Sometimes as a legislator and as a citizen, one is just in the right place at the right time. While flying on Alaska Airlines last fall, I wondered if the salmon being served was wild Alaskan salmon or farmed salmon from some other state or country.

As strong supporters of the fishing industry here in Alaska, the Murkowski Administration and I encouraged Alaska Airlines and the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI) to work together to ensure that all salmon served on Alaska Airlines is wild Alaskan salmon. I felt that Alaska Airlines was in a unique position to market this excellent Alaskan product, and ASMI could help them find a reliable and cost-effective source for the fish.

Those negotiations have been successful, and I congratulate both Alaska Airlines and ASMI. Alaska Airlines now offers wild salmon as a menu selection between the months of July and October on flights to and from East Coast cities. In addition, ASMI and Alaska Airlines will also be distributing 70,000 new Alaska salmon bookmarks, which will provide information about Alaska salmon and Alaska Airlines cargo service.

I see the switch from farmed fish to wild Alaska salmon as a logical and productive way to market wild Alaskan salmon. There is a demand for our natural seafood in the lower 49 states, and this is one more way to spread the word and the taste of one of our most treasured State resources.

I was also very pleased to be able to take samples of smoked Alaskan sockeye to two national conferences again this year. Legislators from all over the country have learned to appreciate Alaska salmon for its high quality, excellent taste, and health benefits through these samples. You may wish to consider similar gifts to your friends and family down south.

# # #

All addresses are "blind" for your privacy. A strict "no spam" policy is observed. If you don’t wish to receive "Legislative Update", just let me know. If you know a friend or neighbor in District 18 who has not received "Legislative Update" but would like to be included, I will be glad to include them if they contact me. Your replies, comments, questions, and/or suggestions are welcome. Constituent comments on legislation and policy issues may be tabulated, shared with other legislators, or quoted in speeches. Names, however, will be kept private.