AK HB203

Prohibits the use of trawl or dredge fishing gear that makes substantial bottom contact with the seafloor in Alaska state waters, effective January 1, 2028

Requires the Department of Fish and Game to conduct a comprehensive study on seafloor ecosystem health and fish habitat in state waters

Study report must be submitted to the legislature by January 1, 2027, including data on bycatch quantities by species over the last 10 years

Report must include recommendations on whether bottom-contact fishing gear should be prohibited or limited for maximum public benefit and sustained fishery yield

Introduced by Representative McCabe on April 17, 2025