Alaska's Fisheries By U.S. Senator Mark Begich September 15, 2014
Alaska boasts the most productive fisheries in the United States with more than half of the wild caught fish in the country coming from our state. We top the charts in pounds produced for a wide range of species from salmon to pollock to king crab. We also have the best-managed fisheries in the country. Balancing the needs of commercial, subsistence and recreational fisheries is a complex process executed by state and federal regulators who work together to facilitate fair access, under the principle of maximum sustainable yield, for all stakeholders. That is why I am troubled my opponent Dan Sullivan has refused to participate in the longstanding fisheries debate hosted by the Kodiak Chamber of Commerce. The debate is an Alaska tradition for congressional and gubernatorial candidates and my opponent’s unwillingness to attend the debate is disrespectful to the tens of thousands of Alaskans who depend on our fisheries for work. The Alaska fishing industry provides more jobs than any other industry in Alaska and is the backbone of the economy of many coastal towns and cities. As a candidate for the Alaska Senate seat, Dan Sullivan owes Alaskans an honest appraisal of his knowledge of the fishing industry and his views on best practices for the industry’s management. As chairman of the Fisheries Subcommittee, I’ve brought Alaskans to Washington to share their perspective with my Senate colleagues and educate the rest of the country about the uniqueness of Alaska. I worked to pass the Coast Guard Reauthorization Act to ensure safety of our waters, bring new Coast Guard cutters to Juneau & Ketchikan, improve our maritime infrastructure and protect small vessels from burdensome EPA regulations. I have also fought against pirate fishing and fought against genetically engineered (GMO) salmon which would do massive irreversible damage to Alaska’s wild fisheries. I’ve passed legislation to require GMO salmon to be labeled, because I know consumers will pick wild Alaska fish when given an informed choice. Now I am working on the reauthorization of the Magnuson-Stevens Act, the landmark legislation for all of our nation’s fisheries. I’ve held public meetings across the state to gather the needs and concerns of Alaskans and will not move the bill unless it reflects Alaska’s unique needs. That includes my proposal to authorize electronic monitoring and reporting so fisherman can avoid the cost of a traditional onboard observer. When it comes to supporting Alaska fisheries and the jobs at stake, I’ve worked to hold public meetings and listen to all fishing interests to seek find common ground and promote the health and wellness of our fisheries. As long as I am in the Senate I will advocate for Alaska’s fisheries and the families and communities who depend on fish for their livelihood. I will stand behind my record of delivering for Alaska. It’s a shame Dan Sullivan decided to skip an Alaska tradition like the fisheries debate. His shortsighted decision won’t keep me from attending the Kodiak Chamber of Commerce’s event for a serious discussion about Alaska’s future. Dan Sullivan owes Alaskans more than one liners when it comes to Alaska’s fisheries and tens of thousands of fishing jobs. His decision to stand up Alaska fishing communities and fishermen suggests he’s not ready to represent Alaska’s needs and unable to give Alaskans a serious discussion about one of our largest industries. U.S. Senator Mark Begich
Received September 10, 2014 - Published September 15, 2014 Related News:
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