HB 79 Summary

• Establishes new annual licenses for saltwater sport fishing operators and guides with fees of $200 (resident operator), $100 (resident guide), and $400/$200 (nonresident operator/guide respectively)

• Requires saltwater sport fishing operators to hold a business license under AS 43.70 and maintain general liability or marine protection insurance of at least $100,000 per incident and $300,000 annually

• Requires saltwater sport fishing guides to be U.S./Canadian/Mexican citizens or resident aliens, hold current first aid certification and sport fishing license, and may only work for licensed operators

• Mandates saltwater sport fishing operators and guides comply with reporting requirements established by regulation, including vessel information, catch data, fishing locations, and other information required by the Department of Fish and Game

• Directs Department of Fish and Game to submit a report by December 1, 2023, proposing solutions for improving harvest data collection from saltwater rental and unguided fishing industry, including analysis of methods used by other states and British Columbia

• Takes effect January 1, 2023