AK HB32

Creates regional fishery development associations as nonprofit corporations to develop new fisheries in Alaska, with boards including representatives from commercial fishermen, fish processors, and local municipalities

Authorizes the Commissioner of Fish and Game to designate "developing fisheries" where optimum yield has not been reached, abundance estimates are lacking, commercial harvest recently began, or annual stock assessments are not conducted

Establishes a developing fishery management assessment on commercial catches ranging from 2.5% to 30% of value, with the specific rate determined by majority vote election among permit holders in the affected area

Requires assessment revenues to be deposited in the state treasury and appropriated to the Department of Fish and Game for funding the regional associations, which must develop annual operating plans for bioassessment surveys, management research, and fisheries planning

Assessment rates can be amended or terminated through elections requiring a petition signed by at least 75% of the association's board members, followed by majority approval from voting permit holders