September 18, 2024 — From its rich history to its vibrant ecosystem and deep cultural identity, Alaska has always fascinated me. As a native Icelander, the communities and natural resources of Alaska have wowed me since my first visit. It’s profound beauty greatly reminds me of my home country.
From my work and travels in Alaska for more than two decades, one aspect is clear — the seafood industry is critical. With nearly 10% of the state’s population working in seafood and the industry generating more than $5 billion per year — this industry is the lifeblood of Alaska.
However, the Alaska seafood industry faces many challenges, including the impact of global climate change. Some of these obstacles are nearly impossible to overcome but one of them is solvable: stopping the Russian misinformation machine and the illegal flow of Russian seafood, while protecting America’s food supply.