FY2016-21 Urging the University of Alaska to Reconsider the Decision to Close the UAF Kodiak Seafood1 Introduced by: KIB Assembly
2 Requested by: KIB Assembly
3 Drafted by: Assembly members
4 LeDoux and Crow
5 Introduced on: 11/05/2015
6 Adopted on: 11 /05/2015
7
8 KODIAK ISLAND BOROUGH
9 RESOLUTION NO. FY 2016-21
10
11 A RESOLUTION OF THE ASSEMBLY OF THE KODIAK ISLAND BOROUGH
12 URGING THE UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA TO RECONSIDER THE DECISION
13 TO CLOSE THE UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FAIRBANKS' KODIAK SEAFOOD
14 AND MARINE SCIENCE CENTER, FORMERLY, AND IN ALASKA STATUTE
15 (TITLE 16 CHAPTER 52), REFERRED TO AS THE FISHERY INDUSTRIAL
16 TECHNOLOGY CENTER (FITC)
17
18 WHEREAS, the State of Alaska is currently facing fiscal difficulties as a result of an
19 overdependence on oil prices and needs a more diversified base of income and,
20
21 WHEREAS, the State of Alaska has an abundance of other natural resources, including a
22 rich and robust abundance of fish that drives Alaska's largest economic employment sector, it is
23 imperative that this resource is well managed to ensure it is sustainably and safely harvested,
24 processed, marketed, and distributed to provide the maximum benefit and value to the State of
25 Alaska
26
27 WHEREAS, the Kodiak Seafood and Marine Science Center, known in Alaska Statute as
28 the Fisheries Industrial Technology Center (FITC) in Kodiak, was created by the University in
29 response to a charge by the Alaska Legislature (Title 16 Chapter 52) to represent an applied
30 science partnership between the fishing industry, coastal communities and the University where
31 members of the Alaska Seafood Industry (harvesters, processors and community members)
32 present the questions they need answered and scientists at FITC endeavor to answer them.
33
34 WHEREAS, academic research represents a core mission of UAF, applied research
35 supports the jobs, industry and economic vitality of the communities the University of Alaska is
36 charged to serve.
37
38 WHEREAS, Applied Seafood Research conducted by FITC scientists staff, students and
39 visiting scientists has improved fishery processing technology, stock sustainability, seafood
40 safety, processing efficiency, food preservation and increased catch utilization across the state;
41 and
42
43 WHEREAS, the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) has announced the closure of the
44 Kodiak Seafood and Marine Science Center in Kodiak, the transfer of the Alfred Owen
45 Building's administrative home, the transfer of remaining faculty and the dismantling of the
46 seafood processing Pilot Plant; and
Kodiak Island Borough Resolution No. FY2016-21
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WHEREAS, the decision to close the facility was cojnducted without consultation with FITC
staff, fishing communities, industry or others dependent of the fishing industry; and
WHEREAS, the FITC facility and equipment are critical to achieving the mission; and
f I
WHEREAS, the sudden and unexpected decision by the UAF to close the FITC at the end
of the fiscal year suggests that UAF is preparing to abandon both a commitment to applied
fisheries research as well as the close community and industry partnerships that provide the
foundation for a healthy University system; and
WHEREAS, the key to an effect response to a fiscal crisis is transparent and collaborative
dialogue with the citizenry it serves; and
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE ASSEMBLY OF THE KODIAK ISLAND
BOROUGH, that the University of Alaska maintain FITC research, facilities, equipment and
staff through fiscal year 2017 to allow sufficient time for the University and Alaska's communities
to discuss challenges and opportunities related to the mission, operation and funding of the
FITC.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that new university leaders in the offices of statewide system
president, UAF chancellor and UAF School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences dean engage in
open dialogue with Alaska's fishing communities relative to the preservation of the FITC as a
focus of the universities commitment to the critical need for applied fisheries research.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that upon adoption, this Resolution shall be submitted to the
membership of the Alaska Municipal League for consideration and adoption.
ADOPTED BY THE ASSEMBLY OF THE KODIAK ISLAND BOROUGH
THIS FIFTH DAY OF NOVEMBER 2005
ATTEST:
Nova M. Javier, MMC, Borough Clerk
Kodiak Island Borough Resolution No. FY2016-21
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