Mark Begich

I would say that if they have the capacity to do labeling on our wild stock, they should spend time on that then rather than 'Frankenfish.'

This landmark legislation was originally sponsored by several great friends of Alaska--Senator Magnuson, our own Senator Ted Stevens, and Senator Inouye--and co-sponsored by several Republican and Democratic members of the Committee.

The vessel discharge regulations are extremely impactful, not just to Alaska but to commercial fishing vessels across the country

This is not a commercial fishing issue. This is a commercial, rec and subsistence fishing issue.

We don't mind you talking about climate change here. OK? We don't have our heads in the sand here.

We are making progress toward ecosystem-based management that ensures sustainable fisheries into the future.

I give a lot of credit to the Pollock fishermen that they're doing this on a voluntary basis.

Can you imagine if we had a complementary type of legislation that had all those great things that the farmers get that we could get?

Their requirement to be able to collect and datalog rainwater that is washing off the deck of your vessel is, quite frankly, silly

There's no question that we talk about this issue.

Assuming that timelines are met.

You are very good by getting to that answer before the question was asked.

As we move forward on MSA reauthorization, we have to also be aware that there is funding needs.

We must move forward in a thoughtful and disciplined way to ensure our Nation's fisheries are able to meet the needs of both current and future generations.

This hearing marks the fourth in a series of hearings we are holding on the Reauthorization of the Magnuson-Stevens Fisheries Conservation and Management Act.

The Magnuson-Stevens Act, or MSA, named after two forward-thinking members of this committee provides the architectural framework for the conservation and management of the Nation's fisheries.

Many now argue that finfish and shellfish caught under a Federal fisheries management plan are by definition sustainably caught.

Fishing is an important part of our industry in this country in the sense of industry and what we can do.

I am telling you, climate change is occurring.

The effects of extreme weather and existing challenges facing our communities... are impacting our economy on many different levels.

We can do something now, or we can wait until something bad happens.

Many of these villages have experienced incredible extreme weather, 30-plus villages at risk of literally falling into the ocean or disappearing totally.

Alaska truly is on the front lines in terms of changing climate.

The risk is greater. Patterns are changing.

But it is good for us to be reminded of how far we still have to go when it comes to justice systems in Alaska.