It is probably not politically correct to say, but obviously this is a regional issue, because there is no one here from outside of our region.
Ted Stevens
The Public Record
Ted Stevens was a prominent U.S. Senator from Alaska, serving from 1968 to 2009. A member of the Republican Party, he was known for his influential role in shaping federal policies related to aviation, telecommunications, and infrastructure. Stevens was a key advocate for modernizing the air traffic control system, emphasizing the need for quick action to prevent aviation gridlock. His tenure was marked by significant contributions to Alaska's development and federal funding for various projects in the state. Stevens was the longest-serving senator in Alaska's history and held several leadership positions, including Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman.
This is not a business without great financial risk, and I am worried about what happens to processors under this proposal.
I do believe most of the boats you are talking about are home-ported in Kodiak, and they certainly could bring back their last catch without any problem.
If you think that, for 1 minute, that a processor can demand that they get part of the 10 percent in exchange for an agreement to buy part of the 90 percent, you have got yourself an antitrust case right there.
But we envision that this thing will operate similar to the AFA, that there are so many advantages to the fishermen joining coops.
Ms. Freed, why is not there an avenue for Kodiak to increase its shore-side processing by purchasing some of the shares of the catcher-processors?
We never have. We have never done that before, because we created the Council with the idea that regional management was better than management from Washington.
It does seem, however, that when we pass this bill, if we do, we have established a new paradigm for the king crab as far as the Council's authority for the future.