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.

'I'm starting to get really upset'

Alaska's junior U.S. senator, Dan Sullivan, kinda went off in a hearing this week, saying the Trump administration — which has been busy cutting budget and staff — needs to make sure fisheries stock surveys get done.

"When you don't do stock assessment surveys, you know what happens? My fishermen can't fish," Sullivan said.

Lots more in this press release from Sullivan's office.

Sullivan talks fish

Alaska's junior U.S. senator, Dan Sullivan, yesterday addressed the Alaska Legislature. His written remarks include a two-part section on fish.

This will be completed really fast, right?

The Government Accountability Office is reviewing the federal fishery disaster assistance program.

The review comes at the request of Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska.

Halibut bycatch case attracts Sullivan, Peltola

A court fight over halibut trawl bycatch is escalating.

Two members of Congress from Alaska, Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan and Democratic Rep. Peltola, are looking to weigh in on the case of Groundfish Forum v. National Marine Fisheries Service.

The lawmakers appear to be siding with regulators who imposed tighter halibut bycatch limits in the Bering Sea. A 17-vessel fleet, operating under the banner Groundfish Forum, has sued NMFS arguing the action is financially ruinous.

Sullivan's 'big idea'

During his Wednesday address to the Alaska Legislature, U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan had quite a bit to say about fisheries, including this:

As it relates to fish, I believe it's time to go on offense. Thousands of Alaska fishermen are going through a very difficult time right now. Our fishermen are the farmers of the sea. Farmers get loans. Why shouldn't our fishermen? Farmers get crop insurance. Why shouldn't our fishermen get insurance? Farmers get federal relief when foreign markets are closed. Farmers get help when extreme weather hurts their harvest. Why shouldn't our fishermen?

The Farm Bill that we're currently negotiating presents an opportunity to de-risk our fishing operations in ways the U.S. government does for farmers. My legislation, called the National Seafood Supply Act, begins to accomplish this. It's a big idea. But there are many naysayers who are against my bill, even though it will dramatically benefit our hardworking fishermen and their communities. Stay tuned.

Read Sullivan's full address here.

Bill aims to avoid surprise military encounters

Congress has passed a bill with language requiring the U.S. Coast Guard to work with the Defense and State departments, and the fishing community, to improve how mariners are notified of military activity within the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone.

"This provision comes in response to a dangerous encounter between Russian warships and Alaska fishermen in the U.S. EEZ in August 2020," says this press release from Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska.

The press release details a number of other fishing-related provisions.

UFA likes Sullivan

United Fishermen of Alaska is endorsing U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan's reelection bid.

He's starting to become a big fish

Alaska's junior U.S. senator, Dan Sullivan, has been named chairman of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard.

Sen. Sullivan gets fishy assignment

Alaska's rookie U.S. senator, Dan Sullivan, has been assigned to the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard.