Mark Begich and fisheries By Bonnie Demerjian October 05, 2014
Political campaigns (and when is there not a political campaign these days?) tend to generate more heat than light. Therefore, it's important to look for facts before voting. Senator Mark Begich has a significant record of support for Alaska's fisheries and deserves the vote of all who recognize the importance to our state of maintaining this critical resource. Fisheries contribute to a significant portion of the state's income and jobs. According to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Alaska supports one of the most productive commercial fishing economies in the world. The seafood industry employs more workers than any other non-government sector in Alaska including oil, gas and mining combined, according to the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development. The total economic impact of the seafood industry in Alaska was estimated at 4.6 billion in 2009. In addition, subsistence and personal use fisheries feed thousands of us Alaskans. Begich's record on this resource includes these accomplishments: He chairs the U.S. Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries and Coast Guard which is critical to helping our fishing industry; He has used this position to lead the effort to reauthorize the Magnuson-Stevens Act, the primary law governing marine fisheries management in United States federal waters; His record has earned him an endorsement from the Purse Seine Vessel Owners Association and the Alaska Bering Sea Crabbers. He is also endorsed by the United Fishermen of Alaska, the largest commercial fishing industry association; He is leading the fight, with Senator Murkowski, against genetically-modified Frankenfish, pursing legislation that would require labeling, as well as sponsoring a bill that would stop FDA approval altogether; Begich has been one of the only politicians to speak out against the Pebble Mine, calling it the wrong mine in the wrong place. Further, in the wake of the Mt. Polley Mine tailings dam breakage that dumped approximately 10 million cubic meters of toxic tailings into the Fraser River and its tributaries, he has called for further environmental review and U.S. State Department action regarding mines in British Columbia. These pose a similar but greater threat to the salmon-rich Taku, Stikine and Unuk transboundary rivers. For his action so far, the Alaska Trollers Association, the Petersburg Vessel Owners Association, the Central Council of the Tlingit and Haida Tribes of Alaska and the Unified Tribal Transboundary Mining Work Group have thanked him. While remaining supportive of responsible mining activities in Southeast Alaska, he has pledged to hold a subcommittee hearing on the danger of these transboundary mines to the region s fish stocks. Protecting and maintaining fish and fisheries is essential not only to Alaska's economy, it is fundamental to who we are. Fish are a resource and a symbol. I encourage you to vote for Mark Begich. The facts show that he has demonstrated commitment to this indispensable element of our state's wellbeing. Submitted by Bonnie Demerjian About: "I am a 42-year resident of Southeast Alaska and have lived in both Kake and Wrangell. I am a retired teacher, a former reporter for the Wrangell Sentinel, a former troller and gill netter and have written several books on Southeast Alaska including one on the Stikine River and the threats to it from BC mines upstream." Received October 05, 2014 - Published October 05, 2014
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