AK HB64

Creates regional fishery development associations as qualified nonprofit organizations to develop new fisheries, with boards representing commercial fishermen, fish processors, and municipalities in landing areas.

Establishes developing fishery management assessments on commercial fishery resources at rates ranging from 2.5% to 30% of value, with rates selected through elections by permit holders.

Assessment revenues deposited in state treasury and available for appropriation to fund qualified regional fishery development associations for bioassessment surveys, research, and fishery management activities.

Requires qualified regional fishery development associations to conduct public elections with specific notice and ballot procedures to approve, amend, or terminate assessments, with majority vote of eligible permit holders needed for approval.

Assessments collected by fish buyers at time of purchase with quarterly remittance to Department of Revenue, or by resource owners if buyers do not collect.