Regional Planning Teams (RPTs) are a valuable part of the State of Alaska’s salmon fishery enhancement planning. RPTs are advisory to the commissioner of Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G). RPTs are composed of six members, 3 are ADF&G staff appointed by the commissioner and 3 are fishery representatives appointed by the regional aquaculture association. RPT meetings are public and public participation is encouraged.
RPTs have 4 main functions: 1) develop regional comprehensive salmon plans, including provisions for both public and private nonprofit (PNP) hatchery systems; 2) review PNP salmon hatchery applications; 3) review and make a recommendation for PNP hatchery permit alteration requests; and 4) if the commissioner is considering revocation of a PNP hatchery permit, review and advise on PNP permit revocation. In Southeast Alaska, the RPT has the added responsibility to annually review the status of the enhanced salmon allocation plan and make recommendations to the commissioner on production changes to comply with the regional plan.
RPTs may provide written recommendations to the commissioner on annual management plans and may review inspection and additional conditions for aquatic resource permits (ARPs) relating to salmon enhancement.
