Resolution 17-042 Supporting HB 177 Relating to Aquatic Invasive Species

CITY OF HOMER
HOMER, ALASKA

Aderhold

RESOLUTION 17-042

A RESOLUTION OF THE HOMER CITY COUNCIL SUPPORTING HB 177, AN ACT RELATING TO THE RESPONSE TO, AND CONTROL OF, AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES; ESTABLISHING THE AQAUTIC INVASIVE SPECIES RESPONSE FUND; AND RELATING TO THE PROVISION OF INFORMATION ABOUT AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES.

WHEREAS, HB 177 provides the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) with the statutory authority to swiftly address outbreaks of aquatic invasive species; and 

WHEREAS, Didemnum vexillumis (also known as D. vex and sea vomit), is an example of an aggressive invasive tunicate that is threatening the mariculture industry, commercial fisheries and integrity of the ecosystem in Whiting Harbor near Sitka, Alaska; and

WHEREAS, The Kachemak Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve based in Homer, Alaska, monitors for D. vex and another marine invasive species, the European green crab, with the support of a team of citizen scientists who live throughout Kachemak Bay, which provides the first line of defense against the introduction of marine aquatic invasive species into Kachemak Bay; and

WHEREAS, Marine aquatic invasive species may enter Alaskan waters, including Kachemak Bay, through the exchange of ballast water, on the hulls of ships, attached to the legs of jack up rigs transported across oceans, and by other means; and

WHEREAS, The State of Alaska and local communities such as Homer, are also faced with potential ecological and economic harm from existing and future freshwater and terrestrial invasive plant and animal species; and

WHEREAS, Homer’s economy depends on commercial and sport fishing, mariculture, and tourism, and residents depend on the natural environment for their livelihoods, lifestyle, culture, subsistence, and quality of life; and

WHEREAS, All other west coast states and British Columbia have established statewide invasive species coordinating councils focusing on preventing and responding to the spread of invasive species; and

WHEREAS, Numerous state and federal agencies have jurisdiction related to invasive species, and non-governmental organizations such as the University of Alaska Anchorage Center for Conservation Science maintain databases and act as clearinghouses of information related to invasive species; and

WHEREAS, The Prince William Sound Regional Citizens Advisory Council, of which Homer is a member, recommends the formation of a statewide invasive species coordinating council; and

WHEREAS, HB 177 gives the ADF&G the authority to use chemical, biological, or physical methods to deal with aquatic invasive species; and

WHEREAS, As a prevention measure, HB 177 encourages the Alaska Marine Highway System to provide a pamphlet to every passenger educating the public on aquatic invasive species and how to mitigate their spread; and

WHEREAS, It is in the interest of the City of Homer for the State of Alaska to have appropriate aquatic invasive species education, protection, and response measures in place to protect Alaskan waters from invasive species.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Homer supports HB 177 relating to the response and control of aquatic invasive species, establishing the aquatic invasive species response fund, and relating to the provision of information about aquatic invasive species.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of Homer supports the formation of a statewide invasive species coordinating council to coordinate invasive species response efforts statewide.

PASSED AND ADOPTED by the Homer City Council on this 24th day of April, 2017.

CITY OF HOMER

_______________________________
BRYAN ZAK, MAYOR

ATTEST:

______________________________
JO JOHNSON, MMC, CITY CLERK

Fiscal Note: N/A