Whether your business was affected by the warm blob in the gulf in 2018/2019, drought in Southeast during that same time frame, or unusually high water temps in spawning grounds out West, odds are your bottom line or your crew share is being impacted by climate change. Researchers and climatologists tell us that there is plenty more coming our way; range shifts, shifts in run timing, and changes in prey availability all impact the fisheries we rely on.
EPA CONFIRMATION. 
Recently, Michael Regan was appointed as Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Agency charged with protecting human health and the environment. During his first confirmation hearing he vowed to “move with a sense of urgency on climate change.” It is critical to Alaska’s Fishermen that our nation enact policies that will reduce carbon emissions. Simultaneouly, we need mitigation strategies that help our fisheries adapt to the changes already taking place. Our next EPA administrator will be making decisions that impact fishermen on every issue ranging from Pebble to Climate Change. Michael Regan understands that preserving our natural resources is essential to economic growth and should be confirmed for this position.
SENATOR MURKOWSKI’S ENERGY ACT Senator Murkowski has exhibited some impressive leadership in addressing climate change, and we’re hopeful there’s more to come. The Energy Act of 2020 was by far the most significant piece of climate legislation ever to be signed into law and it wouldn’t have happened without her effort. It is by no means the end of the conversation, but it was a huge step forward and it’s important that she knows fishermen care about climate solutions.
Upcoming Events:
Feb. 12th Executive Director of the Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association, Linda Behnken, will be participating in a climate policy forum with the Seattle Chamber of Commerce: Alaska Business Forum: Changing Climate Legislation Impacts.
Feb 18th Virtual Fish Expo/National Fisherman, and SHIP webinar
Alaska Salmon Fishermen on a Warming Planet: Adversity, Oppotunity and Transition.
Resources on Climate Policy and Alaska Fisheries:
- Alaska Fishermen’s Letter to Biden on Climate
- Fishermen Respond to President Biden’s Executive Order on Climate
- National Fisherman: What Fishermen Need to Know about 30×30Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Associations Climate Website
- Fishermen’s Letter to Rep. Jared Huffman on MSA reauthorization draft
Thank you for taking action to protect the future of Alaska’s Fisheries.
Fair Winds, Following Seas, and Plentiful Catch. The Team at SHIP
