In a letter to Murkowski dated May 28, U.S. Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton announced the decision and reiterated that, "a high threshold for justification would have to be met before a decision to extend jurisdiction beyond Federal lands is made." Norton recognized that "such extraordinary decisions (preempt) a sState's authority to regulate within its own jurisdiction." Norton indicated that she "will not risk damaging federal state relationships unless there is a clear demonstration that the state's action constitutes a substantial and impermissible interference with a federally protected right."
In a press release, Murkowski said, "I am pleased that the Secretary of the Interior has acknowledged that it is inappropriate for the federal government to interfere with state regulatory and management actions." He continued, "I understand, and take very seriously, the concerns raised by the people from Western Alaska regarding the Area M fishery. As the federal government has correctly concluded, it is within the state's responsibility and authority to manage and conserve our resources. That is why I have instructed the Department of Fish and Game and Department of Public Safety to monitor the fishery."
Pointing to the Governor's charge to closely monitor the Area M fishery, Kevin C. Duffy, the commissioner of ADF&G, said, "the Department of Fish and Game is increasing sampling of catch, which will result in better information." Duffy indicated that the department will convene a panel of stakeholders and scientists to develop a stock identification research program, which will result in better information to assure conservation of salmon stocks that are vital to the people in Western Alaska. At the same time, the Department of Public Safety is working to increase enforcement efforts in the fishery. Earlier this year, several petitions were filed with the Federal Subsistence Board requesting that the federal government extend its jurisdiction beyond federal lands and waters to regulate commercial salmon fisheries in Area M. The petitions were filed in response to regulatory actions taken by the Alaska Board of Fisheries on February 25 which expanded commercial fishing opportunity in Area M.
The season opened June 7 this year, three days earlier than last year, and fishermen will be allowed 416 hours of fishing in June, compared to 144 hours in June of 2003. The chum cap has been eliminated, and there is no upper limit on the sockeye catch.
Alaskans who can no longer earn a living catching or processing salmon are lining up for emergency federal job training assistance. Nearly 500 people have applied for aid through a grant made to the state by Congress. Alaska applied for the grant last year to help workers affected by the downturn in the salmon industry. Farmed salmon from around the world and a struggling Japanese economy have resulted in economic hardship for fishermen and processors who once earned a steady living in the fishery. The grant is aimed at commercial salmon fishermen, crewmembers, workers on salmon tenders, cannery workers, and in some cases, family members who have relied on salmon industry workers. The state can receive up to $8 million in grant money to re-train those workers. Two million dollars have been released so far to assist 495 applicants. Information and applications can be obtained at local job centers, or online at http://www.labor.state.ak.us/
Alaska has experienced a tremendous growth in exports so far this year, with seafood leading the way. In the first three months of 2004, sales of Alaska products to the rest of the world grew by 23 percent or $147 million over the same period last year. This is "phenomenal growth," according to Murkowski. Seafood accounted for $567 million, or 72 percent, of the total $789 million in exports through March. The sale of fish roe increased $68 million, or 39 percent, over first quarter exports of last year, primarily from strong sales of pollock roe in Western Alaska. Stable prices and good harvest volumes have helped fishermen in this important early season catch, Murkowski said. Frozen cod also climbed dramatically, up $21 million or 62 percent, with strong sales reported to Japan, China, Norway and Portugal. Crab exports rose $8 million in the quarter with exports to China doubling.
"More consumers around the world are realizing the superior quality and taste of natural fresh Alaska seafood over the lower priced foreign farmed fish," according to Murkowski. "This product differentiation is beginning to allow Alaska fishermen some pricing power, not only with the high-end restaurant buyers, but also in the broader seafood markets."
