ITEM TITLE:
2027 Prince William Sound Pink Salmon Disaster - Proposed Moorage Relief for Valdez Resident Owned Commercial Fishing Vessels
SUBMITTED BY: Sarah Von Bargen, Harbormaster
FISCAL NOTES:
Expenditure Required: Estimated $50,000-60,000
Unencumbered Balance: N/A
Funding Source: General Fund / 001-0050-49110
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the Ports & Harbors Commission approve a formal recommendation to the Valdez City Council supporting the proposed 2027 commercial fishing moorage relief resolution.
SUMMARY STATEMENT:
Previously, the Valdez City Council has referred a request to the Ports and Harbor Commission for consideration; to waive, refund, or credit annual moorage fees for Valdez resident owned commercial fishing vessels. The request stems from the hardship caused to local Valdez commercial fishing vessel owners from the failed pink salmon fishery. The waiver, refund, or credit of fees will result in an estimated $50,000-$60,000.
Staff requests that the Ports & Harbor Commission review the proposed commercial fishing moorage relief resolution and take formal action regarding a recommendation to City Council.
Following Commission consideration, the proposal will advance to City Council for final determination, with the Commission’s recommendation, opposition, or lack of recommendation documented accordingly.
Qualification for the moorage waiver, refund, or credit, shall only be met by meeting the following guidelines as presented:
Commercial fishing vessel owners must be local Valdez residents and provide proof of residency by submitting a copy of the State of Alaska issued identification with physical Valdez address.
Commercial fishing vessel owners must have a 2026 pink salmon ticket or permit and have actively fished, or attempted to fish, for pink salmon during the 2026 season. A copy of the ticket or permit must be provided.
Commercial fishing vessel owners must have held a valid permit authorizing commercial fishing for pink sa...
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