requires the Alaska Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission to conduct an election on April 1, 2020 among eligible set net fishers to approve the buy-back program, with program implementation contingent on voter approval.

Mandates automatic termination of state set net tract leases and closure of corresponding waters to commercial fishing when permits are purchased, and requires a status report to the legislature by January 15, 2026.