Bill Overview
Title: Alaska Salmon Research Task Force Act
Description: This bill requires the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to convene an Alaska Salmon Research Task Force. The task force must review and report on research about the Pacific salmon in Alaska, identify applied research needed to better understand salmon migration and declining salmon returns in some regions of Alaska, and support sustainable management of salmon.
Sponsors: Rep. Young, Don [R-AK-At Large]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals dependent on Pacific salmon fisheries and ecosystems
Estimated Size: 2000000
- The bill directly concerns Pacific salmon in Alaska, indicating that its direct impact is likely on those who rely on salmon fisheries.
- Fishing communities in Alaska are likely to be impacted as they rely on salmon for their livelihoods.
- Consumers of salmon globally may also experience impacts due to changes in salmon availability.
- Environmental scientists and researchers focused on marine biology and wildlife conservation are likely to be involved in research efforts initiated by this Task Force.
- Policymakers involved in environmental and fisheries management will need to consider findings from the Task Force's research in decision-making.
Reasoning
- The budget allocation for this policy is relatively modest, suggesting that the direct financial impact is limited primarily to the research and administrative costs associated with the task force.
- Most immediate impacts are likely to be felt by those directly involved in or reliant on the Alaskan salmon fisheries.
- It's important to remember that the task force is likely to engage with a variety of stakeholders, including scientists, fishery managers, and local communities, which can indirectly influence a much larger number of people across longer time spans.
- Benefits like improved fish stock management practices are indirect and possibly spread over a long period, which makes it hard for individuals to attribute improvements in their wellbeing directly to the task force's work.
Simulated Interviews
Commercial Fisherman (Kodiak, Alaska)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope this task force can provide real solutions to the salmon shortages we’re facing.
- If they can enhance salmon yields, it would significantly improve my livelihood.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 3 |
Marine Biologist (Anchorage, Alaska)
Age: 52 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This initiative is crucial for advancing our understanding of salmon behaviors.
- It's essential for our conservation efforts.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 10 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 10 | 5 |
Fishery Manager (Juneau, Alaska)
Age: 30 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The task force could provide essential data we need to manage resources better.
- Expecting detailed insights that can be applied directly to local fisheries.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 4 |
Restaurant Owner (Seattle, Washington)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Anything that stabilizes salmon availability is beneficial for my business.
- This task force could help ensure a consistent supply, which is vital.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
Retired Fisher (Homer, Alaska)
Age: 63 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- While I'm retired, my family's future depends on sustainable salmon yields.
- I support efforts to improve our fisheries' long-term prospects.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 3 |
Environmental Policy Analyst (Chicago, Illinois)
Age: 37 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The task force could inform national policy changes, promoting sustainability.
- I am optimistic about the potential long-term benefits.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Culinary Student (Los Angeles, California)
Age: 22 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Learning about the role of the task force makes me hopeful for sustainable seafood.
- I want to see these efforts extend to other marine species as well.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Indigenous Community Advocate (Fairbanks, Alaska)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 2/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The task force should include indigenous perspectives in their research.
- Our traditions rely on these fish populations, and we're being affected by their decline.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 3 |
Wildlife Photographer (Portland, Oregon)
Age: 34 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This task force is a step in the right direction for long-term ecological health.
- It’s encouraging to see actions towards understanding salmon migrations better.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Financial Analyst (New York, New York)
Age: 39 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It’s important to know how salmon stocks are managed as it affects market stability.
- Improved management can be beneficial for the investment community.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $2000000 (Low: $1500000, High: $2500000)
Year 2: $2000000 (Low: $1500000, High: $2500000)
Year 3: $2000000 (Low: $1500000, High: $2500000)
Year 5: $2000000 (Low: $1500000, High: $2500000)
Year 10: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Year 100: $0 (Low: $0, High: $0)
Key Considerations
- The cost of the task force is primarily for establishing a robust research framework while immediate government savings might not be noticeable.
- Ensuring that research efforts translate effectively into policy changes will be crucial for realizing long-term benefits.
- Coordination with the State of Alaska and its fishing industry is critical for effectively implementing task force recommendations.
- Possible necessity to adjust the task force's focus over time based on evolving data and insights.
- Continual evaluation of the task force's effectiveness will be necessary to justify the allocated funding.