U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) announced on Apr. 15 the creation of a new United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Office of Seafood, which aims to expand federal support for American fishermen and seafood harvesters. The announcement was made alongside USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine).
The new office is intended to give fishermen, small businesses, and coastal communities better access to USDA programs that have traditionally supported farmers. This development is significant for Alaska’s fishing industry, as it could provide more resources and risk management tools.
“Alaska’s fishermen deserve the same federal attention, resources, and risk management tools afforded to America’s incredible farmers,” said Sullivan. “The new USDA Office of Seafood—an action I’ve been strongly advocating for over the past decade—opens the door to that opportunity. This office is going to benefit everybody: all of Alaska’s fishermen, our small businesses, and our many coastal and Interior communities from across the state.” He also thanked Secretaries Rollins and Lutnick for their collaboration in understanding the challenges facing Alaskan fishing communities.
Industry leaders welcomed the move. Linda Behnken, executive director of the Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association (ALFA), said: “Creating an office of seafood at USDA will provide small boat coastal fishermen like me with the resources we need to build successful businesses resilient to market and resource challenges.” Michelle Stratton from the Alaska Marine Community Coalition added: “Expanding USDA’s support for the seafood sector is an important step toward providing small-boat fishermen, seafood producers, and coastal communities with the tools and resources that have long helped strengthen America’s other food producers.” Ray Melovidov from Central Bering Sea Fishermen’s Association expressed gratitude for this initiative as it gives remote fishing communities a stronger voice in federal policymaking.
Jeremy Woodrow from Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute said establishing this office aligns support between NOAA and USDA so America’s seafood industry can continue thriving. Sterling Prout from Kodiak noted how it would help families enter or expand markets globally. Erik Velsko from Kaia Seafoods commented on how having an Office of Seafood ensures U.S. seafood has representation at key decision-making tables.
Sullivan has represented Alaska in the U.S. Senate according to his official website. He serves on committees including Armed Services; Veterans’ Affairs; Commerce, Science & Transportation; Environment & Public Works; has completed a 30-year career in the Marine Corps retiring as colonel; previously served as Attorney General focusing on protecting residents’ rights; maintains offices across several Alaskan cities plus Washington D.C.; assists residents with federal issues such as service academy nominations; supports constituents with agency matters according to his official website.
