Alaska's Fisheries and Game Board Process
The Alaska fisheries and game regulatory process is among the most open regulatory processes in Alaska if not the nation. Alaska’s fish and game users are encouraged to participate through appointments to the Boards of Fisheries or Game, service on one of 84 advisory committees across the state, submitting proposals for regulatory change, providing written and oral comments, and working with the boards at scheduled meetings. Work conducted by the boards of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game is facilitated by the Boards Support Section.
Board of Fisheries 
The Board of Fisheries is the state's regulatory authority that passes regulations to conserve and develop Alaska's fisheries resources. The Board of Fisheries is charged with making allocative and regulatory decisions. The board has seven members, each appointed by the governor for a three year term. Each member must be confirmed by a joint session of the state legislature.
Board of Game
The Board of Game is the state's regulatory authority that passes regulations to conserve and develop Alaska's wildlife resources. The Board of Game is charged with making allocative and regulatory decisions. The board has seven members, each appointed by the governor for a three year term. Each member must be confirmed by a joint session of the state legislature.
Commissioner
The commissioner is the principal executive for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game; responsible for the protection, management, conservation, and restoration of Alaska's fish and game resources.
Joint Board
The Joint Board of Fisheries and Game set the regulations for advisory committee guidelines. These include the establishment of advisory committees, setting the number of seats by community if more than one community is represented on the committee, and setting the guidelines for uniform rules of operation. The composition of advisory committees can be changed by the Joint Board after they receive a proposal and meet to act on the proposal.
Advisory Committees
Advisory committees are the local groups authorized by state law to provide recommendations to the boards on fishing and wildlife issues. There are 84 committees throughout the state each with expertise in a particular local area. Meetings are always open to the public and are generally attended by department staff and members of the public who can offer background information on agenda topics. Advisory Committees are intended to provide a local forum on fish and wildlife issues, and are critical policy bodies to the boards.