September 17, 2026 — Bycatch, struggling salmon runs, and how to keep more fisheries value in Alaska dominated the U.S. House fisheries debate between Rep. Nick Begich and independent challenger Bill Hill.
The two candidates met Sept. 12 in Kodiak during the 2026 Congressional Candidates Fisheries Forum, hosted by the Kodiak Chamber of Commerce and KMXT Public Radio. The forum has focused exclusively on fisheries issues for more than three decades, according to organizers.
Begich and Hill found common ground on several issues facing Alaska’s commercial fishing industry, including fisheries science, seafood promotion, processing labor, and the need to reduce bycatch.
But their answers also showed different approaches to how Washington should address those problems.