A letter to U.S. Coast Guard Arctic District Commander Scott Wilwert

By Rep. Sarah Vance

Dear Commander Wilwert:

I am writing on behalf of constituents and stakeholders in Alaska House District 6 to respectfully request a waiver or temporary exemption from U.S. Coast Guard tonnage certification (and associated documentation/measurement requirements) for Japanese-origin older fishing vessels intended for commercial fishing operations in Cook Inlet, Alaska. This request is for a one-year period to support local fisheries while allowing time for operational assessment and compliance planning.

Background

These vessels are traditional Japanese fishing boats, older models that were not originally constructed to current U.S. regulatory standards. They represent an opportunity to provide additional capacity in the Cook Inlet fishery, which faces unique challenges including remote operations, harsh marine environments, and local economic needs. Tonnage certification and related USCG requirements for vessels engaged in fisheries can create barriers for these assets.

District 6 communities, including Homer and the surrounding Lower Kenai Peninsula, have a strong reliance on sustainable commercial fishing. Supporting practical solutions that maintain rigorous safety standards is a priority.

Kasilof, Ninilchik, Anchor Point, Homer, Voznesenka (and nearby Old Believer/Russian

communities): These are core areas for the Cook Inlet drift gillnet salmon fishery and setnet

operations. These communities rely heavily on commercial salmon fishing for economic and cultural reasons.

A targeted temporary waiver or class exemption would aid Alaska’s fisheries economy while

upholding safety priorities. This aligns with the Coast Guard’s collaborative approach to commercial fishing vessel safety in the region.

I appreciate your office’s ongoing efforts and stand ready to facilitate any necessary discussions or additional information.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter. Please feel free to contact me or my staff

directly to discuss this request further.

Sarah Vance represents District 6 in the Alaska State House of Representatives.