Wrangell’s assembly will consider initiating a request to federal and state agencies to immediately restore Southeast Alaska’s shellfish commercial fisheries at Tuesday’s meeting.
Borough Manager Mason Villarma originally brought up the proposal at an assembly meeting last month. He wants state and federal agencies to manage the sea otter population in order to improve shellfish outcomes.
The proposal states that sea otters severely “deplete local shellfish stocks” crucial to the region’s economy and subsistence practices.
The proposal would put pressure on federal and state agencies, Alaska Native organizations and local stakeholders to enforce the management. It seeks to loosen the Marine Mammal Protection Act regulations for selling sea otter pelts.
Borough Manager Mason Villarma said that it would restore ecological balance and revive economic stability.
Micromobility devices
Also at the meeting, the assembly will vote on adding a new chapter regarding micromobility devices to the municipal code. Micromobility devices include e-bikes that can’t go past 20 miles per hour and e-scooters that can’t exceed 15 miles per hour. At a work session last month [06/24], the assembly changed the proposed age limit from 14 to 12.
Additionally, the proposal would require operators to attend an educational safety course if they don’t have a learner’s permit or driver’s license.
Safety requirements include mandatory helmets for anyone under 18-years old; devices must have safety accessories like brakes. Riders must follow the speed limit and follow traffic laws. Parents and guardians could be held liable if minors violate rules, which may lead up to $500 in fines.
Riders will not be permitted to ride in certain public areas, such as parks and playgrounds, sidewalks, the Wrangell Mariner’s Memorial and other places.
Find the full agenda for the meeting on our here.
KSTK will air the regular assembly meeting beginning at 5:30 p.m. on July 8 on 101.7 FM or streaming online at KSTK.org.
