(a) The commission shall accept applications for entry permits only from applicants who have harvested fishery resources commercially while participating in the fishery as holders of gear licenses issued under former AS 16.05.536 - 16.05.670 or interim-use permits under AS 16.43.210(a) or 16.43.225 before the qualification date established in (d), (e), or (f) of this section. The commission may specify by regulation the calendar years of participation that will be considered for eligibility purposes.

(b) The commission shall establish the opening and closing dates, places and form of application for entry permits for each fishery. The commission may require the submission of specific verified evidence establishing the applicant's qualifications under the regulations adopted under AS 16.43.250.

(c) When an applicant is unable to establish qualifications for an entry permit by submitting the specific verified evidence required in the application by the commission, the applicant may request and obtain an administrative adjudication of the application according to the procedures established in AS 16.43.110(b). At the hearing the applicant may present alternative evidence of qualifications for an entry permit.

(d) Except as provided in (e) or (f) of this section, an applicant shall be assigned to a priority classification based solely upon the applicant's qualifications as of January 1, 1973.

(e) Except as provided in (f) of this section, when the commission establishes the maximum number of entry permits for a particular fishery under AS 16.43.240 after January 1, 1975, an applicant shall be assigned to a priority classification based solely upon the applicant's qualifications as of January 1 of the year during which the commission establishes the maximum number of entry permits for the fishery for which application is made.

(f) When the commission establishes the maximum number of entry permits under AS 16.43.240 for a fishery that is subject to a moratorium under AS 16.43.225, an applicant for an entry permit for the fishery shall be assigned to a priority classification based solely upon the applicant's qualifications as of the effective date of the statute or regulation establishing the moratorium.