HB 41 Summary

• Authorizes nonprofit corporations to obtain permits for shellfish enhancement projects to augment yield, rehabilitate stocks, or increase habitat of indigenous shellfish in state waters.

• Establishes application fees for both salmon hatchery permits (AS 16.10.400) and shellfish enhancement project permits (AS 16.12.010) based on the department's actual costs of processing applications, with annual reviews and adjustments by regulation.

• Allows shellfish enhancement permit holders to harvest and sell surplus shellfish not needed for brood stock, with proceeds used for operating costs, facility expansion, research, and fisheries management assistance in their area.

• Creates a cost recovery fishery mechanism for special harvest areas where commercial fishermen may participate and pay assessments (up to 50 percent of shellfish value) to fund permit holder operations and projects.

• Exempts nonprofit corporations holding shellfish enhancement permits from state corporate income tax on proceeds from shellfish sales and cost recovery fisheries, similar to existing exemptions for salmon hatchery operations.