(JUNEAU) - The Legislature has expressed its unanimous support for fisheries education, training and research as recommended by the Joint Legislative Salmon Industry Task Force.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 19, sponsored by Sen. Gary Stevens (R-Kodiak) and the Joint Legislative Salmon Industry Task Force, unanimously passed both bodies of the Legislature, the Senate in March and the House Tuesday. SCR 19 is the first of the task force bills to pass the Legislature this session and is consistent with the Legislature's emphasis on education.

"I am thrilled to see such strong support for fisheries education from both the seafood industry and the Legislature," Stevens said.

The resolution supports the recommendation from the Task Force to support and promote fisheries education, training, and research as a long-term solution for the fishing and seafood industry in Alaska. SCR 19 recommends the development of fisheries' education programs through the University of Alaska and other vocational and technical education providers in Alaska.

Currently, seafood business degrees are not offered in Alaska or any other educational institution in the United States. Many fishermen are seeking retraining opportunities within the seafood industry that will allow them to remain in a role other than harvesting.

"Broad fisheries education programs can provide an expanded future for the participants in Alaska's seafood industry and will enable young people to enter the profession with increased understanding," said Stevens.

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