U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan chaired a Senate Commerce Coast Guard, Maritime, and Fisheries Subcommittee hearing on June 2 focused on “The Blue Economy: Advancing American Fisheries, Maritime Strength, and Coastal Economies.” The hearing included testimony from four expert witnesses, three of whom are Alaskan: Tommy Sheridan of the Alaska Blue Economy Center at the University of Alaska Fairbanks; Jeremy Woodrow of the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute; and Nathan Wardwell of JOA Surveys, LLC. Sullivan said that Congress must invest in workforce development to address shortages in nearly every sector related to the Blue Economy.
“The Blue Economy supports millions of American fishermen, processors, mariners, sport fishermen, welders, scientists, engineers, military personnel, charter operators, tourism workers, and small business owners across the United States,” Sullivan said. “Yet workforce shortages remain one of the great challenges across nearly every sector. We are serious about advancing the Blue Economy. We must invest in workforce development, training apprenticeships and educational opportunities to prepare the next generation of maritime professionals.”
Sullivan described Alaska’s role as central to America’s seafood production and highlighted that over 60 percent of America’s commercial, sport and subsistence seafood is harvested there. He also referenced recent legislation such as his bipartisan FISH Act targeting illegal fishing by foreign actors like China and noted its recent passage in the Senate with expectations for House approval soon.
In his opening statement during the hearing transcript provided by his office, Sullivan emphasized that “the Blue Economy encompasses…the communities that rely on our oceans…to create economic opportunities…and sustain coastal communities.” He added that it generated more than $470 billion in goods and services supporting 2.4 million jobs in 2022.
He further discussed federal efforts to strengthen maritime industries through infrastructure investment and public-private partnerships while mentioning other legislative actions such as Save Our Seas Acts for ocean cleanup and ongoing work on comprehensive bycatch legislation.
Sullivan has represented Alaska in the U.S. Senate since 2015; he served a 30-year career in the Marine Corps retiring as a colonel; maintains offices throughout Alaska; assists residents with federal issues including service academy nominations; serves on committees such as Armed Services and Veterans’ Affairs; and supports Alaskans with federal agency matters, according to the official website.
