Washington watch

We told you last month an Alaska seafood industry roundtable featuring Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick was planned for today in Washington, D.C.

Well, the roundtable indeed was held, and Sen. Lisa Murkowski just posted about it on Facebook.

Washington watch

An "Alaska seafood industry roundtable" is planned for Sept. 9 in Washington, D.C.

We understand U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan's office is organizing the event, which will involve Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick.

Alaska's seafood industry has faced headwinds in recent years, including tough market conditions.

President Trump is implementing a sweeping executive order titled Restoring American Seafood Competitiveness, while also downsizing the National Marine Fisheries Service, the main science and regulatory agency for the nation's ocean fisheries.

Washington watch

U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, says she secured a pledge from Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to "convene a meeting with Alaska seafood stakeholders on trade issues with Russia and ways the administration can help bolster the industry."

U.S. Rep. Nick Begich, R-Alaska, and colleagues have introduced legislation to reauthorize the Young Fishermen's Development Act.

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The North Pacific Fishery Management Council has sent Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick a three-page letter stressing the importance of maintaining NOAA marine surveys and the council process.

"Without these surveys, scientists would be required to account for substantially increased uncertainty by lowering catch limits for U.S. fishermen," the letter says.

Murkowski thanks the commerce secretary

U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, yesterday posted the following on Facebook:

I'm hearing from halibut and sablefish IFQ fishermen that their permits are beginning to be processed. Thank you, Secretary Lutnick, for working with me to help get Alaskans on the water in time for the opener.

Lutnick confirmed as commerce secretary

Here's a news account.

Washington watch

Howard Lutnick, President Trump's pick for commerce secretary, today sat for his confirmation hearing in Congress.

Part of the secretary's job is managing fisheries via the National Marine Fisheries Service, a Commerce Department agency.

Here's an NPR report on the hearing.

And here are press releases from Washington Sen. Maria Cantwell and Alaska Sen. Dan Sullivan.

Trump's pick for commerce secretary

President-elect Donald Trump has named Wall Street billionaire investor Howard Lutnick as his choice for commerce secretary.

The Commerce Department houses key agencies including the National Marine Fisheries Service and the National Weather Service.