The Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association (ALFA) is getting a $514,000 appropriations award from Senator Lisa Murkowski. With this funding from the Department of Energy, ALFA aims to start decarbonising Alaska’s seafood industry while exploring potential energy synergies with other marine transportation and shipping sectors.
‘We are immensely grateful to Senator Murkowski for her visionary leadership and steadfast support of the seafood sector and clean energy,’ said ALFA executive director Linda Behnken.
‘This funding will allow us to lower fuel costs for our fleet and processing sector, reduce our industry’s carbon footprint, and identify long-term renewable energy solutions for our fishing communities. Senator Murkowski’s investment underscores her commitment to driving positive change and creating a more sustainable future for Alaska’s fishermen and coastal communities.’
The funding from Senator Murkowski will allow ALFA to identify immediately implementable decarbonisation strategies while also creating clear pathways to next generation fuels, the infrastructure to support adoption, and the funding opportunities to support uptake. The project will focus on decarbonization strategies for Southeast Alaska fishing communities, but with a larger goal of creating a transportable model for other Alaska regions. ALFA’s goal is to increase the profitability of Alaska’s fishing fleet while also increasing the health and resilience of Alaska’s fisheries and ocean.
By creating pathways to introduce energy efficiency, alternative fuels, and distribute renewable energy into ports and vessels that comprise Southeast Alaska’s seafood industry, the project will also create opportunities for entrepreneurs in energy related fields such as engine suppliers and mechanics, marine engineers, HVAC installers, clean fuels engineers, and clean energy consultants.
‘Many Alaskans work hard to support sustainability in our fisheries through harvest management, gear innovations, and responsible fishing practices,’ said Chandler Kemp, Assistant Professor of Sustainable Energy at the University of Alaska and Owner of Kempy Energetics. ‘This investment positions Alaska to become a leader in minimizing emissions from our fisheries as well.’
‘Fishermen are innovative and resourceful,’ Linda Behnken added.
‘This investment will empower our fishermen to play a lead role in tackling the challenges of climate change and rising operating costs. By collaborating with industry stakeholders and local communities, we will drive meaningful change and establish Alaska as a global leader in sustainable seafood production.’
