Opinion ID: 2623963
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Optimum number of permits

Text: In addition to the maximum number of permits, AS 16.43.290 requires CFEC to establish the optimum number of permits for each fishery. The optimum number is to be based upon a reasonable balance of several factors, including maintaining an economically healthy fishery and avoiding economic hardship. [37] In Simpson, we upheld CFEC's decision to set the optimum number as seventy-three for this fishery. [38] Despite noting that this court's decision in Simpson precludes a good faith and responsible request of this Court to reverse [ Simpson's ] holding regarding optimum numbers, Pasternak suggests that incredibly positive changes in the fishery justify an increase in the optimum number of permits. [39] CFEC does not address the argument regarding optimum numbers directly but does argue that Pasternak's arguments regarding the number of permits are precluded by Simpson. In Simpson, we upheld CFEC's decision, noting evidence before CFEC that the stock strength of the fishery was declining and that the Alaska Department of Fish and Game thought that even seventy-three permits would be too many. [40] Given Simpson, Pasternak's cursory challenge to CFEC's determination of the optimum number of permits for this fishery is without merit.