HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution No. 2006-26Suggested by: Mayor Porter
CITY OF KENAY
RESOLUTION NO. 2006-26
A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KENAI, ALASKA, SUPPORTING A
GULF OF ALASKA GROUNDFISH RATIONALIZATION PLAN THAT MAINTAINS OPEN
MARKETS, FREE TRADE, AND THE MOVEMENT OF COMMERCE FOR FISHERIES
RESOURCES WITHIN THE STATE OF ALASKA.
WHEREAS, the combined fisheries landing value of Kenai Peninsula ports in 2004 was
$106 million, second only to Dutch Harbor in Alaska and the third highest in the
nation; and,
WHEREAS, the majority of the City of Kenai's groundfish fleet are fixed gear vessels
(longline, jig, and pot gear), generally run by owner-operator independent family
fishermen; and,
WHEREAS, the majority of City of Kenai's processing businesses are generally small,
entrepreneurial enterprises, and the strength of the City of Kenai s fisheries economy is
the ability to innovate and meet changing market demands; and,
WHEREAS, a proposal for a Gulf of Aiaska Rationalization Plan is before the North
Pacific Fishery Management Council that would allocate groundfish to vessel owners,
fishermen, and processors in a manner similar to the current Bering Sea Crab
Rationalization Plan; and,
WHEREAS, a specific element contained in the proposed Plan would require fishermen
to either join a cooperative that is linked to a specific processor or continue in a"race
for fish"; and,
WHEREAS, another element contained in the proposed Plan, regionalization, would
require fishermen who live on the Kenai Peninsula to deliver their catch to non-Kenai
Peninsula ports; and,
WHEREAS, processor linked cooperatives combined with "regionalization" would have
the same controlling effect as the processor quota system currently used in the Bering
Sea Crab Plan; and,
WHEREAS, the City of Kenai supports including hired crew with historic participation
and entry level opportunities for new fishermen in any rationalization scheme.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KENAI:
SECTION 1. The City of Kenai Council supports a Gulf of Alaska Rationalization Plan
that maintains open markets, free trade, and the movement of commerce within the
State of Alaska and allows all vessels in the fised gear catcher fleet to deliver to the
processor of their choice.
Resolution No. 2006-26
Page 2 of 2
SECTION 2. The City of Kenai Council supports options in the Gulf of Alaska
Rationalization Plan that promotes value added products, innovation and a working
waterfront that supports local fisheries and related enterprises.
SECTION 3. The City of Kenai Council supports options in the Gulf of Alaska
Rationalization Plan that ensure the conservation and sustainability of ali fishery
resourcesin Alaska.
SECTION 4. Copies of this resolution shall be provided to the Alaska Congressional
delegation, the North Pacific Fisheries Management Council, Governor Frank
Murkowski, Alaska Department of Fish and Game Commissioner McKie Campbell, and
Director of Commercial Fisheries Denby Lloyd.
PASSED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KENAI, ALASKA, this 17th day of May,
2006.
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PAT PORTER, MAYOR
A'I`TEST:
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Carol L. Freas, City Clerk