Forging Toward Seafood Independence for Alaska’s Fragile Food Systems

In her guest column in Juneau Empire, commercial fisherman Linda Behnken conveys the challenges Alaska’s fishing communities are facing, including the loss of local fish processors and fishing access, which have driven families away and weakened local economies.

Behnken advocates for the Domestic Seafood Production Act (DSPA), a $90 million federal bill to bolster local seafood infrastructure, secure fishing livelihoods, and prevent harmful offshore aquaculture. By keeping seafood processing local, DSPA could strengthen food security and help small-scale fishermen thrive, rebuilding resilient fishing communities across Alaska and beyond.

Read the full guest column here!