Fish board weighs whether to change Traditional Knowledge reports; comments due Sept. 23

Alaskans with a view on how the Alaska Board of Fisheries handles Traditional Knowledge reports, the 10-minute slots it gives knowledge holders nominated by their tribe or community, have until 5 p.m. Sept. 23 to submit written comments. A three-member committee takes it up by webconference on Friday, Sept. 25, at 9 a.m.

The board's Committee on Board Process, Management, and Research Needs will discuss Traditional Knowledge reports "to evaluate if any changes are needed," a notice signed Wednesday says, and separately ways to use meeting time and public input more efficiently. Nothing is set for a vote, and no agenda has been posted. Marit Carlson-Van Dort chairs the committee, along with Tom Carpenter and Mike Wood.

The committee will take live public testimony at the meeting. Written comments go to boardoffisheries.adfg.alaska.gov. Accommodation requests go to executive director Art Nelson, (907) 267-2292, by the same deadline.

The board's policy, adopted 6-1 in March 2024, allots 10 minutes per report compared with three minutes for general public testimony. Commenters in 2023 sought more Alaska Native representation and remote participation options; the current notice does not specifically list either as an agenda item.