Senate panel advances Ketchikan mariculture manager to Board of Fisheries

The Senate Resources Committee advanced Friday the nomination of Paul Cyr to the Alaska Board of Fisheries, a move that would restore Southeast Alaska representation on the seven-member board that sets fishing regulations statewide.

Cyr, general manager of Sea Grove Alaska mariculture company in Ketchikan, brings 20 years of experience spanning oyster and kelp farming, fish processing, and sport fishing lodge operations. Multiple testifiers emphasized that Southeast Alaska currently has no representation on the board despite being one of the state's most important fishing regions.

"We believe that having someone that is from a commercial coastal area helps balance the board as well, as we only really have one board member that matches that description currently," Nels Evans of the Petersburg Vessel Owners Association said. "It just helps balance representation on the board."

Cyr told the committee his approach would center on process, people, and science. He said conservation must come first before the resource can be used for the benefit of Alaskans.

"I believe it's critical to show up prepared and truly listen to the subsistence users, to the sport anglers, to the commercial fishermen alike," Cyr said. "Even when decisions are difficult, they're stronger when people feel they've been heard."

When asked about trawl fisheries, Cyr said he would need to analyze all fisheries and their effects on sustainability and other user groups before making difficult decisions.

Tyler Emerson of the Alaska Trawlers Association supported the appointment. He noted that Southeast Alaska currently has no representation despite being one of the state's most important fishing regions. He said Cyr's broad background should give him a solid understanding of the challenges facing Alaska's fisheries and fishing communities.

One testifier, Virgil Umphanour of North Pole, opposed Cyr's confirmation, citing concerns about hatchery impacts on ocean pasture.

The committee also advanced the reappointment of Mike Wood, who has served on the board for three years. Wood, a Cook Inlet setnetter who lives north of Talkeetna in Chase, previously served 10 years on the Matanuska-Susitna Fish and Wildlife Commission, including six years as chair.

"Mike Wood represents kind of what you want in a board member," Evans said. "He does all of his research, all of his homework. He makes sure to engage with all stakeholders and shareholders in the issue to make the most well-informed decision that he can."

Monte Roberts of the Kenai River Professional Guide Association said Wood has been a valuable board member who does not always agree with sport fishing interests but is always willing to work with them and hear them out.