Here's an update on our recent report that the State Department might stop granting foreign students J-1 visas to work in U.S. seafood processing plants.
As you'll recall, U.S. Sen. Mark Begich, D-Alaska, was telling Secretary of State Hillary Clinton this would be a bad move, that Alaska's seafood industry heavily depends on these student workers.
Now, Sen. Lisa Murkowski and Rep. Don Young, both Republicans, have joined Begich on an objection to the Obama administration.
Looking back a few months, Deckboss wonders about the role this Begich letter might have played in precipitating this looming labor crisis for the 2012 salmon season.
Begich suggested the J-1 program might need "modification," noting foreign students had come to work in Kodiak, Kenai and elsewhere without appropriate housing or transportation, and that their employment had cost local resident workers overtime pay.
Some locals even had to resort to a food bank due to the loss of income, Begich wrote.
"Especially when it comes to placing students in smaller communities, we need to assure there is accountability and we are not over-burdening the local area with additional workers competing for jobs," the letter said.
Showing posts with label Begich. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Begich. Show all posts
Labor crisis looms for Alaska processors
U.S. Sen. Mark Begich, D-Alaska, recently sent two letters to the Obama administration objecting to possible changes that could shut off a major source of workers for the state's seafood processing industry.
At issue is the Summer Work Travel Program, which allows foreign college students to come to the United States on a J-1 visa to work and travel during their summer vacation. The U.S. Department of State oversees the program.
Begich worries the State Department, now considering possible reforms to address worker exploitation complaints and other issues, is about to exclude manufacturing and packing facilities from the program, including fish processors.
That would deny Alaska processors thousands of workers, right on the brink of the summer salmon season, Begich says.
One of his letters is to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who might have a sympathetic ear on this issue. After graduating from college, she worked the slime line in a Valdez cannery.
At issue is the Summer Work Travel Program, which allows foreign college students to come to the United States on a J-1 visa to work and travel during their summer vacation. The U.S. Department of State oversees the program.
Begich worries the State Department, now considering possible reforms to address worker exploitation complaints and other issues, is about to exclude manufacturing and packing facilities from the program, including fish processors.
That would deny Alaska processors thousands of workers, right on the brink of the summer salmon season, Begich says.
One of his letters is to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who might have a sympathetic ear on this issue. After graduating from college, she worked the slime line in a Valdez cannery.
More from Begich on halibut catch sharing plan
Here's an interesting letter from Sen. Mark Begich, D-Alaska, to Jane Lubchenco, NOAA administrator.
What, trust those Canadians?
Sens. Maria Cantwell, Lisa Murkowski and Mark Begich want U.S. testing of British Columbia salmon reportedly infected with the ISA virus. Here's the press release.
Use 'pirate' for gunnery practice, Begich says
Two crewmen from the seized fishing vessel Bangun Perkasa arrive in Dutch Harbor. They were transported aboard the Alaska State Troopers enforcement vessel Stimson. Troopers gave no explanation for the crewmen's odd attire: white coveralls, hairnets and facemasks. James Mason photo"Now that this pirate ship is in custody I have one recommendation: the Coast Guard should sink the Bangun Perkasa."
That's the word from U.S. Sen. Mark Begich, an Alaska Democrat and chair of the Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries and Coast Guard.
Here is Begich's letter to Coast Guard Commandant Robert J. Papp.
NMFS, Begich address halibut catch sharing plan
Here's a press release from the National Marine Fisheries Service regarding its current stance on the halibut catch sharing plan.
And here's a statement from U.S. Sen. Mark Begich, D-Alaska, questioning the plan's fairness.
And here's a statement from U.S. Sen. Mark Begich, D-Alaska, questioning the plan's fairness.
Alaska senators push for Arctic fishing ban
Here's a letter from Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Mark Begich urging Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to work toward an international fishing ban in the central Arctic Ocean.
The letter notes the loss of ice and the possibility of exploratory or unregulated fisheries popping up in the Arctic high seas.
Further, it says we "have been here before" when a similar situation developed in the Bering Sea some decades ago.
Definitely worth reading.
The letter notes the loss of ice and the possibility of exploratory or unregulated fisheries popping up in the Arctic high seas.
Further, it says we "have been here before" when a similar situation developed in the Bering Sea some decades ago.
Definitely worth reading.
Don't spend on 'ocean zoning,' Begich says
Here's an interesting letter from Sen. Mark Begich, D-Alaska.
Begich to Obama: Protect our seafood industry
Here's a letter U.S. Sen. Mark Begich, D-Alaska, sent today to President Obama requesting certain federal assistance in light of Japan's earthquake, tsunami and nuclear crisis.
Sen. Begich headlines Kodiak ComFish show
U.S. Sen. Mark Begich, D-Alaska, will be the "featured guest" at ComFish Alaska, Kodiak's annual commercial fishing trade show.
The show runs April 14-16 at the new Kodiak Harbor Convention Center downtown.
Begich will hold an open forum from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. April 16.
He is chairman of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries and Coast Guard, a panel of high importance to Alaska.
Kodiak, of course, is one of the nation's top commercial fishing ports, and the trade show is in its 32nd year.
The show features not only dozens of vendors, but quite a lineup of fishery policy forums.
All the forums, including the senator's, will be held at the Best Western Kodiak Inn, near the convention center.
The show runs April 14-16 at the new Kodiak Harbor Convention Center downtown.
Begich will hold an open forum from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. April 16.
He is chairman of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries and Coast Guard, a panel of high importance to Alaska.
Kodiak, of course, is one of the nation's top commercial fishing ports, and the trade show is in its 32nd year.
The show features not only dozens of vendors, but quite a lineup of fishery policy forums.
All the forums, including the senator's, will be held at the Best Western Kodiak Inn, near the convention center.
Bills aim to protect fishing permits from creditors
Below is a joint press release from Alaska's congressional delegation.
The legislation was filed as S. 608 in the Senate and H.R. 1210 in the House.
March 18, 2011
Alaska delegation introduces Maritime Lien Reform Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Alaska delegation on Thursday introduced the Maritime Lien Reform Act of 2011.
The legislation would protect fishermen who hold Alaska commercial fishing permits.
The legislation also would prohibit maritime liens from being imposed on permits and protect the right of fishermen to continue to earn a livelihood by engaging in commercial fishing. Similar legislation was introduced in 2006 and 2008 but neither bill became law.
"The legislation is imperative to protect all fishermen's ability to continue to make a living and provide income for their families and to meet their debts," Sen. Lisa Murkowski said. "It will keep fishermen on the water employed with the one asset in which they can keep earning a living and address their creditors."
"Commercial fishing is the backbone of the economy in Alaska's coastal communities and an individual's fishing permit needs to be protected," Sen. Mark Begich said. "This bill will prevent fishermen from having a lien slapped on their ability to fish, and allow them to work through problems they may have. It will help keep permits in local communities and keep fishermen working."
"Commercial fishing is one of the largest industries in our state and a valuable commodity not only to Alaska but to the country," Rep. Don Young said. "This bill protects fishermen's ability to make a profit and pay off their debts without taking away their prime source of income. Debts cannot be paid off if there are no earnings, so this legislation is a win-win for fishermen, creditors and Alaska."
Alaska law already prohibits liens on Alaska limited entry permits, but a court decision threw that into doubt by determining that a fishing license was subject to a maritime lien under federal admiralty law. The decision has become the rationale for attempts to take Alaska fishing permits in federal bankruptcy court and the legislation is the best way to protect these permits and fishermen.
The legislation would not only benefit Alaskan residents. There are over 13,000 individuals who hold Alaska commercial entry permits. While approximately 75 percent of the permits are held by Alaska residents, permit holders live in all 50 states.
The legislation was filed as S. 608 in the Senate and H.R. 1210 in the House.
March 18, 2011
Alaska delegation introduces Maritime Lien Reform Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Alaska delegation on Thursday introduced the Maritime Lien Reform Act of 2011.
The legislation would protect fishermen who hold Alaska commercial fishing permits.
The legislation also would prohibit maritime liens from being imposed on permits and protect the right of fishermen to continue to earn a livelihood by engaging in commercial fishing. Similar legislation was introduced in 2006 and 2008 but neither bill became law.
"The legislation is imperative to protect all fishermen's ability to continue to make a living and provide income for their families and to meet their debts," Sen. Lisa Murkowski said. "It will keep fishermen on the water employed with the one asset in which they can keep earning a living and address their creditors."
"Commercial fishing is the backbone of the economy in Alaska's coastal communities and an individual's fishing permit needs to be protected," Sen. Mark Begich said. "This bill will prevent fishermen from having a lien slapped on their ability to fish, and allow them to work through problems they may have. It will help keep permits in local communities and keep fishermen working."
"Commercial fishing is one of the largest industries in our state and a valuable commodity not only to Alaska but to the country," Rep. Don Young said. "This bill protects fishermen's ability to make a profit and pay off their debts without taking away their prime source of income. Debts cannot be paid off if there are no earnings, so this legislation is a win-win for fishermen, creditors and Alaska."
Alaska law already prohibits liens on Alaska limited entry permits, but a court decision threw that into doubt by determining that a fishing license was subject to a maritime lien under federal admiralty law. The decision has become the rationale for attempts to take Alaska fishing permits in federal bankruptcy court and the legislation is the best way to protect these permits and fishermen.
The legislation would not only benefit Alaskan residents. There are over 13,000 individuals who hold Alaska commercial entry permits. While approximately 75 percent of the permits are held by Alaska residents, permit holders live in all 50 states.
Begich: I got fish
Here's some news from U.S. Sen. Mark Begich, D-Alaska:
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.
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.
Alaska delegation again tries to ban hybrid salmon
Alaska's senators, Democrat Mark Begich and Republican Lisa Murkowski, reintroduced legislation to ban genetically engineered salmon, or what they call "Frankenfish."
Here's a joint press release from the senators.
Here's a joint press release from the senators.
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