United States Senator Lisa Murkowski

Alaska's Fisheries

Senator Murkowski launches the Senate Oceans Caucus as Co-Chair. (Click to view)

Alaska’s fisheries are the most abundant and sustainably managed ones in the nation. Alaska leads all states in terms of both volume and value of commercial fisheries with approximately 1.84 million metric tons worth $1.3 billion – accounting for over 52% of the nation’s commercial seafood harvests. Alaska's commercial, sport and subsistence fisheries are at the heart of coastal Alaska and the economic livelihood for more than 80,000 Alaskans who are directly, induced, or indirectly employed in the industry.

Subsistence fisheries fulfill crucial economic, nutritional and cultural needs for many Alaskans. However, the most important common trait seen across these industries and communities is their dependence on intelligently managed marine resources. These fisheries rely heavily on good science and proper guidance from resource managers.

Senator Murkowski has supported Alaska's fisheries and coastal communities through legislation and her position on the Senate Appropriations Committee. Sitting on the Senate Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations Subcommittee, she has a role in the direction and budgeting priorities of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which includes fisheries oversight. As federal budgets decline, she has worked to maintain critical funding for fisheries and marine mammal research and management, as well as Yukon and Pacific Salmon Treaty implementation. 

Senator Murkowski is also on the Senate Homeland Security Appropriations Subcommittee, which oversees the United States Coast Guard. The U. S. Coast Guard has the critical role in the monitoring and enforcement of fisheries as well as providing the primary safety mission with search and rescue operations in Alaskan waters. Senator Murkowski actively supports the Coast Guard's budget to ensure that the service maintains the necessary presence in Alaska.

Senator Murkowski and Chairman Landrieu convene a DHS Appropriations Subcommittee  Field Hearing in Kodiak, August 2012

Tsunami Debris

The Senator is engaged in other issues affecting fisheries, including urging relevant federal agencies to work with affected states to develop a strategic response to increasing tsunami debris in Alaska.

In January of 2012, Senator Murkowski heard the rising levels of concern from Alaskans regarding the threat of tsunami debris to the shoreline, and convened a Tsunami Debris Roundtable that was live-streamed statewide – so that the entire state could hear expert testimony about what was being seen and forecasted.  (Video below)

In July, Senator Murkowski took to the U.S. Senate floor with a speech stressing the need for federal coordination as the issue of tsunami debris affects five different states a number of federal agencies.  She has asked the White House to form a task force among related bureaus and agencies that deal with similar issues, including the Departments of Commerce, Defense, Interior, Homeland Security, and State.

Salmon Run Shortage

The Department of Commerce declared a commercial fishery failure on the Kuskokwim River, Yukon River, and in the Upper Cook Inlet due to low Chinook salmon returns – making future federal aid possible for impacted regions. The announcement comes in response to the Alaska delegation supporting Governor Sean Parnell’s requests and concerns raised by the Alaska Federation of Natives.

In June, Senator Murkowski advised NOAA, USDA, and FEMA that Chinook returns to Alaska were weak statewide this season, and have been below average in many areas in recent years. The Senator explained to these agencies that it is imperative that all appropriate federal resources be made available to affected communities and fisheries as quickly as possible. The low king salmon runs have had devastating impacts on commercial and sport fishing industries, as well as subsistence users. Many communities dependent on subsistence, including the Alaska Native peoples who for generations have depended on fish to feed their families, do not have an adequate supply of king salmon this year and many commercial fishermen and sport fishing guides have lost the majority of their income this fishing season.

The Senator understands that fisheries are critical to Alaska’s economy, culture and lifestyle, and the anemic King runs this season have hurt numerous areas in the state and deserves the attention and assistance of the federal government. Senator Murkowski believes the Commerce declaration demonstrates that the Alaska delegation clearly made their case to the federal government and they see the disastrous impacts of low salmon runs on Alaska.

The declaration is a positive advancement for Alaska, but it is just the first step of a lengthy process. The time involved between a declaration decision and disbursement of funds can take over a year. For more information on federal fishery disaster assistance, please visit http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/sf3/disaster.htm.  

Fighting "Frankenfish"

Senator Murkowski continues to fight FDA approval for a genetically engineered salmon, and is concerned about the approval process that allows genetically engineered animals to be evaluated as a new veterinary drug.

Senator Murkowski Fights Against “Frankenfish” on Senate Floor (Click to watch)

Senator Murkowski is making full use of her role as co-chair of the Senate Oceans Caucus to educate her colleagues on issues affecting the ocean environment such as ocean acidification, the importance of the seafood industry to the national economy, and the importance of  supporting abundant sustainable fisheries for the health of coastal communities and economies.