AK HJR36

Urges the United States Congress to pass S. 3429, the Alaska Salmon Research Task Force Act, introduced by Senators Dan Sullivan and Lisa Murkowski.

Alaska accounts for over 90 percent of U.S. commercial salmon catch and 11 percent of the world's commercial salmon harvest, with salmon fisheries accounting for 75 percent of state fishery disaster declarations from 2018 to 2021.

The proposed Alaska Salmon Research Task Force would establish working groups focused on specific regions or fish stocks, including a dedicated group for Arctic, Yukon, and Kuskokwim salmon returns.

The task force aims to characterize Pacific salmon productivity and abundance trends, identify research needs, and establish a coordinated statewide salmon research strategy.

Approximately 95 percent of Alaska's food is imported, making sustainable salmon fishing crucial to food security and a deeply ingrained cultural tradition for Alaska residents.