AK HCR8

Expresses strong legislative support for the Kodiak Seafood and Marine Science Center (formerly the Fishery Industrial Technology Center) and urges the University of Alaska to maintain its operations as a stable resource.

Establishes that Alaska's seafood industry employs 60,000 workers annually with $1.6 billion in annual earnings and generated $1.9 billion in harvest value and $4.2 billion in first wholesale value in 2014.

Notes the center was established in 1981 through statute to provide training, research, and technical assistance to the state's fishing industry and serves over 70 seafood businesses, tribes, and communities annually.

Specifies the center operates in the Alfred Owen Building (constructed in 1991 with $10.8 million from Exxon Valdez Oil Spill settlement funds) which contains 20,000 square feet, five laboratories, and a 5,000 square-foot pilot plant.

Urges the University of Alaska to partner with industry, stakeholders, and the Kodiak community to develop creative solutions for keeping the center operating and financially stable.