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<\/figure><\/div><\/div>Strengthening Food and Ecosystem Security<\/h3>
The Improving ARCTIC Act enhances food sovereignty and housing security in rural areas; bolsters Tribal self-determination; establishes stronger safeguards against oil spills in the Arctic; and protects our marine ecosystems from floating factory fish farms. It also allocates major resources for local and regional supply chains, fortifying the fishing industry that is the lifeblood of our state.<\/p>
The Threat of Corporate Exploitation<\/h3>
Alaskans rely on robust fisheries for subsistence, jobs, and our way of life. Yet, in addition to warming waters and shifting fish populations, our fishing communities must contend with the ever-present threat of corporate exploitation of Alaska\u2019s water, land, and people.<\/p>
Many Alaskans are familiar with the staggering bycatch of salmon, halibut, crab, sablefish and other fish species taken by the industrial trawl fleet: approximately 141 million pounds caught, killed, and mostly discarded each year for the past decade. While fishing communities struggle to address this travesty, many are also working to stop agribusiness giants from imposing industrial fish farming on U.S. federal waters, including those off Alaska\u2019s coasts. These massive operations threaten ocean ecosystems and the wild fish populations that sustain our coastal communities.<\/p>
A Vision for Sustainable Mariculture<\/h3>
Responsible mariculture that is community-based and appropriately scaled can and should be an integral part of local food systems. Alaska has tremendous opportunities for sustainable and community-led mariculture. But we must not allow a few corporations to steer the ship with disregard for the health of our communities and the planet.<\/p>
The Improving ARCTIC Act prevents the federal government from allowing industrial-scale, offshore fish farms in federal waters. Alaska has already protected state waters by banning fish farms within three miles, but at just 3.1 miles, waters shift to federal jurisdiction. We need the robust provisions included in the Improving ARCTIC Act to ensure states such as Alaska, which has wisely protected wild fish populations, aren\u2019t subject to the havoc of factory fish farms.<\/p>
Elevating Seafood in Federal Policy<\/h3>
Moreover, Murkowski\u2019s legislation sharpens the USDA\u2019s vision when it comes to seafood, expanding federal assistance for commercial fishermen and processors, and requiring the labeling of genetically engineered fish (aka \u201cfrankenfish\u201d) to help consumers make informed decisions. For too long, seafood has been on the sidelines of the USDA\u2019s Farm Bill, but the Improving Arctic Act reminds decision-makers that investments in America\u2019s fishing communities are investments in our nation\u2019s food security, cultural heritage, and ocean stewardship.<\/p>
A Senator Who Understands Alaska<\/h3>
Alaskans care deeply about seafood. In recognizing the challenges facing our fisheries and taking proactive steps to address them, Murkowski has demonstrated her commitment to Alaska\u2019s people and place.<\/p>