Senator Lisa Murkowski has secured a commitment from U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Howard Lutnick, to convene a meeting with Alaska seafood industry leaders to address critical trade issues, particularly those involving Russia.
During a Senate Appropriations subcommittee hearing, Murkowski highlighted the urgent need for federal support, citing Russia’s aggressive trade practices that threaten Alaska’s seafood exports and broader economic stability.
“In Alaska, Russia has declared war on Alaska seafood,” Murkowski said. “They are using their dominance in the seafood market to help fund their war against Ukraine.”
Secretary Lutnick responded by affirming the administration’s commitment to supporting U.S. fisheries. “Our trade policy is to protect our fishermen, which are a key resource of the United States,” he said, agreeing to meet with stakeholders alongside Senator Murkowski.
The Alaska seafood industry represents $6 billion in annual economic output and supports 48,000 jobs in the state.
Murkowski also raised concerns about critical safety infrastructure, including the outdated Seal Rocks weather buoy and staffing shortages at the National Weather Service, which impact both aviation and maritime safety.
Lutnick acknowledged the aging systems and pledged to prioritize upgrades. “If I showed you what that [buoy] looked like, you and I would hold our heads in our hands,” he said.
Murkowski welcomed the Secretary’s cooperation and emphasized the need for immediate action to ensure safety and economic resilience in Alaska’s coastal communities.