HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution No. 2013-75Suggested by: Council Members Gabriel and Molloy
CITY OF KENAI
RESOLUTION NO. 2013 -75
A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KENAI, ALASKA, OPPOSING THE
INITIATIVE TO PROHIBIT SET NETS IN URBAN AREAS AND CONTINUING TO
SUPPORT SOUND FISHERIES MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND DIVERSIFIED
HARVEST OPPORTUNITIES IN COOK INLET.
WHEREAS, the Alaska Fisheries Conservation Alliance has filed a State initiative
application to prohibit shore gill nets and set nets in urban areas; and,
WHEREAS, the intent of the initiative is ban all shore gill nets and set nets in certain
areas of the State including Cook Inlet; and,
WHEREAS, there is a long history of set netting in Cook Inlet that dates back before
Statehood; and,
WHEREAS, according to current Alaska Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission data
one hundred and twenty one (121) set gillnet permits in Cook Inlet are owned by City
of Kenai residents; and,
WHEREAS, many more residents and small businesses participate in or otherwise
benefit from set netting; and,
WHEREAS, for fiscal year 2014, the City of Kenai will receive a total of over $200,000
from the Shared Fishery Business Tax and Shared Fishery Resource Landing Tax a
portion of which is directly related to set gill netting; and
WHEREAS, the City of Kenai has previously passed Resolution 2011 -14 a Resolution
Supporting Sound Fisheries - Management Practices and Diversified Harvest
Opportunities in Cook Inlet; and,
WHEREAS, the elimination of set netting in Cook Inlet would greatly impact the
economic and traditional social structure of many residents, families and businesses
within the City of Kenai; and,
WHEREAS, other means are already in place, and other alternatives exist, to support
healthy returns of salmon to the Kenai River including king salmon during times of
low abundance; and,
WHEREAS, set gill netting has traditionally been used as one of the management tools
to ensure optimum returns of salmon to the Kenai River; and,
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Resolution No. 2013 -75
Page 2 of 2
WHEREAS, the proposed initiative promotes division and conflict between user
groups; and,
WHEREAS, fisheries that benefit and provide opportunity for diverse user groups while
maintaining healthy salmon runs are in the best interest of the City of Kenai, and;
WHEREAS, the City of Kenai benefits from healthy well- managed salmon runs as a
central part of its economy and core quality of life for its residents and visitors.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KENAI,
ALASKA:
Section 1. That the City of Kenai opposes the initiative filed with the State to ban
shore gill nets and set nets in certain areas including Cook Inlet.
Section 2. That the City of Kenai continues to support sound fisheries management
based on sound scientific principals and diversified harvest opportunities in Cook
Inlet.
Section 3. That copies of this Resolution be provided to Governor Sean Parnell,
Senate President Charlie Huggins, Senator Peter Micciche, Senator Cathy Giessel,
Speaker Mike Chenault, Representative Kurt Olson, Representative Paul Seaton,
Commissioner Cora Campbell, members of the State Board of Fish, and Members of
the Alaska Municipal League.
Section 4. That this Resolution takes effect immediately upon passage.
PASSED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KENAI, ALASKA, this 18th day of
December, 2013.
ATT NT:
l
Sandr M digh, Ci Clerk
XTPORTER, MAYOR
New Text Underlined; [DELETED TEXT BRACKETED]
M
"Villaye with a Past, Gift with a Future"
210 Fidalgo Avenue, Kenai, Alaska 99611 -7794
Telephone: 907 - 283 -7535 / FAX: 907 - 283 -3014
MEMORANDUM
TO: Mayor Porter, Council Members, and Student Representative
FROM: Council Members Brian Gabriel and Bob Molloy
DATE: December 12, 2013
SUBJECT: Resolution No. 2013 -75
The purpose of this correspondence is to outline and request support for Resolution No. 2013 -75
On November 6, 2013, the Alaska Fisheries Conservation Alliance Inc. submitted a ballot
initiative application that, if approved, would place an initiative on the August 2016 Statewide
primary ballot banning set net fishing in five State designated non - subsistence areas including
Cook Inlet in its entirety. Several of the sponsor's arguments for banning set net fishing in Cook
Inlet and other areas are listed in the FINDINGS AND INTENT section of the initiative
application, as follows:
1) Within non - subsistence areas, set net fishing is an antiquated method of harvesting
fish that indiscriminately kills or injures large numbers of non - target species.
2) Within a non - subsistence area, the use of shore gill nets and set nets is wasteful of
fisheries resources because they have a high mortality rate for fish that manage to
escape the netting and because they produce a high amount of by -catch of non-
targeted species compared to other more selective forms of fishing.
3) Shore gill nets and set nets have been banned in numerous states and countries.
4) There is significant pressure on fisheries resources in areas of the state designated of
non - subsistence use, as these areas are proximate to the state's urban population
centers.
5) Limiting the use of shore gill nets and set nets would contribute to long -term
conservation and development of fisheries and ensure consistency with the sustained
yield principle.
There are many reasons why it is in the best interest of the City of Kenai to oppose this initiative.
Set gill netting has taken place in Cook Inlet for over 100 years. Upon Statehood, fish traps were
banned and state fisheries were moved to open access, meaning that any individual could
participate. In 1975, the State of Alaska instituted limited entry permits for most State salmon
Resolution No. 2013 -75 Memorandum
December 12, 2013
Page 2 of 2
fisheries. This is the system that is currently in place, meaning that there has not been an
increase in number of permit holders in the commercial Cook Inlet set net fishery since 1975.
The argument that set gill nets are antiquated and indiscriminately kill "non- targeted species" is
unfounded and not supported by any scientific data. Although set nets in Cook Inlet mainly
harvest Sockeye salmon, it is legal to harvest and sell all five species of Pacific Salmon including
Chinook, Colic, Chum, and Pink. Other than legally harvested salmon, there is very little
"indiscriminate killing of non - targeted species." Additionally, less than one percent (1 %) of the
Cook Inlet Eastside Set Net Commercial fishery harvest is Chinook salmon, which is the primary
in -river target species.
Although there are five non - subsistence areas listed in the initiative application, nearly all of the
set net permits affected by this action are located in Cook Inlet. Not only would the elimination
of the set net fishery in Cook Inlet harm the set net permit holders, their employees and families,
but also it would harm the fish processers and many other businesses within the City of Kenai
that rely on the set net fishery in Cook Inlet.
Eighty -four percent (84 %) of the Cook Inlet Set net permit holders are Alaska residents and
many of these small businesses are multi - generational family operated. This proposed initiative
is very divisive and would pit neighbor against neighbor and geographical area against
geographical area within the State.
Since Statehood, in -state fisheries have been managed for maximum sustained yield. This
management practice is a fundamental principal in the fully allocated Cook Inlet Fisheries.
Banning set nets would not enhance this principal and, in fact, may reduce the ability of the
Alaska Department of Fish and Game to manage for maximum sustained yield without
utilization of the set net fleet.
Since its founding, the City of Kenai has benefited from healthy well- managed salmon runs as a
central part of its economy and quality of life for its citizens, businesses, and visitors. It is the
policy of the City of Kenai, as recognized in Resolution No. 2011 -14, to support sound fisheries
management practices and diversified harvest opportunities in Cook Inlet. This initiative targets
one class of commercial fishers to be eliminated completely from their salmon harvest
opportunity. Doing so will result in long -term and perhaps irreversible damage to Kenai's
economy.
We would appreciate your support for Resolution No. 2013 -75.
Attachments:
+ Resolution No. 2011 -14
+ Kenai Peninsula Borough Resolution 2013 -081
+ Kenai Peninsula Borough Resolution 2013 -081 Memorandum
+ Initiative to Prohibit Set Nets in Urban Areas
/ "• s Suggested by: Counselors Brian Gabriel and Joe Moore
etiP "ty °i CITY OF KENAI
NENALALAS NA
RESOLUTION NO. 2011 -14
A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KENAI, ALASKA, SUPPORTING
SOUND FISHERIES - MANAGEMENT PRACTICES AND DIVERSIFIED HARVEST
OPPORTUNITIES IN THE COOK INLET.
WHEREAS, the City of Kenai has benefited from healthy well- managed salmon runs as
a central part of its economy and quality of life for its citizens and visitors for over one
hundred years; and,
WHEREAS, over the past several years, State of Alaska fishery policymakers have
adopted regulations to increase opportunities for Alaska residents to harvest certain
species of salmon, but have done so without regard to the impacts of those fisheries
have on our community; and,
WHEREAS, over the past several years, Cook Inlet commercial fishers have
experienced substantial reductions in fishing opportunities that adversely impacted
their businesses and our local economy, while other users have not been burdened by
the same conservation or harvest reallocation measures; and,
WHEREAS, the City has invested several hundred thousand dollars in an attempt to
mitigate the impact of the resident -only fishery, by building infrastructure solely for
the benefit of this fishery, often at the expense of spending capital on projects that
would be otherwise utilized by citizens year around; and,
WHEREAS, in addition to business opportunities for many citizens of the Kenai
Peninsula Borough and the State of Alaska, the Cook Inlet commercial salmon
industry is a critical component of our local economy because it provides jobs and is a
reliable tax base on both real and personal property; and,
WHEREAS, because it has been able to rely on a predictable stream of salmon
harvested in Cook Inlet during summer months, the local seafood processing industry
has been able to expand its season by months and now includes processing other
species such as halibut and cod, as well as fish flown in from other regions of the
State; and,
WHEREAS, the local commercial salmon industry is a vital part of our local economy
because it is supported by local commercial fishers, processors and the many vendors
that rely on its business year around; and,
WHEREAS, improvements in salmon handling and quality in both the commercial
harvest and processing sector has resulted in salmon prices nearing 20 -year highs --
substantially increasing fish taxes to the Borough and the City of Kenai; and,
Resolution No. 2011 -14
Page 2 of 2
WHEREAS, adoption of regulations that significantly reduce the opportunities for Cook
Inlet commercial fishers to harvest and process salmon during its traditional summer
season, without a sound biological reason for doing so, will result in long -term and
perhaps irreversible damage to our local economy; and,
WHEREAS, the Alaska Department of Fish & Game, 2011 Upper Cook Inlet Sockeye
Salmon Forecast indicates a commercial, sport, and personal use salmon harvest of
4.4 to 4.8 million salmon in Cook Inlet, most of which will be processed within the City
of Kenai, and suggests managers have reached an acceptable balance between the
needs of competing salmon harvesters.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KENAI,
ALASKA, as follows:
Section 1: Supports sound fisheries management practices in Cook Inlet specifically
with respect to the Kenai River salmon runs; and,
Section 2: Respectfully requests the State of Alaska Board of Fisheries to recognize
the historical and economic significance of the salmon runs that return to the Kenai
River by avoiding adoption of regulations that reduce opportunities for all Cook Inlet
and Kenai Peninsula salmon harvesters and City of Kenai fish processors and other
businesses without a sound biological reason for doing so.
Section 3: Upon passage, a copy of this resolution shall be forwarded to Governor
Sean Parnell, Alaska Department of Fish 8a Game Commissioner Cora Campbell,
Alaska Board of Fisheries members (individually), Senator Tom Wagoner, Speaker of
the House Mike Chenault, and Representative Kurt Olson.
PASSED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF KENAI, ALASKA, this second day of
February, 2011. C . - - - >�
PAT PORTER, MAYOR
ATTEST:
Carol L. Freas, City Clerk
Introduced by: Bagley, Johnson, Smalley, Mayor
Date: 12/03/13
Action: Adopted as Amended
Vote:. 7 Yes, 0 No, 2 Absent
KENAI PENINSULA BOROUGH
RESOLUTION 2013 -081
A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE CONTINUATION OF
SETNETTING IN COOK INLET
WHEREAS, the Alaska Fisheries Conservation Alliance has started an initiative to ban
commercial fishery setnets from Alaska's urban areas, including Cook Inlet; and
WHEREAS, the initiative to ban setnets has been filed with Alaska Lieutenant Governor, Mead
Treadwell; and
WHEREAS, if the initiative passes legal requirements, and the sponsors gather signatures of
qualified voters equal in number to 10 percent of those who voted in the
preceding General Election, the initiative will appear on the primary election
ballot in August of 2016; and
WHEREAS, the focus of the initiative is the low abundance of king salmon; and
WHEREAS, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game has the authority to close fisheries for
conservation purposes and has often exercised that authority; and
WHEREAS, on their public information database the Alaska Commercial Fisheries Entry
Commission lists about 736 Cook Inlet salmon setnet permits, of which 444 are
owned by people with a Kenai Peninsula Borough address and 615 are owned by
people with an Alaskan address; and
WHEREAS, banning setnets to conserve king salmon is both capricious and unwarranted;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE ASSEMBLY OF THE KENAI
PENINSULA BOROUGH:
SECTION 1. That the KPB Assembly officially opposes the proposed ban on setnetting.
SECTION 2. That a copy of this resolution be provided to all municipal members of Alaska
Municipal League.
SECTION 3. That this resolution takes effect immediately upon its adoption.
Kenai Peninsula Borough, Alaska Resolution 2013 -081
Page 1 of 2
ADOPTED BY THE ASSEMBLY OF THE KENAI PENINSULA BOROUGH THIS 3RD
DAY DECEMBER, 2013.
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ATTEST: Hal Smalley, Assembly Preside
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Jo i Blankenship, NIIvIC, Borough ClClerer k U _5
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Yes: Bagley, Haggerty, Johnson, McClure, Ogle, Smalley, Smith
No: None
Absent: Pierce, Wolf
Resolution 2013 -081 Kenai Peninsula Borough, Alaska
Page 2 of 2
KENAI PENINSULA BOROUGH
Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly
144 North Binkley Street
Soldotna, AK 99669
Phone 907 - 714 -2160
Fax 907- 714 -2388
MEMORANDUM
TO: Hal Smalley, Assembly President
Kenai Peninsula Borough Assembly Members
FROM: Dale Bagley, Assembly Member
Brent Johnson, Assembly Member/-1/+7.
DATE: December 3, 2013
Hal Smalley, Assembly President
Bill Smith, Vice President
RE: Resolution 2013 -081; Supporting the Continuation of Setnetting in Cook Inlet
An effort has been started to single out setnetting for king salmon conservation, and move that
proposition forward as a ballot initiative. The logic behind the initiative is flawed in several
ways. First, and most important, if setnets were banned king salmon conservation would likely
still be a problem. This is borne out by history. Before 1962 setnetting started annually about
May 25. Due to king salmon conservation concerns the Alaska Board of Fish and Game delayed
the central and upper Cook Inlet setnet opening in 1962 to June 8. Without waiting for possible
stock increases from that effort, the Board of Fish and Game further delayed the setnet
openings in 1964 to June 25. For 50 years now setnetters have not participated in harvests of
early run Kenai River king salmon. Yet the early run kings are at a lower stock strength status
than the late run king salmon.
Second, king salmon propagation is at a lull statewide. Why then should local setnetters be
targeted for elimination? Third, the largest king salmon have disappeared from the Kenai River
in recent years. This is almost certainly an effect of sport fishers catching and releasing smaller
kings while retaining the largest kings. The trickle -down effect that has on all Kenai River king
salmon numbers is unknown, but it has nothing to do with setnets. Finally, The Alaska
Department of Fish and Game (ADF &G) has the authority to close fisheries for conservation
purposes. They have often exercised that authority by closing Cook Inlet setnet fisheries. In
2012 ADF &G closed setnets in the Upper Subdistrict of the Central District for king salmon
conservation for most of the season. They followed this in 2013 by closing the last three weeks
of the setnet season, also for king salmon conservation.
Page -2-
MEMORANDUM
Resolution 2013 -081
Setnets are a valuable fishery management tool and king salmon make up less than one percent
of the "eastside setnet" harvest. Rebuilding Cook Inlet king salmon stocks is a worthy goal and
stakeholders have presented several ideas for public debate. Altogether banning a fishery
would cause irreparable harm and should be opposed.
Your support of this resolution is appreciated.
AN INITIATIVE TO PROHIBIT
SET NETS IN URBAN AREAS
A BILL BY INITIATIVE
FOR AN ACT ENTITLED
1 "An Act providing for the protection and conservation of Alaska's fisheries by
2 prohibiting shore gill nets and set nets in nonsubsistence areas."
3 BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF ALASKA:
4 * Section 1, The uncodified law of the State of Alaska is amended by adding a section to
5 read:
6 FINDINGS AND INTENT. (a) The people of the State of Alaska find that:
7 (1) The state permits the use of shore gill nets and set nets, which is a method
8 of taking fish that involves anchoring a net perpendicular to shore. Fish sxvim into and are
9 entangled in the net;
10 (2) Within a nonsubsistence area, shore gill net and set net fishing is an
I 1 antiquated method of harvesting fish that indiscriminately kills or injures large numbers of
12 non - target species;
13 (3) Within a nonsubsistence area, the use of shore gill nets and set nets is
14 wasteful of fisheries resources because they have a high mortality rate for fish that manage to
15 escape the netting and because they produce a high amount of by -catch of non - targeted
16 species compared to other, more selective forms of fishing;
17 (4) Shore gill nets and set nets have been banned in numerous states and
18 countries due to their indiscriminate method of take;
-I -
1 (5) There is significant pressure on fisheries resources in areas of the state
2 designated for nonsubsistence use, as these areas are proximate to the state's urban
3 population centers. The harvesting of fish in nonsubsistence areas requires more restrictive
4 and protective means than in subsistence areas in order to minimize by -catch of non -
5 targeted species. Shore gill nets and set nets are particularly inappropriate in these areas of
6 high fishing pressure and the continued use of this method of take is inconsistent with
7 Alaska's constitutional obligation and commitment to sustainable fisheries;
8 (6) Limiting the use of shore gill nets and set nets in nonsubsistence areas as
9 provided herein will materially contribute to the long -term conservation and development of
10 fisheries and ensure consistency with the sustained yield principle; and
11 (7) While shore gill nets and set nets ate occasionally used for customary and
I2 traditional use or personal use fishing within nonsubsistence areas, those uses have a
13 minimal biological impact on fisheries, whereas other use of this indisc iminate method of
14 take in nonsubsistence areas has significant potential to harm fisheries resources.
15 (b) It is the intent of the people of the State of Alaska that this Act prohibit the use
16 of shore gill nets and set nets in nonsubsistence areas of the state for all purposes, except for
17 customary and traditional use or personal use fishing.
18 (c) It is the intent of the people of the State of Alaska that this Act not place any
19 limitation on the legislature's or the Board of Fisheries' discretion to allocate fish among
20 competing users.
21 * Section 2. Article 6 of AS 16.05 is amended by adding a new section to article 6 to read:
22 16.05.781. Set gillnetting hi nonsubsistence areas prohibited.
-2-
(a) Except for customary and traditional use or for personal use fishing, a person may
2 not use a shore gill net or set net to take fish in any nonsubsistence area. '11ris section shall
3 control over any other provision to the contrary.
4 (b) For purposes of this section, "customary and traditional" has the meaning used in
5 AS 16.05.940(7), "personal use fishing" has the meaning as used in AS 16.05.940(26), "shore
6 gill net" and "set net" have the meaning as used in AS 38.05.082 and "nonsubsistence area"
7 has the meaning as used in AS 16.05.258(c).
8 (c) Nothing in this section shall affect the use of shore gill nets and set nets to take
9 fish in subsistence areas.
10 (d) Nothing in this section shall be construed as a limitation on the legislature's or the
I1 Board of Fisheries' discretion to allocate fish among competing users.
12 * Section 3. The uncodified law of the State of Alaska is amended by adding a new
13 section to read:
14 It is the intention of the people of Alaska that the provisions of AS 16.05.781, as
15 enacted, are independent and severable, and if any provision of AS 16.05.781 shall be held to
16 be invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of AS 16.05.781 shall not be
] 7 affected and shall be given effect to the fullest ea-tent possible. References to Alaska Statutes
18 in AS 16.05.781 are as in effect as of September 1, 2013.
19 * Section 4. The uncodified law of the State of Alaska is amended by adding a new
20 section to read:
21 This Act shall take effect immediately upon enactment.
-3-
From: lori every flevery@hotmail.comj
Sent: Monday, December 16, 2013 12:31 PM
To: Mayor Porter; mbo0e @alaska.com; Robert Molloy; ryan @marquisforkenai.com;
terry@bookeyforkenai.com; Brian G. Gabriel, Sr.; Sandra Modigh; timnavarre @gmail.com
Subject: Resolution No 2013 -75
City of Kenai Council Members
In Regards to Resolution No 2013 -75 I SUPPORT set net fisheries in Cook Inlet.
Thank you Lori Every
5. Resolution No. 2013 -75 — Opposing the Proposed Initiative to Prohibit Set Nets in Urban Areas and
Continuing to Support Sound Fisheries Management Practices and Diversified Harvest Opportunities in Cook
Inlet.
Family Knowing someone is always there for you. "Family First"
i
Sandra
From: Chris Every [cpevery58 @hotmail.com]
Sent: Monday, December 16, 2013 1:31 PM
To: Mayor Porter; mboyle @alaska.com; Robert Molloy; ryan @marquisforkenai.com;
terry@bookeyforkenai.com; Brian G. Gabriel, Sr.; Sandra Modigh; <kenaimayor10 @msn.com
Cc: Chris Every
Subject: The City of Kenai is introducing their own resolution 2013 -75
Kenai City Council:
Please support opposing the Proposed Initiative to Prohibit Set Nets in Urban Areas and Continuing
to Support Sound Fisheries Management Practices and Diversified Harvest Opportunities in Cook
Inlet.
I thank each one of you for all your efforts this past year,
Please have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Eastside Settnetter and
Kenai Tax Payer
Chris Every
394 -0720
Sandra
From: bkirk99874 @aol.com
Sent: Wednesday, December 18, 2013 7:12 AM
To: Mayor Porter; mboyle @alaska.com; Robert Molloy; y ryan @marquisforkenai.com;
terry@bookeyforkenai.com; Brian G. Gabriel, Sr.; Sandra Modigh; timnavarre @gmail.com
Subject: Resolution 2013 -5
I strongly support the passage of Resolution 2013 -5 for protection of setnet fishing in urban areas. Since 1971 we have
had 5 generations who fished or are fishing our setnet sites on Kalifornsky Beach. Prior to that, I was a drifter from 1964-
1971.
We have a large investment in the local fishing industry including fish processing and settnetting. We plan to continue in
the future and strongly support the local economy.
Darrel R Renner Alaskan Resident since 1952
Silvertip Fish Inc. family corporation
Sandra
From: David Blanchard [fat.man01 @yahoo.comj
Sent: Wednesday, December 18, 2013 7:38 AM
To: Mayor Porter; mboyle @alaska.com; Robert Molloy; ryan @marquisforkenai.com;
terry@bookeyforkenai.com; Brian G. Gabriel, Sr.; Sandra Modigh; timnavarre @gmail.com
Subject: Set Neting
Sincere thanks for your ruling. Me and my family have been set netting on K -Beach since 1973. We
have had full confidence with our Alaska Department of Fishing Game biologist then as we do now.
We vote to let them decide on how the management of the fish needs to be.
Thanks most kindly for your support. After it is just sharing.
Thanks
Horace Blanchard and Family.
From: Bryan Petersen [bpetersen8 @msn.com]
Sent: Wednesday, December 18, 2013 7:45 AM
To: Mayor Porter; mboyle @alaska.com; Robert Molloy; ryan @marquisforkenai.com;
terry@bookeytorkenai.com; Brian G. Gabriel, Sr.; Sandra Modigh; timnavarre @gmail.com
Subject: setnetters
We've been setnetting since 1881. During this time my 7 sons and one daughter have learned the value of hard work,
and the importance of protecting our natural resources. The business has helped put them through college. Two are
professors, three are business men, one is an occupational therapist, one a high school teacher and one an attorney.
Some would like to continue on with the family fishing business and teach their children the same values they learned.
Our business has contributed many dollars to the Kenai Borough and provided a great seafood for the citizens of our
earth.
We appreciate your support of us setnetters, Bryan and Cindy Petersen
Sandra Modiah
From: AD Granger [grangerad @gmail.com]
Sent: Wednesday, December 18, 2013 9:05 AM
To: Mayor Porter; mboyle @alaska.com; Robert Molloy; ryan @marquisforkenai.com;
terry@bookeyforkenai.com; Brian G. Gabriel, Sr.; Sandra Modigh; timnavarre @gmail.com
Subject: Resolution 2013 -75
Kenai City Council members;
Your proposal to introduce a resolution in opposition to an initiative to shut down the commercial set net fisheries is
commendable and should be applauded.
The movement toward an anti set net initiative is nothing more than a self serving move by the commercial sport guide
community to get more fish in the river for their benefit.
An initiative to shut down the set net fishery does nothing to address problems associated with increasing numbers of in-
river users and the associated negative impacts to the King Salmon runs.
Thank you for supporting biology based, sound fisheries management practices, and fostering a climate that is focused
on the health of the in -river system, not special interests of the user groups.
Donovan Granger
Sandra
From: Arni Thomson [acccrabak @earthlink.net]
Sent: Wednesday, December 18, 2013 9:43 AM
To: Mayor Porter; mboyle @alaska.com; Robert Molloy; cyan @marquisforkenai.com;
terry@bookeyforkenai.com; Brian G. Gabriel, Sr.; Sandra Modigh; timnavarre @gmail.com
Subject: Resolution No. 2013 -75— Supporting comment from Alaska Salmon Alliance, Kenai Alaska,
opposing initiative and supporting diversified harvest opporunities in Cl
Mayor Pat Porter and Kenai City Council Members:
The Alaska Salmon Alliance (ASA) representing Snug Harbor Sfds., Pacific Star Seafoods, Icicle Seafoods, Great Pacific
Seafoods, all registered Alaskan corporations with plants and operations throughout the Kenai Peninula fully supports
Resolution 2013 -75. ASA is also comprised of numerous fishermen supporters that reside on the Peninsula. Our
companies and fishermen have for decades been economically dependent on the sockeye salmon production of drift net
boats and shorebased set net independent family owned businesses on the Kenai Peninsula, as the main stay product
that supports our operations. With declining production for set net operations due to lost fishing time from overly
burdensome regulations, over 400 set net families still accounted for an estimated 35% of sockeye production, which
paid $13 million to the fishermen. The commercial sockeye salmon fishery is the core fishery that is responsible for us
being able to maintain plant operations on the Peninsula, and to attract halibut, black cod, and Pacific cod from this
region, and to also attract salmon species from other regions, including Bristol Bay, the Yukon River, Kotzebue and
Prince William Sound. This year, the Cook Inlet sockeye salmon harvest paid $37 million dollars to the combined fleet
for a harvest of 2.6 million fish which weighed in at 16 million pounds. A similar or larger harvest is anticipated for
2014, and sockeye salmon markets remain strong.
A May 2013 Northern Economics fisheries economic analysis of the Kenai Peninsula -based fisheries for the year 2011,
commissioned by the ASA illustrates significant economic contributions to the diverse Peninsula economy: 3,600 fishing
jobs, with overall Alaskan residency of 80 %; 1,600 processing jobs; $212 million first wholesale export value, all species;
combined labor income to fisherman at $78 million; processing income, $30 million, for a total labor payroll of $108
milion. Combining the ports of Seward, Kenai, Homer and Anchorage and total landings of all species in these ports —
they would rank as the sixth largest port in the US in landed value of species. During the period 1980 -2011, the
accumulated harvest value of Cook Inlet salmon using 2012 inflation adjusted dollars was $2.15 billion.
The ballot initiative to remove a meaningful and traditional resident -based sector of the Kenai Peninsula economy as
part of an overall plan to reallocate to another sector based on questionable science, is a slap in the face to a long
established Alaskan tradition of respecting your neighbor and his way of life.
Arni Thomson
Executive Director
Alaska Salmon Alliance
PO Box 586
Kenai, AK 99611
From: Gary [glh @alaska.net)
Sent: Wednesday, December 18, 2013 10:17 AM
To: Mayor Porter; mboyle @alaska.com; Robert Molloy; ryan @marquisforkenai.com;
terry@bookeyforkenai.com; Brian G. Gabriel, Sr.; Sandra Modigh; timnavarre @gmail.com
Subject: Set net initiative
Dear Mayor Porter and Kenai City Council Members,
I urge the passing of Resolution 2013 -75. The set net fishery has been huge part of the Kenai area since way
before there was a City of Kenai or a State of Alaska. The socio, political, and economical contributions to the City of
Kenai, the Kenai Peninsula Borough, and the State of Alaska, from the 100 plus year set -net community is at best
immeasurable.
We would like to thank Councilmen Gabriel and Molloy for sponsoring this resolution.
Thank you,
Gary & Gillda Hollier
36045 Reef Dr.
Kenai, Ak. 99611
From: Todd Smith [Aktodd @live.comj
Sent: Wednesday, December 18, 2013 1:57 PM
To: Mayor Porter; mboyle @alaska.com; Robert Molloy; y ryan @marquisforkenai.com;
Sub terry@bookeyforkenai.com; Brian G. Gabriel, Sr.; Sandra Modigh; timnavarre @gmail.com
1 Resolution 2013 -75
Dear Kenai City council members,
I encourage you all to vote in favor of Resolution 2013 -75 tonight. While I realize that it is the Kenai's policy to remain
neutral on fisheries allocation issues, this is a resource allocation issue of a different nature. The setnet ban initiative is
founded on misinformation, and seeks to prevent the commercial user group from harvesting our resource while
allowing others to freely harvest in the same area with setnets. This initiative would represent a shift by Alaska to
resource allocation by ballot initiative — a practice that is against state statutes and is sure to spell tragedy for our
community which, while rich in natural resources, lacks the populace to benefit from this type of resource
management. It is important that we as a community continue to hold the state responsible for protecting the economy
and culture of the communities that depend on these resources the most. Commercial setnetting has been a part of
Kenai's culture and economy for over a century, and I implore you to support the continuation of an industry that
benefits so many in our community, and to send a message to all that Kenai does not support this attempt to enact local
and special legislation through statewide ballot. I look forward to your vote tonight at the council meeting.
Thank you,
Todd Smith
From:
Ted Crookston [tedcrookston @me.com]
Sent:
Wednesday, December 18, 2013 3:39 PM
To:
Sandra Modigh
Subject:
Set Net Issue
Dear Kenai City Council Member:
Subject: Resolution 2013 -75; Opposing Proposed Set Net Ban hiitiative— Support of Sound Fisheries
Management
I enthusiastically support this resolution and urge you to vote FOR 2013 -75.
1 will be "attending' the City Council Meeting via the live intemet link tonight and look forward to hearing the
discussion.
Comments:
I and my extended family have lived in North Kenai on land purchased from the State of Alaska, which was
made available to setnet fishermen, since 1965. We have invested not only our financial resources, but our very
lives, spanning 4 generations, in this fishery for FIFTY YEARS (50 yRS). We hold both Kenai City and
Alaska State Shore Fishery Leases.
When I was boy, growing up, there was a sense of community pride that Kenai was an area that exported
wonderful wild Alaska salmon from a vibrant commercial fishery. I am truly grateful to see efforts and actions
being made to have that sense of community pride in this industry restored.
I am very knowledgable from extensive fast hand experience with both the history and the truth regarding the
commercial setnet fishery in and around Kenai. This is a lively, viable, sound, beneficial and necessary fishery
for many, many people, the local communities that support them, and also the for the biological preservation of
the salmon resource itself.
The "proposed voter initiative" is abhorrent, deceitful and malicious and is calculated to employ general voter
ignorance in order achieve a despicable hidden agenda.
LIE #1: THE KING SALMON PROBLEM HAS BEEN CAUSED BY SETNETTING
LIE #2: ELIMINATING SETNETTING WILL SOLVE THE KING PROBLEM
I hope the Borough and Kenai City Council actions may the beginning catalysts for bringing forth the truth and
fostering broad support for this vital and historical fishery.
Thank you for your serious consideration.
Regards,
Ted Crookston
Salamatof Beach
42321 N Cook Inlet
Kenai, AK 99611
Sandra
From: Cheryl Sutton [suttoncheryl5 @gmail.com]
Sent: Wednesday, December 18, 2013 3:40 PM
To: Mayor Porter; mboyle @alaska.com; Robert Molloy;
terry@bookeyforkenai.com; Brian G. Gabriel, Sr.; andr@Modi hstim timnavarre@gmail.com
Subject: Resolution Number 2013 -75 g @gmail.com
Kenai City Council Members:
We are not able to attend your meeting this evening; but, express support for Resolution Number 2013 -75
offered by Council members Gabriel and Molloy.
The citizens, governing bodies and chamber of Kenai have been very supportive of the Cook Inlet setnet fishery
throughout our family's nearly 40 years of participation. The issue we have all struggled with is sound,
scientific fishery management in all the fisheries executed in Cook Inlet. The political management of fisheries
will only result in loss to the resource; all participants; the communities of the Kenai Peninsula and its citizens;
and, the state.
The setnet fishery in Cook Inlet is comprised mostly of generational fishing families who pioneered the Kenai
Peninsula and remain as a vital part of our social and economic fabric. The initiative, which is absent
economic, scientific or rational basis, is a punitive attempt to eliminate a fishery.
Thank you for your consideration of Resolution 2013 -75 and we respectfully ask for your support and adoption.
Cheryl Sutton on behalf of Mike, Cheryl, Anna and Michael Sutton and our crew members
Cheryl Bond Sutton
907 - 252 -5651
suttoncheryl5na email com
Sandra Modiah
From: Rob Grannum [cohoebeach @gmail.com]
Sent: Wednesday, December 18, 2013 3:57 PM
To: Mayor Porter; mboyle @alaska.com; Robert Molloy; ryan @marquisforkenai.com;
terry@bookeytorkenai.com; Brian G. Gabriel, Sr.; Sandra Modigh; timnavarre@gmail.com
Subject: Support for Resolution 2013 -75
Dear City of Kenai Council Members,
My name is Rob Grannum and I represent a third- generation Cook Inlet setnet family. Our family -owned
operation has had the privilege and opportunity to contribute economically and culturally to the Kenai Peninsula
and the City of Kenai for multiple decades and hope to continue to do for many more years. As such, I
respectfully request that you support Resolution 2013 -75, opposing the proposed initiative to prohibit set nets in
urban areas. This proposed initiative deliberately contradicts the State's history of sound fisheries management
practices and the diversified harvest opportunities that exist in Cook Inlet. This initiative would have
devastating and long - lasting impacts to the Cook Inlet salmon stocks, the City of Kenai, and the residents of the
Kenai Peninsula.
I appreciate your service to our community and respectfully ask for your continued support of our fishery.
Sincerely,
Rob Grannum
24745 Cohoe Loop Rd, Kasilof AK
From: arne tikka [aceengineering @alaska.net]
Sent: Wednesday, December 18, 2013 4:18 PM
To: Mayor Porter; mboyle @alaska.com; Robert Molloy; y ryan @marquisforkenai.com;
terry@bookeyforkenai.com; Brian G. Gabriel, Sr.; Sandra Modigh; timnavarre @gmail.com
Cc: kpfa @alaska.net
Subject: Support of Resolution 2013 -75
Dear City of Kenai:
We support the adoption of Resolution 2013 -75 opposing the proposed initiative to Prohibit Set Nets in Urban Areas. Set
Net salmon fishing is, and has historically been, a very important industry in the Kenai and entire Cook Inlet region
providing numerous jobs and a valuable food resource for the world. My family has been set netting in Cook Inlet since
the early 1950's and is now in its third generation of set net fishermen and fisherwomen. Please adopt this Resolution
2013 -75 and continue to oppose any intiative to prohibit set net fishing. Thank you for your time.
Sincerely,
Arne Tikka and Family
Sandra
From: Red and Bunny Beeman [redbunn
Sent: Wednesday, December 18, 2013 4:49 pM nline.net]
To: Mayor Porter; mboyle @alaska.com; Robert Molloy; y ryan @marquisforkenai.com;
Subject: terry@bookeyforkenai.com; Brian G. Gabriel, Sr.; Sandra Modigh; timnavarre @gmail.com
J Resolution 2013 -75
As a 59 year Cook Inlet setnetter I wish to go on record in support of Resolution 2013 -75. Edward Beeman, Chugiak,
Alaska