Protect Alaska fisheries: Fund NOAA's essential research, monitoring.

The proposed federal budget cuts to NOAA present a grave threat to Alaska's fishing industry, risking the sustainability, safety, and economic stability of this vital sector. These cuts would undermine the scientific research and data collection that fishermen rely on to make informed decisions about harvests, monitor shifting fish populations, and ensure sustainable management practices. Without NOAA's climate research and environmental monitoring programs, Alaska's fisheries will be left vulnerable to stock collapses, overfishing, and missed opportunities due to a lack of crucial data on ocean conditions, temperature changes, and marine weather patterns. This jeopardizes both the long-term health of our marine ecosystems and the livelihoods of coastal communities that depend on stable, productive fisheries. Moreover, cuts to NOAA's forecasting services could lead to less reliable information on wind, waves, and storms, putting vessels and crews at greater risk when navigating Alaska's waters. The potential loss of scientific expertise within NOAA Fisheries would be a devastating blow, as rebuilding this knowledge base could take decades. Alaska's fishing industry has long relied on a careful balance between sustainable harvests and ecosystem protection, guided by sound science and stakeholder input. Dismantling NOAA's research capabilities would disrupt this equilibrium, leaving the industry to operate in a climate of uncertainty without the data-driven tools it needs to adapt and thrive. To safeguard the future of Alaska's fishing industry and coastal communities, these proposed budget cuts must be prevented. Robust federal funding for NOAA's climate research, environmental monitoring, and forecasting services is essential to maintaining the sustainability, safety, and economic vitality of Alaska's fisheries. Decisive action is needed to ensure the continued availability of the scientific data and expertise that underpin responsible fisheries management in our state.