Alaska2026Passed Legislature

SB161

Ban on Bottom Trawling and Required Study

Last scannedSep 10, 2026, 12:32 AM

In one sentence

This bill bans fishing gear that makes substantial contact with the seafloor in Alaska state waters starting January 1, 2028, and requires a study on how this gear affects marine life.

Prohibits people from using trawl or dredge gear that makes substantial bottom contact with the seafloor while fishing in state water.
Requires the Department of Fish and Game to conduct a comprehensive study on seafloor health and fish habitat.
Mandates a report by January 1, 2027, detailing how bottom-contact gear affects fisheries and marine ecosystems.
Orders the report to include data on bycatch quantities for each species taken over the last 10 years if available.
Requires recommendations in the study about whether this type of fishing should be banned or limited.

The ban on using this gear does not take effect until January 1, 2028.
The bill states the department will determine what counts as substantial bottom contact, but it does not define that term in detail.

Plain language

Trawl or dredge fishing gear: Equipment used to catch fish that drags along or scrapes against the bottom of the ocean.
Bycatch: Fishery resources taken unintentionally while targeting a different species.

Official record

Validated

PROHIBIT BOTTOM TRAWLING An Act relating to the use of certain trawl or dredge fishing gear in state water; and providing for an effective date.

Official activity