Russia will not be able sell products from the sea in U.S. markets after processing products in other countries, as per an executive order that President Joe Biden signed earlier Friday to end the loophole.
The reason is that it was announced that the Federal Government prohibited direct seafood imports from Russia last year.
Alaska lawmakers, specifically those from fishing communities such as Kodiak and Homer celebrated the news.
“I’m happy that it appears to be getting resolved,” state Senate President Gary Stevens said. “It simply has an effect on everyone in Kodiak including processors and fishermen, and also the employees and the plant and everything else. It’ll create an even field in which everyone can be fairly dealt with.”
Fisheries are in a bind throughout the year. processors and executives as well have been blaming Russia for flooding the markets with its fish as an important reason for the lower prices for Alaska fishermen.
The first ban of Russian seafood was put in place following the country was invaded by Ukraine. Although Russian seafood processors aren’t able directly export their seafood products directly to United States since then, they have managed to get around the restrictions by having their the fish processed or “significantly altered” elsewhere, such as China.
U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan said he’d been working to close the loophole since the first ban on Russian seafood.
“It’s a long-overdue victory in the interest of Alaskan fishers, American fishermen for sustainable, environmentally responsible fishing, as well as the many coastal communities of Alaska that help support our fleet of fishing vessels,” Sullivan said.
Closing the loophole would provide a vast market for seafood producers from the United States to supply the market and hopes it will raise costs for Alaska fishers, Sullivan said.
“We have a lot of fish here in Alaska which can supply all of the products you’ll require,” he said.
Sullivan was also proud of Alaska’s environmental standards and reputation for workers in comparison to Russian or Chinese counterparts.
Beginning on Friday, Sullivan stated that there will be no new contracts made to purchase Russian products from countries other than Russia. Existing contracts must be completed or surrendered within 30 days. stated.
