Sen. Lisa Murkowski addressed a packed house at the ComFish conference on Tuesday, breaking the ice with a joke about her recent engagement with Kodiak high school students.
“My team that was with me said afterwards ‘Toughest interview ever,’ so questions from you guys? Gonna be easy peasy after your high school students,” Murkowski quipped.
However, the mood shifted as she tackled a pressing issue – tariffs.
Murkowski pointed out the uncertainty around tariffs implemented by the Trump administration.
“We don’t have the certainty that we would like with regards to the tariffs coming out of Washington, D.C. right now. I think the certainty that we know is that even without knowing, even without having the tariffs put in place, we’re already seeing and feeling the impacts on Alaska’s economy and really, the economy as a whole,” she stated.
She also cited the increased costs of consumer goods due to tariffs, especially in rural areas like Kodiak.
“When we’re talking about the issues that you are all engaged with when it comes to Alaska – seafood and your ability to access and to compete fairly on the global markets – the reality is that tariffs just make everyday life more expensive,” Murkowski said.
Murkowski expressed concerns about layoffs at NOAA and how the agency plays a critical role in Alaska’s fisheries.
“I’m reminding anyone who will listen why the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s fisheries departments are important,” she remarked.
Sen. Dan Sullivan, attending the conference via video, addressed criticism for his lack of direct communication with constituents in light of the federal changes.
He highlighted certain Trump administration policies which he believes are beneficial for Alaska.
“What I keep doing is brandishing this executive order from the president on Alaska,” Sullivan explained. “This thing is all about unleashing Alaska’s economy (and) resources, including fish and our fisheries.”
Although Sullivan did not directly address the proposed cuts to NOAA, he mentioned his ongoing discussions with the controversial Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) led by Elon Musk.
“I’ve been working with the DOGE guys, the leadership, and when they’ve made mistakes, particularly as it relates to anything in this executive order that’ll hurt Alaska’s economy, including our fisheries,” he stated.
He expressed his resolve to advocate for Alaska’s economic interests, particularly in terms of consistency for the seafood industry amid fluctuating tariffs.
Sullivan is also attempting to integrate fisheries into a relief program designed for farmers affected by trade wars, but progress has stalled in Congress.
Rep. Nick Begich III, Alaska’s newest congressional delegate, addressed the crowd attending ComFish in person after facing backlash during a telephonic town hall early in the Trump administration.
He conveyed his general support for Trump’s initiatives and emphasized his desire to improve domestic markets for Alaska’s fisheries.
“When it comes to seafood exports, Alaska should have the advantage, not just the level playing field,” Begich asserted.
He further advocated for clearer representation of Alaska seafood in school lunch programs and better visibility for Alaska-origin products in retail.
Begich shared similar sentiments regarding tariffs as his fellow legislators, stating it is unjust for countries like Russia and China to undercut Alaska’s seafood sector in U.S. markets.
“We’re looking at ways to harmonize those international standards and ensure that there is full reciprocity,” he remarked.
“When folks want to enter our markets, we should be able to enter their markets on the same terms – that is the backdrop for this tariff discussion.”
He concluded his remarks by expressing concerns over the national debt, praising DOGE’s efforts to manage federal spending effectively.
image source from：https://alaskapublic.org/news/politics/washington-d-c/2025-04-17/alaskas-congressional-delegation-addresses-federal-changes-at-comfish-2025
