FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 09/06/2023

ANCHORAGE — Mark Begich recently received a rare endorsement from the Purse Seine Vessel Owners Association (PSVOA) for reelection to the U.S. Senate.

Bob Kehoe, the Executive Director of PSVOA had this to say of Mark Begich, “Commercial fishing issues are complex and it is rare that an elected official will learn the details and take informed action based on that understanding. Senator Begich has a deep interest in the commercial fishery and its importance in maintaining sustainable coastal communities. He’s demonstrated an ability to thread together common-sense actions addressing fishing issues.”

In a recent interview with KDLG in Dillingham regarding the PSVOA endorsement Bob Kehoe elaborated on the Association’s support,

“Given Senator Begich’s track record, position on important committees, support, and real interest and value in the commercial fishing industry, we thought it was important to come out and support him…he was one of the main sponsors on a very important piece of legislation concerning exempting commercial fishing vessels from Clean Water Act requirements, I mean that is a huge issue. He has helped in getting some temporary extensions in place and took the bull by the horns and went out and was a prime sponsor and got a lot of key senators to join him. On Pebble Mine, he came out and publicly said that Pebble Mine was not a good idea for the Alaska fishing industry. Not many politicians have come out and said that in Alaska.”

As chairman of the U.S. Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Oceans, which has jurisdiction over federal fisheries management, Mark Begich is proud to play a leading role in reauthorization of the Magnuson-Stevens Act which will help protect and strengthen Alaska’s fishing industry.

PSVOA, established in 1936, represents seafood harvesters in Alaska and along the West Coast. Although salmon is their dominant concern, many members operate in multiple fisheries including crab, cod and halibut. PSVOA promotes policies supporting the economic viability of its members and of their communities.

The PSVOA endorsement can be found below.

Purse Seine Vessel Owners Endorse Mark Begich

The Purse Seine Vessel Owners Association (PSVOA) announces their endorsement of Senator Mark Begich for re-election to the United States Senate.

“Senator Begich’s record of service to the commercial fishing industry and fishing-dependent coastal communities in Alaska provides more than enough justification to send him back for a second term.

With this endorsement, PSVOA recognizes Senator Begich’s efforts to look out for Alaska’s fishing businesses and coastal communities”, said Bob Kehoe, Executive Director.

“Commercial fishing issues are complex”, Kehoe said, “and it is rare that an elected official will learn the details and take informed action based on that understanding. Senator Begich has a deep interest in the commercial fishery and its importance in maintaining sustainable coastal communities. He’s demonstrated an ability to thread together common-sense actions addressing fishing issues.”

PSVOA appreciates Senator Begich’s important position as chairman of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries and Coast Guard as well as his role on the Appropriations Committee. Senator Begich addresses head-on the challenges facing the seafood industry. Senator Begich has been an advocate for fishermen throughout his years in the Senate; tackling issues of great importance to Alaska seine fishermen. “PSVOA notes Senator Begich’s impressive rise in stature in the U.S. Senate. He has shown a constant dedication to helping Alaska’s fishing families and businesses and the thousands of people that are employed by the seafood industry,” said Kehoe. For that reason, PSVOA is pleased to offer their hearty endorsement for Senator Begich’s in his re-election campaign.

PSVOA, established in 1936, represents seafood harvesters in Alaska and along the West Coast. Although salmon in their dominant concern, many members operate in multiple fisheries including crab, cod and halibut. PSVOA promotes policies supporting the economic viability of its members and of their communities.

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