The Alaska Salmon Alliance (ASA) has hired Robert Ruffner to assist Peninsula Communities response to the upcoming salmon season and adapting to COVID -19 concerns.
In response to ongoing COVID -19 concerns, the Alaska Salmon Alliance is working with members of the public, local, state, and federal officials in conducting commercial fishing operations within the Cook Inlet region. In the Alaska Salmon Alliance’s press release, they say that it’s imperative that the seafood industry as a whole engages with the public to ensure good communication and safe operations that are fully compliant with all mandates and appropriate precautions to ensure the health of community members and those employed in the industry.
The address continues: “The issues are of concern to all industries and we want to do our part to get our economy back up and running in a responsible manner. Fishing industries are no exception and share many traits with other major sectors of the Kenai Peninsula’s economy.”
Nate Berga, ASA President: “We also have an important role to play in providing food security. In 2019 Cook Inlet Seafood processors provided 2.6 million lbs. of seafood fillets to the South-Central Region of Alaska. It may be more critical in 2020 to help provide seafood to those that are unable to harvest their own and we are working hard to find ways to make our local seafood products more accessible in our own communities.”
Newly-hired Robert Ruffner: “I am excited to assist ASA’s efforts to support the industry as they confront the many challenges resulting from the COVID 19 pandemic. I am confident the industry’s commitment to collaborate with the various players and interests will result in a healthy fishery for the benefit of the region.”
Based in Kenai, the Alaska Salmon Alliance advocates for and promotes science-based salmon policies that will result in long term economic opportunities and benefits for Alaska coastal communities for future generations. To this end, the ASA endeavors to develop positive working relationships with the regional seafood industry, including processors, harvesters, regulators, and residents of the Southcentral region.
For additional information please contact Robert Ruffner (907) 394-4664.