Health Mandate 17: Protective Measures for Independent Commercial Fishing Vessels
— ADF&G Press Release
Doug Vincent-Lang, Commissioner
P.O. Box 115526
Juneau, Alaska 99811-5526
Press Release: April 24, 2020
CONTACT: Forrest R. Bowers, (907) 465-6139, forrest.bowers@alaska.gov
Health Mandate 17: Protective Measures for Independent Commercial Fishing Vessels
(Juneau) — To slow the spread of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), the State of Alaska has issued Health Mandate 17 relating to the operation of independent commercial fishing vessels. This mandate went into effect April 24, 2020 at 8:00 a.m. and will be reevaluated by May 20, 2020.
The State of Alaska acknowledges the importance of the commercial fishing industry to our economy and lifestyle as Alaskans. In order to ensure a safe, productive fishing season this year, while still protecting Alaskan communities to the maximum extent possible from the spread of the virus, the state is establishing standardized protective measures to be followed by all independent commercial fishing vessels operating in Alaskan waters and ports.
The purpose of this mandate is to enact protective measures for independent commercial fishing vessels operating within Alaskan waters and ports in order to prevent, slow, and otherwise disrupt the spread of the virus that causes COVID-19. Operators and crew of independent commercial fishing vessels are required to comply with Health Mandate 17 when operating in Alaskan waters and ports.
Health Mandate 17 does not apply to skiffs operating from shore; protective measures for those vessels will be provided under separate guidance.
Health Mandate 17 is available here: https://covid19.alaska.gov/health-mandates/.