Noting the success of the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI), U.S. Sen. Mark Begich is introducing legislation to create a national seafood marketing and development effort to increase value and create jobs in the seafood industry. The proposal was drafted by a nationwide coalition and is supported by 75 fishing groups and others from the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, the Great Lakes and the Gulf of Mexico. The legislation is being finalized and will be introduced when the Senate reconvenes next month.
“Alaska fishermen have long benefitted from ASMI’s work on market research and promotion of our quality seafood products both at home and abroad,” Begich said. “Other regions have similar efforts but this is a good time to step up these efforts with a national program to improve seafood quality and new product development, conduct market research and better promote and respond when challenges like natural disasters affect to the industry. A national marketing and development program could help boost seafood sales and mean more jobs and stronger economies for our coastal communities.”
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