Alaska's Next Governor Needs to Put Alaskans First.

Alaska’s commercial fishing industry is essential to the state’s economic stability. When fishing families and seafood workers succeed, Alaska succeeds.

At the same time, recent public debate has been shaped by a surge of misinformation about the seafood sector, particularly around pollock and trawl fisheries, underscoring the need for fact-based policymaking grounded in science and the realities facing Alaska’s fishing communities.

Supporters of Securing Alaska’s Future believe Alaska’s next Governor must put Alaskans first by defending the working families in resource industries, like commercial fishing, that have sustained this state for generations.

1. Protect Alaska's Commercial Fishing Industry.

Commercial fishing supports thousands of Alaskan jobs and creates billions in economic opportunity across the state. Of the nearly 5 billion pounds harvested annually in Alaska, roughly 4 billion come from trawl, and approximately 3 billion of that is Alaskan pollock, one of the most sustainable, well-managed fisheries in the world.

  • To safeguard this essential industry, Alaska’s next Governor must:
    • Defend Alaska’s fishermen, processors, and coastal communities from misinformation and policies that threaten jobs
    • Specifically address the foundational role that Alaska’s pollock fishery plays in supporting non-trawl fisheries, coastal communities, and regional infrastructure.
    • Push back on Lower 48 interests with hidden agendas, and federal overreach that undermine Alaska’s fisheries

2. Keep Alaska Fisheries Managed Locally by Biologists, Not Politicians.

Alaska’s fisheries are a world-class example of sustainable management because they are guided by local knowledge and regional expertise.

  • To ensure fisheries decisions remain in Alaska where they belong, the next Governor must:
    • Protect state authority over fisheries management
    • Ensure fishermen and communities have a seat at the table

3. Invest in Research to Ensure Long-Term Salmon Stability.

Salmon are central to Alaska’s economy, culture, and ecosystems. As environmental conditions shift and salmon returns fluctuate, Alaska must invest in science and real solutions – not talking points – to maintain strong runs for future generations.

  • Addressing the real issues requires:
    • Expanded genetic studies to understand salmon species and runs
    • Funding for research around changing river conditions and ocean temperatures
    • Strong scientific data to guide fisheries management
    • Engage international partners, particularly in Asia (one of Alaska’s most important seafood markets), on the growing threat that farmed fish poses to wild salmon food sources and long-term stock health, and lead proactive diplomacy to protect Alaska’s fisheries at the global level.

4. Maintain Alaska's Global Leadership in Sustainable Fishing.

Alaska is recognized worldwide for responsible fisheries management. Protecting this reputation strengthens markets for Alaska and reinforces our leadership in sustainability.

  • Maintaining this leadership means:
    • 100% observer coverage programs
    • Continued commitment to world-leading sustainability standards
    • Protecting the strategic value of Alaska’s fisheries

5. Support Coastal Communities & Fishing Families.

For many Alaskans, fishing is not just a job, it is the economic lifeline that sustains families and communities.

  • Strengthening these communities requires:
    • Investment in ports, harbors, and infrastructure
    • Policies that keep seafood processing jobs in Alaska
    • Recognition of the ripple effect that fishing has on freight, energy, tourism, and local businesses
    • Support for Alaska seafood in domestic and global markets, including cracking down on sanctioned seafood entering Alaskan stores
Putting Alaskans First Starts with Commercial Fishing.

Alaska’s next Governor must recognize that protecting commercial fishing is essential to protecting Alaska’s future. Strong fisheries mean strong communities, a strong economy, and a stronger state.

Putting Alaskans first means standing with fishermen, defending Alaska jobs, and securing the future of our coastal communities.

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