U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan convened a roundtable meeting in Washington to address the global seafood market crisis affecting Alaska’s fishing industry. The meeting included Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo, Alaska community and fisheries leaders, and other senior federal officials. The discussion aimed to explore federal policy initiatives that could enhance the competitive position of U.S.-produced seafood in global markets.
Senator Lisa Murkowski and Representative Mary Sattler Peltola also participated in the meeting. “Alaska’s fishermen, seafood industry and coastal communities are in dire straits, facing the worst market conditions in decades,” stated Sen. Sullivan. He emphasized the need for secretarial leadership and a comprehensive strategy to tackle these challenges.
Matt Alward, President of United Fishermen of Alaska, expressed concern over the crisis threatening coastal communities and highlighted potential federal actions to support the industry. Joe Bundrant, CEO of Trident Seafoods, thanked Senator Sullivan for his advocacy efforts.
Cora Campbell, CEO of Silver Bay Seafoods, acknowledged Senator Sullivan’s role in driving policy change and raising awareness about the importance of federal actions on trade and commerce for sustainable economics in the seafood sector.
Luke Fanning, CEO of Aleutian Pribilof Island Community Development Association, stressed the irreplaceable nature of jobs provided by the fishing industry. Michael Link from Bristol Bay Economic Development Corporation described the severe impact of the salmon market collapse on local economies.
Alvin Osterback, Mayor of Aleutians East Borough, appreciated Senator Sullivan’s engagement with federal solutions for economic challenges faced by fisheries. Vincent Tutiakoff Sr., Mayor of Unalaska, welcomed federal support to stabilize their fishing economy.
The Alaska seafood industry employs approximately 48,000 workers across 142 communities. The meeting was attended by several key figures from Alaska’s fisheries sector alongside administration officials including Marisa Lago from Commerce Department and Janet Coit from NOAA Fisheries.
