[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 68 (Tuesday, April 26, 2022)]
[House]
[Pages H4485-H4486]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 ALASKA SALMON RESEARCH TASK FORCE ACT

  Mr. GRIJALVA. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the 
bill (H.R. 6651) to establish an Alaska Salmon Research Task Force.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The text of the bill is as follows:

                               H.R. 6651

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

       This Act may be cited as the ``Alaska Salmon Research Task 
     Force Act''.

     SEC. 2. PURPOSES.

        The purposes of this Act are--
       (1) to ensure that Pacific salmon trends in Alaska 
     regarding productivity and abundance are characterized and 
     that research needs are identified;
       (2) to prioritize scientific research needs for Pacific 
     salmon in Alaska;
       (3) to address the increased variability or decline in 
     Pacific salmon returns in Alaska by creating a coordinated 
     salmon research strategy; and
       (4) to support collaboration and coordination for Pacific 
     salmon conservation efforts in Alaska.

     SEC. 3. SENSE OF CONGRESS.

       It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) salmon are an essential part of Alaska's fisheries, 
     including subsistence, commercial, and recreational uses, and 
     there is an urgent need to better understand the freshwater 
     and marine biology and ecology of salmon, a migratory species 
     that crosses many borders, and for a coordinated salmon 
     research strategy to address salmon returns that are in 
     decline or experiencing increased variability;
       (2) salmon are an essential element for the well-being and 
     health of Alaskans; and
       (3) there is a unique relationship for people of Indigenous 
     heritage who rely on salmon for subsistence and traditional 
     and cultural practices.

     SEC. 4. ALASKA SALMON RESEARCH TASK FORCE.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 90 days after the date of 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Commerce, in 
     consultation with the Governor of Alaska, shall convene an 
     Alaska Salmon Research Task Force (referred to in this 
     section as the ``Research Task Force'') to--
       (1) review existing Pacific salmon research;
       (2) identify applied research needed to better understand 
     the increased variability and declining salmon returns in 
     some regions of Alaska; and
       (3) support sustainable management of salmon in Alaska.
       (b) Composition and Appointment.--
       (1) In general.--The Research Task Force shall be composed 
     of not fewer than 13 and not more than 19 members, who shall 
     be appointed under paragraphs (2) and (3).
       (2) Appointment by secretary.--The Secretary of Commerce 
     shall appoint members to the Research Task Force as follows:
       (A) One representative from each of the following:
       (i) The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration who 
     is knowledgeable about salmon and salmon research efforts 
     from the Alaska Region.
       (ii) The North Pacific Fishery Management Council.
       (iii) The United States section of the Pacific Salmon 
     Commission.
       (B) Not less than 2 and not more than 5 representatives 
     from each of the following categories, at least 1 of whom 
     shall represent Alaska Natives who possess personal knowledge 
     of, and direct experience with, subsistence uses in rural 
     Alaska, to be appointed with due regard to differences in 
     regional perspectives and experience:
       (i) Residents of Alaska who possess personal knowledge of, 
     and direct experience with, subsistence uses in rural Alaska.
       (ii) Alaska fishing industry representatives throughout the 
     salmon supply chain, including from--

       (I) directed commercial fishing;
       (II) recreational fishing;
       (III) charter fishing;
       (IV) seafood processors;
       (V) salmon prohibited species catch (bycatch) users; or
       (VI) hatcheries.

       (C) 5 representatives who are academic experts in salmon 
     biology, salmon management, salmon ecology (marine and 
     freshwater), or comprehensive marine research planning in the 
     North Pacific.
       (3) Appointment by the governor of alaska.--The Governor of 
     Alaska shall appoint to the Research Task Force one 
     representative from the State of Alaska who is knowledgeable 
     about the State of Alaska's salmon management and research 
     efforts.
       (c) Duties.--
       (1) Review.--The Research Task Force shall--
       (A) conduct a review of Pacific salmon science relevant to 
     understanding and managing salmon returns in Alaska, 
     including an examination of--
       (i) traditional ecological knowledge of salmon populations 
     and their ecosystems;
       (ii) marine carrying capacity and density dependent 
     constraints, including an examination of interactions with 
     other salmon species, and with forage base in marine 
     ecosystems;
       (iii) life-cycle and stage-specific mortality;
       (iv) genetic sampling and categorization of population 
     structure within salmon species in Alaska;
       (v) methods for predicting run-timing and stock sizes;
       (vi) oceanographic models that provide insight into stock 
     distribution, growth, and survival;
       (vii) freshwater, estuarine, and marine processes that 
     affect survival of smolts;
       (viii) climate effects on freshwater and marine habitats;
       (ix) predator/prey interactions between salmon and marine 
     mammals or other predators; and
       (x) salmon productivity trends in other regions, both 
     domestic and international, that put Alaska salmon 
     populations in a broader geographic context; and
       (B) identify scientific research gaps in understanding the 
     Pacific salmon life-cycle in Alaska.
       (2) Report.--Not later than 1 year after the date the 
     Research Task Force is convened, the Research Task Force 
     shall submit to the Secretary of Commerce, the Committee on 
     Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, the 
     Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate, the 
     Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related 
     Agencies of the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate, 
     the Committee on Natural Resources of the House of 
     Representatives, the Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, 
     Science, and Related Agencies of the Committee on 
     Appropriations of the House of Representatives, and the 
     Alaska State Legislature, and make publicly available, a 
     report--
       (A) describing the review conducted under paragraph (1); 
     and
       (B) that includes--
       (i) recommendations on filling knowledge gaps that warrant 
     further scientific inquiry; and
       (ii) findings from the reports of work groups submitted 
     under subsection (d)(2)(C).
       (d) Administrative Matters.--
       (1) Chairperson and vice chairperson.--The Research Task 
     Force shall select a Chair and Vice Chair by vote from among 
     the members of the Research Task Force.
       (2) Work groups.--
       (A) In general.--The Research Task Force--
       (i) not later than 30 days after the date of the 
     establishment of the Research Task Force, shall establish a 
     work group focused specifically on salmon returns in the AYK 
     (Arctic-Yukon-Kuskoskim) regions of Western Alaska; and
       (ii) may establish additional regionally or stock focused 
     work groups within the Research Task Force, as members 
     determine appropriate.
       (B) Composition.--Each work group established under this 
     subsection shall--
       (i) consist of not less than 5 individuals who--

       (I) are knowledgeable about the stock or region under 
     consideration; and
       (II) need not be members of the Research Task Force; and

       (ii) be balanced in terms of stakeholder representation, 
     including commercial, recreational, and subsistence 
     fisheries, as well as experts in statistical, biological, 
     economic, social, or other scientific information as relevant 
     to the work group's focus.
       (C) Reports.--Not later than 9 months after the date the 
     Research Task Force is convened, each work group established 
     under this subsection shall submit a report with the work 
     group's findings to the Research Task Force.
       (3) Compensation.--Each member of the Research Task Force 
     shall serve without compensation.
       (4) Administrative support.--The Secretary of Commerce 
     shall provide such administrative support as is necessary for 
     the Research Task Force and its work groups to carry out 
     their duties, including support for virtual or in-person 
     participation and travel expenses.
       (e) Federal Advisory Committee Act.--The Federal Advisory 
     Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not apply to the Research 
     Task Force.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Arizona (Mr. Grijalva) and the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Bentz) each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Arizona.


                             General Leave

  Mr. GRIJALVA. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members 
may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks 
and include extraneous material on the measure under consideration.

[[Page H4486]]

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Arizona?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. GRIJALVA. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may 
consume.
  Madam Speaker, H.R. 6651, the Alaska Salmon Research Task Force Act, 
establishes a task force of fisheries scientists and Alaskan 
stakeholders to study, address, and prevent salmon fishery disasters in 
Alaska.
  Led by the late dean of the House, our colleague and friend, 
Representative Don Young, this bill is a perfect example of how he 
fought for what is best for Alaska.
  Salmon are a vital part of the Alaskan way of life. Their cultural, 
economic, nutritional, and recreational impact cannot be overstated. 
But, over the past decade, there have been several fishery disasters 
that have put those very salmon at risk.
  These financial, ecological, and cultural strains have created an 
increasingly dire situation for the Alaskan communities that rely on 
salmon, especially Native Alaskan communities.
  This bill creates the Alaska Salmon Research Task Force, a group of 
members from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the 
North Pacific Fishery Management Council, and Alaskan stakeholders, to 
ensure that Alaskans are at the forefront of the Alaskan salmon 
research efforts taking place in their backyards.
  I believe the bill is a fitting tribute to our departed friend. It 
elevates Alaskan voices, especially Native Alaskans, and it brings 
stakeholders together to build consensus and find a practical solution 
to this pressing issue in our 49th State.
  I urge my colleagues to support this legislation to safeguard Alaskan 
salmon fisheries for generations to come.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. BENTZ. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Madam Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 6651, the Alaska Salmon 
Research Task Force Act, sponsored by our late colleague, the dean of 
the House, Representative Don Young of Alaska.
  The day before his passing, Congressman Don Young was in our Natural 
Resources Committee room discussing the need for this legislation.
  Since 2018 alone, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration 
has issued 14 fisheries disasters determinations in Alaska. This bill 
seeks scientific answers and recommendations to solve these declining 
salmon runs.
  Specifically, the bill would require the Secretary of Commerce, in 
consultation with the Governor of Alaska, to create an Alaska Salmon 
Research Task Force composed of up to 19 individuals representing 
various sectors of the salmon economy and culture.
  The intent of the task force is to create a coordinated salmon 
research strategy, and support collaboration and coordination in salmon 
conservation efforts. The task force must also produce a report and 
recommendations within 1 year of convening.
  If Mr. Young were here today, I am certain that he would remind us 
that salmon are important to Alaskans due to their cultural, economic, 
and recreational value. I urge my colleagues to honor the late dean of 
the House by supporting this bill.
  Madam Speaker, I urge adoption of this bill, and I yield back the 
balance of my time.
  Mr. GRIJALVA. Madam Speaker, I urge support of the legislation, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Grijalva) that the House suspend the rules 
and pass the bill, H.R. 6651.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds being in the affirmative) the 
rules were suspended and the bill was passed.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

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