Wednesday, June 3, 2026
- Jun 3
- 4 min read
Alaska
UniSea Builds A Sustainable Seafood Engine In Unalaska, Alaska
The Business Download by staff - June 2, 2026
Dustin Hamilton runs operations at one of the most remote industrial facilities in North America. As Chief Operating Officer of UniSea, Inc., he oversees a Bering Sea seafood plant in Dutch Harbor, Alaska, a community located on an Aleutian island that is 800 miles from Anchorage and farther west than Hawaii.
National
National Fisheries Institute Expands Pipeline of Board-Ready Seafood Leaders
Perishable News by National Fisheries Institute staff - June 1, 2026
Reston, VA – The National Fisheries Institute (NFI) has completed the second year of its Board Leadership Development Program, an initiative designed to prepare seafood industry professionals to serve on corporate, nonprofit, trade association, and community boards while strengthening the broader seafood ecosystem.
US Small Business Administration adds fishing regulation reform to priority action list
The agency estimates that rescinding regulations for marine sanctuaries and monuments could yield approximately $9.7 billion in savings for small businesses
Undercurrent News by staff - June 1, 2026
The US Office of Advocacy has added two fishing-related regulations to its Small Businesses' Most Wanted Reform list, highlighting concerns from commercial fishermen and seafood processors who say current rules are making it harder to operate profitability and remain competitive ...
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Sullivan Pushes Workforce Investment, Maritime Growth at Blue Economy Hearing
SeafoodNews by Natasha Estremera - June 3, 2026
US Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) used a Senate Commerce subcommittee hearing this week to highlight the growing importance of the US Blue Economy, calling for increased investment in workforce development, maritime infrastructure, fisheries management, and coastal industries to strengthen the nation’s economic and national security.
The hearing, titled “The Blue Economy: Advancing American Fisheries, Maritime Strength, and Coastal Economies,” brought together industry and academic experts, including three Alaska-based witnesses representing seafood, marine research, and economic development interests.
Sullivan described the Blue Economy as one of the fastest-growing sectors in the United States, spanning commercial and recreational fisheries, maritime transportation, tourism, ports, marine technology, and emerging industries such as mariculture. He noted that the sector generated more than $470 billion in goods and services and supported 2.4 million jobs in 2022.
Alaska featured prominently throughout the discussion, with Sullivan emphasizing the state's role as the nation's largest seafood producer. According to the senator, Alaska harvests more than 60% of U.S. commercial, sport, and subsistence seafood and supplies billions of seafood meals annually.
The hearing also focused on challenges facing the sector, including workforce shortages, illegal fishing, and the need for stronger maritime capabilities. Sullivan pointed to recent legislative efforts aimed at combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, improving ocean stewardship, and strengthening America's maritime competitiveness.
“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,” said Sen. Sullivan.
“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.”
In addition to seafood production, lawmakers discussed the role of fisheries science, hydrographic surveying, port modernization, and transportation networks in supporting long-term growth across coastal economies. Sullivan also highlighted opportunities in Alaska's expanding mariculture sector, where kelp and shellfish farming are creating new business and employment prospects.
The hearing underscored growing bipartisan interest in leveraging America's ocean resources while strengthening supply chains, food security, and maritime resilience amid increasing global competition.
Labeling and Marketing
Captain D’s Expands Sustainable Sourcing With Wild‑Caught Alaska Fish Rollout
SeafoodNews by Natasha Estremera - June 1, 2026
Captain D’s is expanding its commitment to sustainably sourced, US-caught seafood while maintaining an accessible, value-focused price point.
The fast-casual seafood chain is rolling out Wild Caught Batter Dipped Fish from Alaska, battered fresh daily in restaurants. The item will appear across several core menu platforms, including the brand’s value-driven Full Meal Deals and signature platters.
“Our guests know Captain D’s for its great seafood, generous portions and incredible value,” said Phil Greifeld, CEO of Captain D’s. “This launch reinforces all three.”
“By using only wild caught fish straight from the icy waters of Alaska for all of our hand battered fish items, we’re making a significant investment in quality while staying true to the approachable, satisfying dining experience families have counted on for decades.”
The launch follows months of consumer and focus group research and represents a multi-million-dollar investment aligned with Captain D’s long-standing focus on quality and value.
“At Captain D’s, sustainable sourcing matters,” said Janet Duckham, Chief Supply Chain Officer at Captain D’s.
“Wild caught fish from Alaska is recognized around the world for its quality and sustainability.”
“The fishermen adhere to rigorous standards. We’re proud to introduce our guests to this experience through a reliable supply chain built around trusted, US-based partnerships and responsible sourcing practices.”
The rollout includes three full-meal offerings priced at $5.99:
Two-Piece Fish and Fries Meal – Two pieces of Wild Caught Batter Dipped Fish served with a choice of one classic side and two hush puppies.
The Sampler – One piece of Wild Caught Batter Dipped Fish, one chicken tender, three butterfly shrimp, a choice of one classic side and two hush puppies.
One-Piece Fish and Two-Piece Chicken Meal – One piece of Wild Caught Batter Dipped Fish and two chicken tenders served with a choice of one classic side and two hush puppies.
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