Session: State Capitol, Room 417 Juneau, AK 99801-1182 Phone: (907) 465-2487 Toll Free: (800) 865-2487 Fax: (907) 465-4956 Interim: 112 Mill Bay Road Kodiak, AK 99615 Phone: (907) 486-8872 Fax: (907) 486-5264 (at LIO)

Sponsor Statement for SJR 15
Chilean Farmed Salmon

Relating to imports of salmon from Chile.

The U.S. Government is in the process of negotiating a free trade agreement with Chile. Meanwhile, exponential increases of Chilean farmed fish are flooding markets and driving the price of salmon down to levels that jeopardize Alaska's industry.

This resolution points out that Chilean fish farms are not competing on an even basis with Alaskan fishermen. Our laws requiring sustained yield and ecosystem management mean higher costs of production and lower volume of harvest than under the Chilean system. These factors make it increasingly difficult for our fleet to compete in the current market situation. This resolution urges the U.S. State Department and U.S. Department of Commerce to impose import restrictions and increased import tariffs on Chilean farmed salmon in order to allow Alaskan fishermen better access to the domestic market.

SJR 15 is the first step Alaska must take to fight the massive influx of cheap imports of farmed fish into the U.S. We in Alaska have made a commitment to our wild salmon industry and the communities it has built and continues to sustain. In the long run this commitment will pay off but today we must stand up and help our own industry compete against unfair foreign competition.

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