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Alaska’s Seafood Industry Task Force Discusses Key Industry Challenges and Opportunities with Stakeholders During Second Round of Meetings
ANCHORAGE, AK – This week, the Joint Legislative Task Force on Evaluating Alaska’s Seafood Industry held its second round of meetings to continue discussing issues affecting the state’s seafood industry. Task force members include Senator Gary Stevens, Chair, R-Kodiak, Senator Jesse Bjorkman, R-Nikiski, Senator Jesse Kiehl, D-Juneau, Senator Bert Stedman, R-Sitka, Representative Bryce Edgmon, I-Dillingham, Representative George Rauscher, R-Sutton, Representative Louise Stutes, R-Kodiak, and Representative Sarah Vance, R-Homer.
Representatives from different groups, including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Pacific Seafood Processors Association (PSPA), United Fisherman of Alaska (UFA), and state departments, shared their thoughts on job training, industry modernization, international trade, and insurance challenges.
The task force chair, Sen. Gary Stevens, emphasized the importance of these discussions during the meetings, stating, “These presentations have reinforced the urgency of ensuring Alaska’s seafood industry remains competitive and resilient. The initiatives and ideas shared, from workforce training to international trade efforts, are essential to sustaining this vital sector of our state’s economy.”
On Tuesday, PSPA talked about challenges in the industry, such as competition from Russia, high labor costs, and the need to modernize. They suggested some solutions, such as getting more funding for marketing, better training programs to match what the industry needs, and amending the fisheries product development tax credit.
NOAA reported that seafood prices dropped 23% for wholesalers and 38% for initial sales from 2022 to 2023, while at the same time, higher costs for fuel and labor are cutting into profits. NOAA also noted that since the industry sells 70% of its products to other countries, it is also affected by changes in the global market and climate issues. Task force members discussed possible solutions, like offering low-interest loans for smaller businesses and insurance to help manage these financial challenges.
On Wednesday, the Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development (DCCED) emphasized the need for new ideas to support the seafood industry. They highlighted the importance of addressing insurance problems that can slow growth, especially with market ups and downs. They suggested new laws to help seafood businesses get affordable insurance, which could help stabilize the industry.
UFA also discussed ways to help the industry with the task force through more funding for fish research, lowering the marine fuel tax to save money, and creating a state insurance program for fishing boats. They spoke about the need for better infrastructure, such as harbors and cold storage improvements, more fishermen training, and support for fish hatcheries. UAF shared their desire to make it easier to get loans for fishing operations.
“As we move forward, it’s critical that we focus on actionable steps,” said Sen. Stevens. “The discussions we’ve had over the past few days have highlighted the challenges we face, but also the opportunities that lie ahead. It’s up to us to transform these insights into real solutions that support our fishing communities, strengthen the industry, and ensure its sustainability for future generations.”
The task force plans on holding the next round of meetings in Anchorage on November 13 and 14, with a possible third day on the 15th. The task force hopes to hear from CDQs, coastal community leaders, and AIDEA, and have a more in-depth discussion surrounding financing and insurance for the industry. The task force plans to share its findings and suggestions with the Alaska Legislature in January 2025.
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