Fishing companies say long waits between seasons can be common, but labor experts say offshore foreign workers are “uniquely unprotected” under U.S. policies.
It would cost the state about $7.5 billion to repair culverts that violate Indigenous fishing rights, but millions from the U.S. government could help.
Advocates say fear of financial hardship undermines bargaining leverage. Opponents say the bill will increase business costs or prolong work stoppages.