August 6, 2014 — U.S. economic sanctions against Russia over Ukraine may wind up helping the Alaskan fishing industry.
At least that's the hope of those promoting "Just Say Nyet," a petition intended to get Congress to ban Russian seafood imports.
Organizers cite Russia's possible involvement in the downing of a Malaysian Airlines passenger jet over Ukraine on July 17, and Russian support for Syrian President Bashar Assad in his country's civil war as reasons to boycott Russian seafood.
The website features a photo of Russian President Vladimir Putin holding a giant pike. Kremlin aides have said he caught the freshwater fish in a lake in Siberia, not the Gulf of Alaska.
The Obama administration and the European Union have ratcheted up sanctions against Moscow for its interference in Ukraine, imposing four rounds of travel bans and asset freezes since March against individuals, banks, oil companies, arms suppliers and other institutions. Fish have yet to make the list.