 By Laine Welch February 27, 2008
Congressman Don Young, Gabrielle LeDoux (R-Kodiak), and Democrats Diane Benson, Ethan Berkowitz, and Jake Metcalfe have agreed to participate in the well known fisheries face off. That's the catch: the debate is limited to fisheries and the seafood industry Since 1990 the fisheries debates, which kick off the annual ComFish Alaska trade show, have attracted nearly 100 percent participation by candidates for Alaska governor and U.S. Senate. This year will be the first time that U.S. House candidates participate. The big hook is that the debate is broadcast live to more than 330 communities across Alaska via KMXT/Kodiak and APRN. "The fishing industry is Alaska's number one private employer and produces more than half of our nation's wild seafood. This debate allows the candidates to share their knowledge and ideas about this vital industry," said Deb King, director of the Kodiak Chamber of Commerce, sponsor of ComFish. Congressman Don Young, who has warmed the House seat for 35 years, was the first to take the bait. "The commercial fishing industry is a vital part of Alaska's economy. It is the lifeblood of many of our communities, and an important part of Alaska's future," he said via email. Gabrielle LeDoux, who said
she's hoping for a home town advantage, agreed. "Commercial fishing is more than just a job for many Alaskans, it's a defining lifestyle," said Jake Metcalfe of Juneau. "Anyone who wants to represent fishermen should take advantage of any opportunity to meet with them, and to respond to their concerns." "ComFish is Iowa and New Hampshire rolled into one," said Anchorage-based Ethan Berkowitz. "I want to keep Alaska's coastal communities strong and make sure our fisheries are sustainable. I appreciate that the people of Kodiak are never shy with their opinions." The fisheries debate takes
place at the Kodiak High School auditorium on March 20 from 7-9pm.
Check out all the events at www.comfishalaska.com
. Alaskans, including Governor Palin, are converging on the nation's capital this week.. They plan to be in the room on February 27 when the U.S. Supreme Court sits down to hearings that will decide if Exxon must pay $2.5 billion in punitive damages to 32,000 plaintiffs hurt by the 1989 oil spill. Alaska stakeholders this month launched a web based Whole Truth campaign (www.wholetruth.net) to counter Exxon's claims that there are no lingering effects from the oil spill, nor is any more money due. "Most cases are tried both in the court, and in the court of public opinion. We hope to raise the awareness of everyone in America to be watching this case. Maybe it will make the Court nervous about favoring big business over doing what's right," said Steven Smith, spokesman for Prince William Soundkeeper and Cordova District Fishermen United. Smith believes implications of the Supreme Court decision go well beyond a settlement with Alaska fishermen, and pose a threat to the Clean Water Act. "If Exxon gets a ruling that they are not responsible and don't have to pay punitive damages, it does not speak well for our waters all over the world. If there is no downside to being careless, then why spend the money to be careful?" Smith said. According to CDFU director Rochelle Van den Broek, Gov. Palin was spoke about the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. on February 26. That was followed by a candlelight vigil on the National Mall . "This is our last big
shot to maybe influence the decision that will be made,"
Van den Broek said. Pooling production and purchasing power can yield some nice advantages for fishermen. Find out the pros and cons in "Developing Cooperatives for the Alaska Seafood Industry." (www.alaskaseagrant.org Food producers usually form co-ops when they are frustrated by markets or supply costs, said AK Sea Grant marine advisory agent and co-author Glenn Haight. "By coming together they can demand more of a presence in the market," he said. Haight cites the Seafood Producers Cooperative in Sitka as a prime model. The 500member SPC began in the 1940s and is one of the largest and most successful fishing coop in North America. Kodiak's Olga/Moser Bay Seafood Producers Alliance is another good co-op example. Four years ago setnetters there created a slick system that flies their fresh salmon directly to high end buyers in Chicago. Most recently, Kodiak trawlers tested the waters for a co-op in the rockfish fishery. The slower pace extended the fishery from three weeks to seven months, keeping more seafood workers on the job longer. By fishing cooperatively, the trawlers cut halibut bycatch rates by more than 70 percent.
Contact Laine at msfish[AT]alaska.com A publication fee is required. E-mail your news, photos & letters to editor@sitnews.us
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