Friday, May 23, 2025

Alaska AMSEA Cuts Can Keep Fishermen on the Dock Sitka Sentinel by Garland Kennedy - May 20, 2025  Funding cuts to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has put lifesaving safety classes for commercial fishermen in jeopardy, says Leann Cyr, executive director of the Alaska Marine Safety Education Association. https://sitkasentinel.com/stories/amsea-cuts-can-keep-fishermen-on-the-dock,41140 Alaska legislature passes bill allowing commercial fishing insurance co-ops Seafood Source by Nathan Strout - May 20, 2025 Both houses of the Alaska legislature have unanimously passed a bill that would allow commercial fishers to form insurance co-ops, helping them secure more affordable insurance options. https://www.seafoodsource.com/news/business-finance/alaska-legislature-passes-bill-allowing-commercial-fishing-insurance-co-ops *Subscription Required Alaska House passes bill mandating representation on Board of Fisheries Seafood Source by Nathan Strout - May 21, 2025 The Alaska House has narrowly passed a piece of legislation that will change the makeup of the state's Board of Fisheries, requiring the governor to select members who represent a wider swath of the Alaska fishing community. https://www.seafoodsource.com/news/environment-sustainability/alaska-house-passes-bill-mandating-representation-on-board-of-fisheries *Subscription Required Environment/Science Bill targets watershed protection for Bristol Bay salmon Cordova Times by Margaret Bauman - May 22, 2025 Legislation aimed at protecting the Bristol Bay watershed in southwest Alaska, home of the world’s largest run of wild sockeye salmon, was introduced on May 20, by Speaker of the House Rep. Bryce Edgmon, I-Dillingham, and Rep. Andy Josephson, D-Anchorage. https://thecordovatimes.com/2025/05/22/bill-targets-protection-bristol-bay-salmon/ New bill would prohibit hard-rock metals mining in Alaska’s Bristol Bay watershed Introduced in the last hours of the 2025 session, the bill would expand the protections granted by the EPA, which barred permitting of the Pebble project Alaska Beacon by Yereth Rosen - May 22, 2025 Mere hours before he banged his gavel to adjourn this year’s session of the Alaska House of Representatives, Speaker Bryce Edgmon, I-Dillingham, introduced a bill to bar metals mining from the Bristol Bay watershed. https://alaskabeacon.com/2025/05/22/new-bill-would-prohibit-hard-rock-metals-mining-in-alaskas-bristol-bay-watershed/ FYI’s GAPP Appoints Three New Staff Members to its Communications Team Expana by Gina Bachorik - May 21, 2025 The Association of Genuine Alaska Pollock Producers (GAPP) recently announced three new staffing appointments, including: Sam Murphy as Vice President, APFA Director of Communications; Jasmine Butler as Manager, Graphic Design and Content Creation; and Michael Loreno, Manager of Social Media and Website.In a company statement, GAPP said that these moves reflect the Association’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its communications, reputation management and stakeholder engagement.“Sam, Jasmine, and Michael bring an exceptional combination of expertise in communications, digital strategy, content development, and storytelling that will be pivotal to the future of GAPP and the Wild Alaska Pollock industry,” said Bob Desautel, Chairman of the Board at GAPP.Desautel added, “These key hires reflect a bold commitment by our industry to elevate our collective voice—from the deck of the boat to the dinner plate. Every stakeholder—from fishermen and processors to chefs, retailers, and consumers—should understand that Wild Alaska Pollock represents more than just a product: it embodies our promise of responsibility, quality, and continuous improvement.”Murphy has extensive experience in executive communications and brand development, having worked with organizations like AAA, Alaska Airlines, the Rose Bowl, and the Los Angeles Chargers. GAPP will employ this background to grow global awareness and demand for Wild Alaska Pollock as well as for fishery narrative development and storytelling for the Alaska Pollock Fishery Alliance (APFA)—which GAPP formed last December.Butler comes to GAPP with a background in creating engaging social media and email marketing content, using a variety of visual aids to boost engagement and brand awareness. Her skill set includes photography, videography, graphic design, and video editing.As for Loreno, he has nearly a decade of experience in website development and digital media, having worked for companies like Ubisoft, Warner Media, and Intercept Games. His skill set will be utilized to grow GAPP’s digital footprint and facilitate brand growth and more meaningful communications overall.According to GAPP, Butler and Loreno will support APFA communications efforts and business-to-business brand building efforts in the U.S. and around the world.“Adding this amazing expertise is critical to the industry’s continued efforts to tell its story proactively and continue to build the brand for Wild Alaska Pollock,” said Craig Morris, GAPP CEO. “Adding these skillsets internally at GAPP and APFA to help our industry communicate more effectively and stay in touch with all of the audiences we have to reach in order to continue to be successful.”Desautel added, “With these promising new hires, GAPP is essentially becoming the ‘communications department’ for the industry and that’s a huge service for our members and for our successful future.”“These talented individuals have each demonstrated vision, strategic thinking, and a deep commitment to advancing our goals,” explained Morris. “Together, their contributions in key areas of the organization will enhance our ability to build partnerships, deliver stronger programs, and continue driving demand for Wild Alaska Pollock.”Butler started with GAPP in early May. Murphy and Loreno officially joined the team on Monday, May 19. https://www.seafoodnews.com/Story/1307039/GAPP-Appoints-Three-New-Staff-Members-to-its-Communications-Team

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