Feb. 17, 2011
Begich named chairman of Oceans Subcommittee
With fisheries one of the Alaska's leading industries, U.S. Sen. Mark Begich today was named to chair the Senate panel with prime jurisdiction over that industry and other ocean and coastal issues.
Begich was named chairman of the Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries and Coast Guard, a subcommittee of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee. The subcommittee is responsible for legislation and oversight of matters that impact our oceans, coasts and climate, including: coastal zone management; marine fisheries and marine mammals; oceans, weather and atmospheric activities; marine and ocean navigation; ocean policy and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
The subcommittee also is responsible for overseeing the U.S. Coast Guard.
"With Alaska fisheries such a vital part of the state's economy, producing over half the seafood landed in the nation, this is a key assignment for Alaska," Begich said. "Management of these fisheries as well as protection of the oceans and the Coast Guard's work on fisheries enforcement and search and rescue are also critical functions for our state."
The importance of NOAA's weather service functions for safe air travel and marine activities add to the value of chairing the subcommittee, Begich added.