SC Alaska News

U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and Tim Kaine of Virginia have introduced new legislation aimed at supporting the commercial fishing industry. The Save Our Seafood (SOS) Act seeks to exempt fish processors from the H-2B visa caps, thereby helping the seafood industry meet its workforce demands.

Senator Murkowski emphasized the importance of the seafood industry in Alaska, stating, “Alaska’s seafood industry is a delicate chain – and when processors don’t have the workforce to meet demand, the whole industry can fall apart.” She highlighted the need for dependable operations to process and deliver seafood.

Senator Kaine noted the significance of the seafood industry to Virginia's economy, particularly in regions like Hampton Roads and the Eastern Shore. He explained, “I often hear from Virginia’s seafood processors about how hard it is to find seasonal workers, so I’m glad to introduce this bipartisan legislation with my colleagues to make it easier for these businesses to hire the workers they need.”

Virginia Senator Mark Warner echoed this sentiment: “Virginia’s seafood industry relies on seasonal, H2-B workers to help meet demand during peak season. Without this workforce, many of Virginia’s seafood processors would simply have to close up shop.”

Louisiana's Dr. Cassidy remarked on the economic benefits of job creation in the seafood industry, while Maryland's Chris Van Hollen referenced the critical role of Maryland’s seafood businesses as economic drivers.

Senator Alsobrooks expressed Maryland's cultural connection to seafood, stating, "There's nothing more Maryland than crabs." Meanwhile, Julie Decker of the Pacific Seafood Processors Association recognized Senator Murkowski’s leadership, indicating the act would help meet workforce needs in Alaska’s seafood sector.

United Work and Travel President Kasey Simon highlighted the stability the legislation would provide for America's wild-harvest seafood industry and other sectors supported by labor from the H2B program. LaborMex's Brian Gannon also commended the proposed law's impact, noting its role in strengthening US food supply security.

According to Ben Bale of Ocean Companies and Jack Brooks from the Chesapeake Bay Seafood Industries Association, the legislative proposal promises a more stable and efficient workforce planning through the H-2B program, essential for maintaining community and economic stability.

The background indicates that the H-2B visa program currently facilitates the temporary hiring of non-immigrant laborers for non-agricultural work not fillable by American workers. The program's significance is further underscored by challenges faced from international overharvesting and the urgent need for processing capacity to handle seafood harvests. The bill is supported by several other U.S. senators, indicating bipartisan backing.

The Save Our Seafood Act is cosponsored by Senators Angela Alsobrooks, Dr. Bill Cassidy, John Kennedy, Thom Tillis, Chris Van Hollen, and Mark Warner.