Interior Alaska News

U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan has commended a new Executive Order and subsequent U.S. Department of the Treasury determination aimed at revising guidelines that previously allowed Russian-origin seafood to enter the United States despite an import ban. The updated guidance now includes salmon, pollock, cod, and crab products harvested in Russian waters or by Russian-flagged vessels outside these waters, even if reprocessed elsewhere, notably in China.

Senator Sullivan has been actively campaigning for nearly two years to close this loophole. He stated, “Russia’s decade-long ban on nearly all American-produced seafood products has created a completely unfair, one-sided trade relationship that has significantly hurt Alaska fishermen.” He further emphasized the impact on prices and revenue that indirectly supported Russia's invasion of Ukraine and criticized the environmental standards of Russian and Chinese fisheries.

The Executive Order issued by President Joe Biden in March 2022 initially prohibited Russian seafood imports but was undermined by a loophole allowing reprocessed goods from other countries into the U.S. market. The recent changes aim to prevent any fish caught in Russian jurisdictions from entering the U.S., regardless of additional processing locations.

Matt Alward, president of the United Fishermen of Alaska, expressed gratitude for Sullivan's leadership: “United Fishermen of Alaska and the commercial fishing industry in Alaska thanks Senator Sullivan for his strong leadership on this issue.”

Cora Campbell, CEO of Silver Bay Seafoods, also praised Sullivan's efforts: “This action rights that wrong and ensures that the American consumer can feel good about the seafood they purchase.”

Joe Bundrant, CEO of Trident Seafoods noted: “Consumers throughout the United States have been unknowingly purchasing Russian-harvested seafood... That’s simply wrong.”

Julie Decker from the Pacific Seafood Processors Association highlighted today's significance: "Now, Russian seafood will not be able to enter the U.S. via other countries... Today’s action allows the U.S. to lead by example."

Senator Sullivan remains committed to ensuring fair access for American fishermen until reciprocal access is granted to Russia or its conflict with Ukraine concludes.