AK HCR5

Opposes unintentional bycatch of orcas in Alaska state fisheries and endorses mitigation and prevention strategies.

Documents that 11 orcas were entangled in fishing gear during the 2023 fishing season, nearly three times higher than any year between 1991 and 2022, with 8 of the 11 being females from the Eastern North Pacific Alaska Resident stock.

Notes that NOAA's December 14, 2023 technical memorandum called for research on deterrents and mitigation strategies to reduce orca interactions with fishing vessels and gear.

Urges adoption of mitigation strategies including fishing in open areas, regular gear checks, reducing soak time, not fishing when orcas are present, and coordinating with other vessels.

Calls for commercial fishing vessels to be held to the same standard as cruise ships regarding marine mammal protection.