Saving Seafood

ALASKA: Feds mull first-ever seafloor mining in Alaskan waters

January 29, 2026 — The Trump administration is considering allowing deep-sea mining in the waters off the coast of Alaska, sparking concerns about the fate of world class fisheries and fragile ecosystems.

The Bureau of Ocean Energy and Management, or BOEM, will begin gauging interest in a competitive mineral lease sale on Alaska’s outer continental shelf when a notice is published in the Federal Register on Thursday. The agency, according to a map posted online, is looking at large swaths of the Bering Sea, including the Aleutian Islands.

BOEM’s acting Director Matt Giacona said in a statement that Alaska’s offshore “holds strategic potential for the minerals that drive American industry, defense and next-generation technologies,” and that the request for information is “a practical first step to gauge interest and identify areas where development could make sense for jobs, investment and national supply chains.”

Read the full article at E&E News

ALASKA: Alaska waterfronts see funding gains in 2026

January 23, 2026 — U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) says key fisheries, science, and coastal priorities for the state were protected in the Fiscal Year 2026 appropriation “minibus” bill as Congress works to avoid a Jan. 30 federal funding lapse.

The package combines the Commerce, Justice, Science, Energy and Water Development, and Interior and Environment bills, completing roughly half of the FY26 appropriations process. Murkowski said the legislation safeguarding funding is critical to the state’s economy, fisheries, and coastal communities.

“While tough choices were made, we protected the priorities that matter most to Alaskans: our fisheries, public safety, energy security, Arctic research, and coastal infrastructure,” Senator Murkowski said. “This is exactly why the regular order appropriations process matters—it allows us to come together and build a product through compromise that meets the needs of our people and communities.”

Read the full article at National Fisherman

ALASKA: Newly proposed federal legislation aims to curb Alaska bycatch

January 15, 2026 — Alaska’s congressional delegation introduced legislation Wednesday that aims to reduce bycatch in parts of southwest Alaska using better marine data, technology and gear.

The Bycatch Reduction and Research Act, introduced by U.S. Sens. Dan Sullivan, Lisa Murkowski and Rep. Nick Begich, would address research gaps in environmental data and improve monitoring of fisheries in the Bering Sea, Aleutian Islands and Gulf of Alaska.

It would also establish a fund for fishermen to purchase updated technology and trawl gear to limit seafloor contact and bycatch. That’s when harvesters accidentally catch species they’re not targeting.

The proposed legislation builds on recommendations from the federal Alaska Salmon Research Task Force, which concluded in 2024 and aimed to better understand how humans cause declines in fish and crab species, including through factors like bycatch.

Read the full article at Alaska Public Media

Murkowski, Whitehouse, Pingree, and Moylan reintroduce legislation to address ocean acidification

June 18, 2025 — The following was released by the office of Senator Lisa Murkowski:

Today, U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), and Representatives Chellie Pingree (ME-01) and James Moylan (R-GU) reintroduced the bipartisan, bicameral Coastal Communities Ocean Acidification Act. This legislation provides resources for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to collaborate with local and tribal entities to research and monitor ocean acidification.

“The impacts of ocean acidification on our coastal communities cannot be understated, particularly on our blue economy,” said Senator Murkowski, Co-Chair of the Senate Oceans Caucus. “This legislation takes a holistic approach to understanding ocean acidification, encouraging experts from every walk of life to work together and ensure that our oceans stay healthy.”

“The oceans are in trouble. Ocean acidification caused by carbon pollution is harming marine ecosystems and coastal industries like aquaculture,” said Senator Whitehouse, Co-Chair of the Senate Oceans Caucus. “Our bipartisan legislation will assist in monitoring changes to the oceans and help us better understand how to protect Rhode Island’s blue economy from acidifying waters.”

“We’re seeing the effects of ocean acidification in real time—from threatening lobster populations in the Gulf of Maine to eroding coral reefs in tropical waters. We now know that parts of our oceans have reached dangerous acidification levels earlier than expected, threatening entire ecosystems.” said Congresswoman Pingree, ranking member of the House Appropriations Interior and Environment Subcommittee. “Coastal communities like those in Maine are on the frontlines of this crisis, and our bipartisan Coastal Communities Ocean Acidification Act ensures they won’t face it alone. This bill gives coastal communities the science, tools, and support they need to build resilience and protect ocean industries that support millions of jobs. I was proud that my colleagues in the House passed this crucial bill last Congress, it’s long past time Congress sends this bill to the President’s desk.”

“As an island territory in the heart of the Pacific, Guam is on the front lines of climate and oceanic change. Ocean acidification threatens not just our marine ecosystems, but also our cultural traditions, local fisheries, and food security,” said Congressman Moylan. “This legislation is about giving coastal communities like ours the tools and partnerships we need to understand and respond to these growing challenges. I’m proud to co-lead this bipartisan effort to ensure a healthier ocean for future generations.”

This legislation would direct NOAA to collaborate with and support state, local, and tribal entities that are conducting or have completed ocean acidification vulnerability assessments. The bill strengthens partnerships between NOAA and a wide range of stakeholders involved in ocean acidification research, such as indigenous groups, coastal communities, state and local resource managers, fishery management councils and commissions, and the U.S. Integrated Ocean Observing System (IOOS). The Coastal Communities Ocean Acidification Act passed the House in the 118th Congress.

Murkowski and King reintroduce Working Waterfronts Act

June 11, 2025 — Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Angus King (I-ME) are doubling down on their bipartisan effort to fortify the backbone of America’s coastal economy. On June 6, the two reintroduced the Working Waterfronts Act, a bill designed to boost shoreside infrastructure, maritime workforce development, and economic resiliency in fishing communities from Alaska to Maine.

Originally introduced in February 2024, the legislation included more than a dozen provisions aimed at building capacity across the blue economy while helping fishermen and seafood processors face down the mounting challenges of climate change and shifting fisheries dynamics.

“One of my priorities this Congress was reintroducing the Working Waterfronts Act, a comprehensive and collective effort to harness the potential of the blue economy for Alaska’s coastal communities,” said Senator Murkowski. “With 66,000 miles of coastline, it is vital Alaska strengthens our shoreside infrastructure and supports workforce development to ensure the sustainability and growth of our fisheries, tourism, and mariculture sectors.”

Read the full article at the National Fisherman

US senators reintroduce working waterfront legislation

June 10, 2025 — U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) and U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) have reintroduced the Working Waterfronts Act, legislation that would provide several sources of financial support to the nation’s commercial fishing sector and the coastal businesses that support it.

“Maine’s coastal communities are changing. From a warming climate to an evolving economy, the Gulf of Maine faces both historic opportunities and challenges that will define our state’s success for generations,” King said in a statement. “The Working Waterfronts Act would provide Maine’s working waterfronts up and down the coast with the necessary financial, energy, and infrastructure resources to adapt to the rapidly shifting dynamics of natural disasters affecting economic and tourism operations. It would also help support the necessary workforce to sustain our coastal businesses.”

Read the full article at SeafoodSource

Alaska Sen. Sullivan pushes U.S. government to complete key stock surveys, fight illegal fishing amid possible NOAA funding cuts

May 9, 2025 — The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation unanimously passed a seafood bill on April 30 to fight illegal fishing. The legislation would rely on efforts from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which Sen. Dan Sullivan said is already struggling to complete key fisheries surveys.

Sullivan co-sponsored the Fighting Foreign Illegal Seafood Harvest, or FISH, Act with seven other senators, including Republican Sen. Lisa Murkowski. Sullivan said he hopes it will help fight unfair trade practices and give a boost to Alaska’s fishing industry.

Sullivan said the act takes aim at foreign illegal, unreported and unregulated, or IUU, fishing.

“It would blacklist foreign vessels and owners that have engaged in IUU fishing — it’s mostly Chinese,” Sullivan said. “And it would provide much more enforcement with regard to our Coast Guard’s ability to increase at-sea inspections.”

Any blacklisted vessels would be prohibited from accessing U.S. ports, traveling through U.S. territorial seas, except in accordance with customary international law, making deliveries in U.S. waters, or receiving services from American vessels.

Read the full story at KYUK

Murkowski, Kaine Introduce Legislation to Bolster Commercial Fishing Industry

April 4, 2025 — The following was released by Lisa Murkowski:

Today, U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) and Tim Kaine (D-VA), introduced legislation vital to the fishing industry, the economy, and the food supply chain. The Save Our Seafood (SOS) Act would exempt fish processors from the H-2B visa caps in order to help the seafood industry meet workforce demands.

“Alaska’s seafood industry is a delicate chain – and when processors don’t have the workforce to meet demand, the whole industry can fall apart,” said Senator Murkowski. “Coastal communities, family-owned fishing boats, and Alaskans who work in the industry need to know that they have fully-functioning operations where they can deliver their catch. Through this legislation, I’m working to ensure that the industry has a dependable workforce that can process and deliver the highest-quality seafood in the world.”

“The seafood industry is a critical part of Virginia’s economy, especially in Hampton Roads and on the Eastern Shore,” said Senator Kaine. “I often hear from Virginia’s seafood processors about how hard it is to find seasonal workers, so I’m glad to introduce this bipartisan legislation with my colleagues to make it easier for these businesses to hire the workers they need.”

“Virginia’s seafood industry relies on seasonal, H2-B workers to help meet demand during peak season,” said Senator Warner. “Without this workforce, many of Virginia’s seafood processors would simply have to close up shop. I’m glad to introduce this legislation that will help Virginia’s businesses by ensuring they have the labor needed to keep their operations up and running.”

“When you think Louisiana, you think seafood,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Creating jobs in this industry is good for our economy and state.”

“Maryland’s seafood businesses – most of which are small and family-owned – not only process the iconic blue crabs that our state is known for, they are also a key economic driver for our state and the region. While I push every year to ensure the Administration makes the maximum number of H-2B visas available for the seafood industry, the uncertainty our small businesses face threatens their success and ultimately their ability to keep running. This legislation provides a permanent, tailored fix for the H-2B program to better position Maryland’s seafood businesses to consistently meet their seasonal workforce needs while also supporting American jobs. This long-term legislative solution – along with our ongoing fight to protect the workers in this industry – are critical to the enduring success of Maryland’s cherished seafood businesses,” said Senator Van Hollen.

“There’s nothing more Maryland than crabs,” said Senator Alsobrooks. “Making sure we have the workforce we need so everyone can continue enjoying this Maryland staple is what this bipartisan bill is all about.”

“PSPA strongly supports this legislation and appreciates the leadership of Senator Murkowski on this issue,” said Julie Decker, President of the Pacific Seafood Processors Association. “Alaska produces nearly 60 percent of all U.S. seafood. In order to do this, Alaska seafood processors need a workforce in our highly remote coastal communities, enabling fishermen to keep doing what they do best – providing nutritious food for Americans and the world. This legislation would help ensure enough workers will be available to support Alaska’s seafood sector.”

“We sincerely thank Senator Murkowski for her tireless leadership in addressing the critical workforce challenges facing the Alaska seafood industry,” said Kasey Simon, President of United Work and Travel. “By securing cap-exempt status for seafood workers in the H2B program, this legislation not only provides much-needed stability for America’s wild-harvest seafood industry but also strengthens the entire H2B ecosystem – ensuring that seasonal employers across multiple sectors have access to the labor they need. This is a commonsense solution that benefits businesses, workers, and coastal communities alike.”

“I proudly support Senator Murkowski’s efforts to secure cap-exempt status for seafood production workers in the H2B program,” said Brian Gannon, Vice President of Government Relations and Global Partnerships at LaborMex. “LaborMex consistently supports legislation that strengthens America’s growers, harvesters, and fishers – those who are essential to US food production and food security. The men and women who fish our seas play a critical role ensuring that high-quality seafood reaches American tables. By addressing the workforce needs of this industry, this legislation bolsters economic resilience, safeguards US fisheries, and reinforces the long-term stability of America’s food supply.”

“The ongoing uncertainty surrounding H-2B visa caps is one of the most significant challenges we face,” said Ben Bale, Chief Financial Officer of Ocean Companies. “Making the H-2B program cap-exempt would eliminate this uncertainty, enabling us to plan production more effectively, support the local fishing industry, and enhance economic stability for our business, our employees, the community, and the guest workers who depend on these opportunities.”

“The Chesapeake Bay Seafood Industries Association applauds the reintroduction of the Save Our Seafood Act. Since 1989 Maryland Seafood Processors have used and depended on the H-2B non-agricultural seasonal visa work program to staff these traditional seasonal jobs. These hardworking people who come to Maryland every season under this very important program support thousands of jobs of American citizens and small seafood businesses around Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay that also support seafood processors. Due to the scarcity of H-2B visas, Maryland has lost more than 40 of its seafood processing companies, located mostly in rural areas around the Bay, since the 90s – and now we have less than a dozen left. Maryland Watermen continue to demonstrate year after year the need, no matter the economic climate, for these seasonal workers. All of Maryland Seafood is extremely grateful that Senators Murkowski, Van Hollen, and their colleagues are reintroducing this bill to provide a permanent solution that will enable our seafood processors to meet their staffing needs every year and save our vital seafood industry,” said Jack Brooks, President of the Chesapeake Bay Seafood Industries Association.

Background

H-2B visas allow domestic employers to temporarily hire nonimmigrants to perform nonagricultural labor or services if they cannot fill these jobs with American workers. Employers must first obtain certification from the Department of Labor and then complete an application process through the Department of Homeland Security to obtain these visas.

The program is crucial to the survival of the seafood industry, particularly now when it has been under attack by Russian over harvesting and price gouging. When fish are harvested, processors are at the back of the line for visas and rely on “supplemental” visas being issued, which are discretionary. If there is not sufficient processing capacity, fishermen have nowhere to deliver their catch, and do not get paid, which is devastating to small, family-owned fishing operations, and the communities they live in.  The supply chain also suffers when this healthy food source is prevented from hitting the market.

This legislation is cosponsored by U.S. Senators Angela Alsobrooks (D-MD), Dr. Bill Cassidy (R-LA), John Kennedy (R-LA), Thom Tillis (R-NC), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), and Mark Warner (D-VA).

ALASKA: $277 million for Alaska fishery relief

September 24, 2024 — U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan (both R-AK) and Representative Mary Sattler Peltola (D-AK) welcomed the announcement of $277 million in funding for Alaska fishery disasters from the U.S. Department of Commerce. Funding for a number of salmon and crab fisheries from 2020-2023 will be transmitted to the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission for distribution to fishermen, their crews, seafood processors, and communities impacted by these fishery disasters.

“There is no question that fisheries and coastal communities in Alaska need help as they navigate catastrophic fishery collapses,” Senator Murkowski said. “Although I am grateful our fishermen and communities will finally see some relief, for many, it might be too little too late. After years of waiting, some have already moved onto other professions, and in some cases have even left the state. I will continue working with my colleagues to pass legislation to streamline the process so these regulatory delays are a thing of the past. I am hopeful this assistance will help Alaska’s hardworking fishermen recover from a devastating few years so they can get back on the water and return to their active role in this critical industry.”

Read the full article at National Fisherman

Alaska lawmakers praise appeals court ruling allowing Southeast Chinook fishery to continue

August 30, 2024 — The U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has reversed a lower court’s attempt to close Chinook salmon fishing in Southeast Alaska, drawing praise from Alaskan lawmakers who called the ruling a welcome legal victory for Alaska fishermen.

“Although we’re not home yet, the most important thing right now is that Southeast Alaska’s troll fishery can continue,” U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) said. “This is a critical industry for Southeast Alaska that has minimal impact on the ecosystem, and the congressional delegation, state, tribal groups, and local environmental groups are all united in their advocacy to allow the fishery to resume.”

Read the full article at SeafoodSource