The government is keen to spread up the use of the Commercial Fishing Loan Act to include energy efficiency upgrades is garnering growing support from conservationists and groups representing residents of Alaska’s fishing communities. The Alaska Marine Conservation Council also supported the House Bill 20, which includes language to make low-interest loans available to a large number of the state’s commercial fisheries to improve the energy efficiency of vessels.
AMCC officials confirmed that recently great advances have been made in diesel and outboard technologies. Fuel efficiency and performance have vastly improved. Passage of H.B. 20 would provide Alaska fishers the opportunity to make these improvements sooner, say officials. The conservation group informed that the bill will foster innovation and stimulate the entrepreneurial spirit in one of Alaska’s most important industries.
Mark Vinsel, executive director of United Fishermen of Alaska, said that UFA strongly supports the legislation, which is now before the House Finance Committee. Michael Catsi, executive director of SWAMC, said that this bill comes at an opportune time to address the energy cost concerns of the state’s commercial fisheries.
The commercial fishing loan fund was established to provide long-term, low-interest loans to promote the development of predominantly resident fisheries, and continued maintenance of commercial fishing vessels and gear.
