WHEREAS, the sport halibut charter industry is an important part of the tourism industry in the city of Gustavus, and

WHEREAS, the proposed rule to integrate the sport halibut charters in the commercial IFQ system transfers ownership of a resource to the private sector that traditionally belonged to the public, and

WHEREAS, the sport halibut charter industry operates in a market which is distinct and incompatible with the commercial halibut IFQ system and would enter that market at a disadvantage, and

WHEREAS, the implementation and allocation of halibut charter IFQ may significantly reduce the number of charter operators in Gustavus, thereby reducing tourism revenue and taxable earnings proportionately within our community, and

WHEREAS, the negative financial impacts resulting from the implementation of the Halibut Charter IFQ will have a damaging effect on the economic infrastructure of Gustavus, including direct losses to bed and sales tax revenues and satellite businesses such as air taxis dependent on a healthy fleet.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Gustavus City Council finds that the proposed halibut charter IFQ plan would negatively impact the local charter fleet and the economy of Gustavus, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, when an area needs management for the conservation of the halibut resource, we encourage that community turn to “Local Area Management Plans” (LAMPS) in order to address the unique situation of that particular fleet, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Council finds that the proposed Charter IFQ plan will impair services to the public, stifle incentive for new charter operators and retard the goals of the City of Gustavus and Gustavus Visitors Association, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Gustavus City Council would support a management plan that is equitable to all existing charter operators and is ecologically responsible and include provisions for new entrants.

PASSED and ADOPTED this 26th of April, 2005 by the Gustavus City Council

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Ben Sadler, City Clerk                                  Sandi Marchbanks, Mayor