Advisory Committees

Advisory committees are the local "grass roots" groups that meet to discuss fishing and wildlife issues and to provide recommendations to the boards. There are 82 committees throughout the state each with expertise in a particular local area.

Advisory Committee authorities

As authorized by Alaska Statute 16.05.260 which originally passed in 1959, the Joint Board of Fisheries and Game established 82 Advisory committees for the purpose of providing a local forum for the collection and expression of opinions and recommendations on matters related to the management of fish and wildlife resources. The regulations governing the advisory committee are 5 AAC Chapter 96 and 97.

Meetings are always open to the public and are generally attended by department staff and members of the public who can offer background information on agenda topics. Advisory Committees are intended to provide a local forum on fish and wildlife issues. Their purpose as established by the legislature includes:

• Developing regulatory proposals
• Evaluating regulatory proposals and making recommendations to the appropriate board
• Providing a local forum for fish and wildlife conservation and use, including matters relating to habitat
• Advising the appropriate regional council on resources
• Consulting with individuals, organizations, and agencies

A quorum must be established before a committee can conduct committee business. A quorum is a majority of the actual committee membership.