In March, the Alaska Board of Fisheries will consider proposals that clarify and strengthen enforcement of trawl gear requirements in state waters. These decisions directly affect habitat protection, bycatch risk, and public confidence in management, all of which influence Alaska seafood supply chains, working waterfronts, and coastal community economies.  

Proposals under consideration

Proposal 163: Redefines “pelagic trawl” as bottom trawl unless operators can prove they are not contacting the seafloor.

Proposal 164: Requires seafloor monitoring technology on pelagic trawl nets to verify compliance with state regulations.

Proposal 165: Requires salmon excluders in pelagic trawl nets, consistent with common practice in federal waters.

Key deadline and meeting details

Public comments due: March 2, 2026

Meeting: Statewide Finfish Board of Fish Meeting, March 17-21 at the Egan Center in Anchorage

Join us for an AHHA Mug Up event on Monday, March 16th, at 5:30 p.m. at 49th State Brewing in Anchorage to learn more about the issue and how you can testify to the Board of Fish.

How you can help

Submit abrief comment to the Board of Fisheries supporting stronger, verifiable compliance in state waters.

Sign our petition to help us show the Board of Fish that Alaskans care about healthy marine habitats.

Add your business or organization’s name to a list of like-minded Alaska businesses and organizations supporting enforceable, accountable trawl operations.

Share this page with other Alaskans who care about sustainable fisheries, stable supply chains, and community-based economies.

Trawling has become a prominent issue in Alaska’s political landscape, reflecting growing public attention to bycatch, habitat impacts, and the future of Alaska fisheries. The window for constructive, solutions-oriented engagement is open now, and coordinated support from Alaskans can make a real difference.