Fish board committee to review Traditional Knowledge report process Sept. 25

Alaskans have until 5 p.m. Sept. 23 to comment on an Alaska Board of Fisheries committee's review of its existing Traditional Knowledge report process. Under the board's policy, knowledge holders nominated by a tribe, community or relevant organization may receive up to 10 minutes to present, compared with three minutes for general public testimony.

The Sept. 25 meeting notice says the committee will discuss Traditional Knowledge reports "to evaluate if any changes are needed." It identifies no proposed change, draft language or vote. The three-member committee includes chair Märit Carlson-Van Dort, Tom Carpenter and Mike Wood.

Traditional and local knowledge were separately placed in state regulation in June as aspects of the best available science used in board decisions. Traditional Knowledge was also added to the information the Department of Fish and Game must consider when assessing Yukon fall chum runs. Nothing in the committee notice proposes reversing those requirements.

The notice does not say whether any change would concern report length, nominations, presentation methods or another procedure. The committee will separately discuss the use of meeting time and opportunities for public input.

The webconference begins at 9 a.m. Sept. 25, and the committee will take live public testimony. Written comments may be submitted through the meeting page, by mail or by fax. The deadline is 5 p.m. Sept. 23.