Juneau, Alaska (KINY) – The seafood industry is encountering significant global challenges, prompting a lawmaker to seek updates to fisheries policies.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reports that the seafood industry generates over $70 billion annually for the U.S. economy and employs more than a million people. However, Alaskan fishers are finding it increasingly difficult to maintain their livelihoods.
“These are tough times for people in the seafood industry,” said Linda Behnken, Director of the Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association.
As the fishing season begins, fishers are struggling with rising operating costs and falling fish prices. “It’s hard to make a living when expenses are up, and earnings are down,” Behnken added. She attributes the instability to climate change and overfishing by Russian trawlers in Alaskan waters, which she says use Chinese slave labor for processing.
“It’s just impossible for a free market fishery to compete,” stated Rep. Mary Peltola (D-Alaska).
The primary law governing commercial and recreational fisheries hasn’t been reauthorized in nearly 20 years. In response, Rep. Peltola has introduced the Fisheries Improvement and Seafood Health (FISH) Act. This bill aims to enhance fisheries resilience and mandates a government study to improve U.S. competitiveness in the international market while supporting domestic seafood production.
