ALASKA RESOURCE REVIEW WINTER 2025 34 Legislators, companies are set to address series of lingering challenges BY TIM BRADNER THE ALASKA SEAFOOD INDUSTRY IS FACING CHALLENGES, A DIRECT RESULT OF GLOBAL ECONOMIC FORCES. THE STATE LEGISLATURE IS MOVING TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE THIS SPRING, ALTHOUGH THE STATE’S FINANCIAL RESOURCES ARE NOT AS ROBUST AS IN PREVIOUS YEARS. Alaska seafood is prominent because the industry is critical to the economies of coastal communities and to larger cities like Anchorage from where businesses provide transportation and other support services. “The global market has placed incredible strain on the value and demand for all seafood products and, in turn, has negatively impacted the ability of the Alaska seafood industry. Alaska must compete with global seafood producers that do not operate under the same cost and regulatory structure required under U.S and Alaska laws or standards,” Jeremy Woodrow, Executive Director of the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute, told a state legislative task force in January. “To remain competitive, Alaska must revise its production of wild-caught salmon to lower operating costs while increasing the value for every fish harvested. New product forms, higher quality production, automation and efficiencies in the harvest, processing and production of Alaska seafood products will be necessary to compete in the global market,” Woodrow wrote in a letter to Alaska legislators. While the situation has provided obstacles at multiple levels, there are pockets of optimism, such as among small processors who are selling into niche food markets. State Sen. Gary Stevens, R-Kodiak, who chaired the joint task force, said: “We are understanding more and more that issues are multifaceted. There’s no single solution here. While the path forward is not easy, I’m confident we can present and work through solutions to strengthen and sustain this industry.” Stevens is president of the Senate this year, as he was in the 2023-24 Legislature. The Legislature now has a long to-do list this spring to help the industry, and a package of legislation is expected to go before legislators this spring to stimulate the industry. This is the product of the seafood STATE SEAFOOD INDUSTRY LOOKS TO THE FUTURE The Alaska seafood industry faces challenges ahead and legislators are set to address them in the current session. CONTINUED ON PAGE 36
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