Sponsor Statement for HB 360: Appropriations: Asmi Generic Salmon Marketing

Session:
State Capitol, Room 428
Juneau, AK 99801-1182
Toll Free: (800) 821-4925
Phone: (907) 465-4925
Fax: (907) 465-3517

Interim:
112 Mill Bay Road
Kodiak, AK 99615
Phone: (907) 486-4925
Fax: (907) 486-5264

An Act making appropriations to the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute for generic salmon marketing; and providing for an effective date.

Released:	January 25, 2002
Contact:	Representative Gary Stevens's office at (907) 465-4925

House Bill 360, "An act making appropriations to the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI) for generic salmon marketing", appropriates $12 million over the next five years to boost the marketing of Alaska's salmon.

The Alaska salmon industry touches thousands of Alaska families, both along our coastline and in our major cities. It is the state's largest private employer and the lifeblood of our coastal communities.

The salmon industry was severely impacted by the September 11th attack. The pipeline for fresh halibut froze. Prices plummeted. Restaurant patrons disappeared. Demand for seafood fell and ASMI's budget fell along with it.

In addition, the increase in fish farms around the world has flooded the U.S. markets and driven down the price of salmon to levels that are jeopardizing Alaska' industry. Currently, ASMI is in the second year of a federally funded program specifically geared to combat the impact of farmed salmon on Alaska wild salmon. This program will end in June 2003, just when it is gaining momentum.

This appropriation for ASMI, while not the only answer, can help to stop the erosion of markets and help turn the tide against a worldwide glut of cheap imported salmon in both our domestic and overseas markets.

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