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2018-10-03 Special MeetingPage 2-7 HMO Kodiak Island Borough Assembly Special Meeting Agenda Wednesday, October 3, 2018, 3:00 p.m. BOROUGH CONFERENCE ROOM This meeting was called by the Assembly. ROLL CALL 2. CITIZENS COMMENTS (Limited to Three Minutes per Speaker) 3. CONSIDERATION OF MATTERS IN THE CALL FOR THE SPECIAL MEETING A. Approval of a Letter of Support Addressed to the Board of Fish Related to Kodiak Regional Aquaculture Association, Hatcheries, and Hatchery Production in Alaska. KRAA Joint Letter KRAA Letter of Support Request from Fairbanks 2019-09-26 BOF Hatchery Comments B. Approval of a Letter Addressed to NOAA Fisheries Related to the Potential Loss of Federal Groundfish Surveys that Inform Groundfish Stock Assessments and the Model Outputs that Determine Acceptable Biological Catches for Gulf of Alaska Groundfish Fisheries. NOAA Letter 4. ADJOURNMENT Visit our website at www facebook.com/Kodiakislandborough @KodiakBorough www.kodiakak.us Page 1 of 9 y�lanul,��Q Kodiak Island Borough 710 Mill Bay Road, Rm. 234 Kodiak, AK 99615 907.486.9310 September 28, 2018 Alaska Department of Fish & Game Alaska Board of Fisheries P.O. Box 115526 1255 W. 8th Street Juneau, AK 99811-5526 Dear Chairman Jensen and members of the Board of Fish! AGENDA ITEM O.A. City of Kodiak 710 Mill Bay Road, Rm. 220 Kodiak, AK 99615 907.486.8636 The Kodiak Island Borough and City of Kodiak represent the Nation's largest Coast Guard Base, nearly 14,000 residents and 298 local commercial salmon permit holders in the Kodiak Archipelago. Additionally, the Kodiak Island Borough represents seven rural villages. As the second largest fishing port for landings in the nation and with the largest fleet In Alaska, Kodiak, its local governments, and its residents are dependent on abundant, sustainable fisheries for economic health and cultural wellbeing. Salmon and salmon fisheries are vital to the community, and the enhancement projects conducted by the Kodiak Regional Aquaculture Association (KRAA) play an integral role in the continued sustainability and health of our salmon resources. The Kodiak Island Borough and City of Kodiak wish to commit its support to KRAA and the enhancement and research projects it operates. For over 35 years KRAA has been involved in salmon fisheries, research, monitoring, rehabilitation, and enhancement During that time, KRAA has not put their efforts solely into programs for commercial production. In the early years of the Association, in partnership with ADF&G, numerous rehabilitation projects were conducted in the Archipelago, and today, KRAA conducts limnology and water sampling In Kodiak sockeye salmon nursery lakes to monitor system health and productivity. In addition, KRAA has developed projects and returns that provide important subsistence resources directly to villages such as Larson Bay, Ouzinkie, and Port Lions. KRAA's sport fish programs also create opportunities for local residents and help generate tourism dollars as they create king salmon and rainbow trout opportunities (in partnership with ADF&G Sport fish) on the Kodiak Road System and contribute thousands of coho to the road system and nearby waters. Page 2 of 9 Approval of a Letter of Support Addressed to the Board of Fish Related t... AGENDA ITEM O.A. Alaska Department of Fish 8 Game Alaska Board of Fisheries September 28, 2018 Page 2 of 2 The programs that benefit Kodiak's local subsistence and sport fisheries are financed in part through partnerships, but the majority of expenses for those programs are paid for by KRAA, and, by association, by the commercial fishermen of Kodiak. Meanwhile, as a long -tens average, KRAA generates over $3 million in ex -vessel value annually for Kodiak's commercial fishery, and a recent draft study by The McDowell Group has identified that from 2012-2017 the value of KRAA salmon returns has averaged approximately $7 million annually. That contribution provides a stabilizing force for the salmon fishery and the local economy. In fact, KRAA's Board of Directors had the foresight to recognize that the disastrous 2016 pink salmon season could lead to shortfalls in 2018 and decided to forgo pink salmon cost recovery this year. As a result, Kodiak commercial salmon fishermen were able to put over 3.2 million fish In their nets with a preliminary estimation of $4.5 million in ex -vessel value. Combined for all species, KRAA's contribution to the commercial salmon fisheries of Kodiak in 2018 has a preliminary estimated value of $6.5 million. This is a critical contribution in a year in which naturally producing stocks did poorly, and in many cases the hatchery production made a difference between losing money and breaking even or even profiting in 2018. In addition to ex -vessel value, KRAA's contribution to the commercial salmon fishery contributes even greater economic output and activity through first wholesale value and beyond. KRAA supports stable production and jobs for processors and processing workers and those monies flow out through the community and generate ongoing economic activity. The Association goes beyond the salmon It produces by providing direct employment for up to 45 people per year with payroll figures in excess of $1.8 million. In addition, KRAA spent over $750,000 with local vendors and well over $1 million within the stale of Alaska in 2017. The programs and hatcheries of the Kodiak Regional Aquaculture Association were developed by and with the oversight of ADF&G. These programs have been tailored to this region to fit the needs and interests of its residents and fishing community. The Kodiak Island Borough and City of Kodiak lend KRAA full support and would encourage the Board of Fish to take no action that would limit production or inhibit the ability of KRAA to meet the established goals for the Kodiak Island Borough, City of Kodiak, or the Kodiak Management Area. The Kodiak Island Borough and City of Kodiak believe the existing permitting process allows for sufficient regulatory oversight and review by ADF&G and would encourage the Board of Fish to familiarize itself with the supporting science and the individual programs of each region before considering action that could have unintended negative consequences for a given region. Sincerely, Daniel A. Rohrer, Mayor Pat Branson, Mayor Kodiak Island Borough City of Kodiak Page 3 of 9 Approval of a Letter of Support Addressed to the Board of Fish Related t... AGENDA ITEM #3.A. From: Tina Fairbanks <kraa.fairbanksCdgci.net> Sent: Friday, September 14, 2018 1:17 PM To: dan.rohrer(o)kibassemblv.ore Cc: Clerks <ClerksCa�kodiakak.us> Subject: KRAA, Hatcheries letter of support Hi Dan, I hope you're well. I've been hoping to catch the Joint Fisheries Workgroup, as a starting point, as well as the City and Borough for some time about a letter or resolution of support to the Board of Fish related to KRAA, Hatcheries, and Hatchery Production in Alaska. However, the issues to which I need to speak have been in conflict with recent meetings, and I've too often been out of town to catch up with our local meeting schedules. KRAA has been fortunate to have the support of both the City and Borough many times in the past, and I hope that we will be able to rely on that long-term partnership and support as we face the recent and upcoming challenges to Alaska's Hatchery Program. The Board of Fish will hold a Special Session on Alaska Salmon Hatcheries during their work session in October, and there are 2 ACRS on the agenda that attempt to limit hatchery production in some manner. KRAA is seeking the support of local groups and governments prior to the comment deadline October 3. 1 would be happy to provide materials and Information related to the Issues, the media on hatcheries over the recent months, and our efforts to provide a positive, fact -based narrative in response to some of the information that has been provided in the media and through testimony at the Board of Fish In recent months. If desired, and If there is time for the necessary approval process, I could also provide a draft letter or resolution covering salient points. I can be reached at the office at 486-6555 or by cell phone at 907-539-2970 anytime. Please let me know if there are steps I can take to help expedite the process. I apologize that this request comes so close to the deadline. The material from the Board of Fish has been slaw to materialize, and we have been unsure as to the format of the Special Session in October. Many thanks. I'll hope to talk to you soon. Tina Fairbanks Executive Director Kodiak Regional Aquaculture Association 486.6555 539-2970 Page 4 of 9 Approval of a Letter of Support Addressed to the Board of Fish Related t... AGENDA ITEM #3.A. --- Forwarded message ------- From: United Fishermen of Alaska <ufri AGENDA ITEM #3.A. • Alaska's salmon hatchery program has operated for 45 years and supplements wild salmon harvests throughout the state • Alaska's salmon hatchery program is an example of sustainable economic development that directly benefits subsistence fishermen, personal use fishermen, sport fishermen, charter fishermen, commercial fishermen, seafood processors, as well as state and local governments, which receive raw fish tax dollars • Alaska's salmon hatchery program employs strong scientific methodology and is built upon precautionary principles and sustainable fisheries policies to protect wild salmon populations • Alaska Department of Fish and Game regulates hatchery operations, production, and permitting through a transparent public process and multi -stakeholder development of annual management plans • Returns of hatchery and wild salmon stocks follow similar survival trends over time and the largest returns of both hatchery and wild salmon stocks have largely occurred since hatchery returns began in about 1980 • There are no stocks of concern where most hatchery production occurs, indicating that adequate escapements to wild stock systems are being met in these areas over time • Alaska hatcheries contributed an annual average of nearly 67 million fish to Alaska's commercial fisheries in the past decade • Alaska hatcheries accounted for 22% of the total common property commercial catch in Alaska • Alaska's salmon hatchery program has proven to be significant and vital to Alaska's seafood and sportfish industries and the state of Alaska by creating employment and economic opportunities throughout the state and in particular in rural coastal communities • Alaska's salmon hatchery program is non-profit and self-funded through cost recovery and enhancement taxes on the resource and is a model partnership between private and public entities • The State of Alaska has significantly invested in Alaska's salmon hatchery program and associated research to provide for stable salmon Page 6 of 9 Approval of a Letter of Support Addressed to the Board of Fish Related t... AGENDA ITEM #3.A. harvests and to bolster the economies of coastal communities while maintaining a wild stock escapement priority • Alaska salmon fisheries, including the hatchery program, continue to be certified as sustainable by two separate programs, Responsible Fisheries Management (RFM) and Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Comments are due by October 3 so please get yours in today] Prepared by UFA staff and made possible by the support of UFA Group, Business, Individual and Crew members. To join UFA see R ttp //m'ww, ufafish. orglbecome-a-membed. Copyright © 2079 United Fishermen of Alaska, All rights reserved. You are on this list as a current or lapsed UFA member. Our mailing address is: United Fishermen of Alaska PO Box 20229 Juneau, Ak 99801 Add us to Your address book Want to change how you receive these emails7 You can update Your preferences or unsubscribe from this list Tom Gemmell Executive Director (907)723-3358 ®hnn://hpp[[77yyalibutcoalition.ore/ ® Request W loin Page 7 of 9 Approval of a Letter of Support Addressed to the Board of Fish Related t... Kodiak Island Borough 710 Mill Bay Road, Rm. 234 Kodiak, AK 99615 907.486.9310 October 1, 2018 Mr. Chris Oliver, Assistant Administrator NOAA Fisheries 1315 East-West Highway Silver Spring, MD 20910 Re: Gulf of Alaska Surveys Dear Mr. Oliver, AGENDA ITEM #3.B. City of Kodiak 710 Mill Bay Road, Rm. 220 Kodiak, AK 99615 907.486.8636 Via email: chds.w.oliver@noaa.gov The City of Kodiak and the Kodiak Island Borough have become aware of the potential loss of federal groundfish surveys that support groundfish stock assessments and the model outputs that determine acceptable biological catches for Gulf of Alaska groundfish fisheries. Kodiak's economy is largely dependent on our diverse fisheries with the majority of the seafood industry economic activity derived from groundfish'. The near year-round operation of the groundfish fleet fills critical gaps in economic activity allowing multiple processors to operate year-round, utilizing our residential work force. With this local, skilled work force, processors are able to support diverse fisheries such as salmon, crab, herring, rockfish, black cod and halibut. Groundfish deliveries represent 60% of the fish that crosses Kodiak's docks annually. Access to resources that allow near year-round production is the basis for the permanent residential processing work force that has existed for several generations. Kodiak's social fabric, culture, economy and character, is in large part, determined by our diverse population. Over the past several years, declines in allowable fishery harvests have directly impacted the ability of local government to serve residents and maintain infrastructure on which our fisheries economy depends. Recently we have seen an 80% reduction in Pacific cod quotas, a 20% reduction for pollock, and a 25% reduction for arrowlooth flounder. These reductions combined with lower halibut quotas, a commercial fishery disaster for pink salmon in 2016 (and as a consequence low pink returns in 2018), mean fewer landings, less income for residents, and lower tax revenues to support governmental operations of the community. It is our understanding that the RV Oscar Dyson has shipyard ! mechanical issues, and in fact that it will not be ready for Gulf surveys in February of 2019 nor throughout the summer. We rely on this vessel for midwater acoustic -trawl survey's, and this year we lost at least three weeks due to mechanical failures. The North Pacific Fishery Management Council will likely get public McDowell Group, Economic Impact of the seafood Industry on the Kodiak Island Borough (May 2016) p.6 Page 8 of 9 Approval of a Letter Addressed to NOAA Fisheries Related to the Potentia... AGENDA ITEM #3.B. Mr. Chris Oliver, Assistant Administrator NOAA fisheries October 1, 2018 Page 2 of 2 requests in October to weigh in as a Council and send a letter to NOAA HQ explaining how important it is to Gulf survey data needs to use an alternate vessel for the survey. We understand there is potential to move the Dyson sister ship (Shimada) that normally surveys the Pacific coast to survey the Gulf. We hope RV Shimada will be made available as a replacement vessel, if necessary, and that this contingency plan can be guaranteed by NOAA HQ. We continue to see erosion of the survey capacity in our region, despite assurances that this is a NOAA priority, and despite that at -sea surveys are our most critical data source, especially given the recent climate change impact on fishery resources. Historically, as you know, there have been five charter boats for bottom trawl surveys: two in the Bering Sea shelf (annually) and either three in the Gulf (odd years), or two in the Aleutian Islands and one for the Bering Sea slope (even years). Recently, only four boats were able to be funded, and AFSC reports they are undertaking planning for either a three or four boat scenario for the foreseeable future. The recent North Pacific Science and Statistical sub -committee meeting minutes note the value of trawl bottom trawl surveys and the maintenance of Indispensable data that contribute substantially to the understanding and management of fish populations, fisheries, and the communities that are dependent upon those fisheries. It is these data that allow us to fish to optimum yield and that directly support our Nation's largest fisheries and seafood production. Discontinuation or diminishment of the research that provides these datasets would leave a significant gap in the science needed to support sustainable and successful fisheries management in the North Pacific. Recent rapid changes in environmental conditions that affect fish abundance and distribution, and thus our ability to harvest and process these groundfish species, accentuate the need to maintain current effort levels, if not increase them'. Kodiak has consistently ranked third or fourth in the nation based on the volume of seafood that crosses our docks. As a coastal community, the seafood industry is the centerpiece and focal point of our economy. We ask that NOAA leadership provide a replacement vessel for the RV Oscar Dyson for the hydro -acoustic surveys for the 2019 survey cycle and that funding be provided for the normal five charter boats needed for the bottom trawl surveys in the North Pacific now and into the foreseeable future. Thank you for considering our comments on this critical issue. It is our hope that you will maintain the vessels and funding for these essential groundfish surveys to the benefit of Alaska and the Nation's commercial fisheries. Sincerely, Daniel A. Rohrer, Mayor Pat ranson, Mayor Kodiak Island Borough City of Kodiak C: Rear Admiral Nancy Hann, Deputy Director for Operations, OMAO Troy Frost, Deputy Director for Marine Operations, OMAO Cisco Warner. NMFS Chief Science Advisor Jim Balsiger, Regional Administrator, AKRO Jeremy Rusin, Deputy Science Director, AFSC 'Report of NPFMC SSC Sub-commince meeting with AFSC on Trawl Survey Options and Priorities, September 10, 2018, NPFMC council agenda item B-1, page I Page 9 of 9 Approval of a Letter Addressed to NOAA Fisheries Related to the Potentia... Kodiak Island Borough Assembly Special Meeting Guidelines October 3, 2018, 3 p.m., Borough Assembly Chambers 1. ROLL CALL KIBC 2.25.070.... the Chair shall cause the record to reflect the absence of the member, the REASON for the absence, and whether the absence is excused by the Assembly. Recommended motion: Move to excuse Assembly members who are absent due to personal leave. VOICE VOTE ON MOTION. 2. CITIZENS' COMMENTS (These are limited to three minutes per speaker.) ASK SPEAKERS TO SIGN IN AND STATE THEIR NAME FOR THE RECORD. 3. CONSIDERATION OF MATTERS IN THE CALL FOR THE SPECIAL MEETING A. Approval of a Letter of Support Addressed to the Board of Fish Related to Kodiak Regional Aquaculture Association, Hatcheries, and Hatchery Production in Alaska. Recommended motion: Move to approval the letter support addressed to the Board of Fish relating to KRAA Hatcheries and Hatchery Production in Alaska. Staff Report — Manager Powers. Assembly discussion. ROLL CALL VOTE ON MOTION. B. Approval of a Letter Addressed to NOAA Fisheries Related to the Potential Loss of Federal Groundfish Surveys that Inform Groundfish Stock Assessments and the Model Outputs that Determine Acceptable Biological Catches for Gulf of Alaska Groundfish Fisheries. Recommended motion: Move to approval the letter support addressed to NOAA Fisheries related to the potential loss of Federal Groundfish Surveys that inform Groundfish Stock Assessments and the Model Outputs that determine acceptable Biological Catches for Gulf of Alaska Groundfish Fisheries Staff Report — Manager Powers. Assembly discussion. ROLL CALL VOTE ON MOTION. 4. ADJOURNMENT Recommended motion: Move to adjourn the meeting. VOICE VOTE ON MOTION. Kodiak Island Borough Assembly Guidelines (')Hnhor 4 9n1 R Porno 1 m U m CL > > rn c W o —R�C 5 c � o U y 0 Y � N y � a n o 7 a a U N c O' N a Ea c a m c o N X O N N a� O D 0 o ri E dd N aJ u-5 E 0 0 0 c c M O Q N o N N Q D _ c L N L m cu 'N E N 0-0E E om 0 h N T N L' - o o c a CE o ve 1-2 •o o� o 0 o 'o o � 'm 0 z U) > E N N L 7 L m L C m m ❑ L Y to (A T to W J O c a, M U) 2 m > o m g z = 0 d c N , F w z � d c Q m N � O m m m Q T a) o E O �. 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Please PRINT your name legibly Please PRINT your name legibly View our website: www.kodiakak.us Visit our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/KodiakIslandBorough Follow us on Twitter: @KodiakBorough Kodiak Island Borough Assembly Newsletter Vol. FY2019, No. 9 October 03, 2018 At Its Special Meeting Of October 3, 2018, The Kodiak Island Borough Assembly Took The Following Actions. The Next Regular Meeting Of The Borough Assembly Is Scheduled On Thursday, October 18, 2018, At 6:30 p.m. In The Borough Assembly Chambers. APPROVED A Letter Of Support Addressed To The Board Of Fish Related To Kodiak Regional Aquaculture Association, Hatcheries, And Hatchery Production In Alaska. APPROVED A Letter Addressed To NOAA Fisheries Related To The Potential Loss Of Federal Groundfish Surveys That Inform Groundfish Stock Assessments And The Model Outputs That Determine Acceptable Biological Catches For Gulf Of Alaska Groundfish Fisheries.