Despite Mary Peltola’s endless videos, signs and sloganeering aimed at winning favor with Alaska’s fishermen, they have sided with incumbent U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan.

On April 17, Sullivan’s campaign announced that he had picked up the endorsement of the United Fishermen of Alaska (UFA), the premier statewide organization that represents Alaska commercial fishing. The group includes dozens of member organizations that represent the economic backbone of fishing communities across Alaska.

While Democrat Peltola often touts her subsistence fishing background, Sullivan’s camp claims the latest endorsement shows he is the candidate with “proven leadership and consistent results for Alaska’s fishermen, the ecological health of our fisheries and coastal communities, and the state’s world-class fisheries.

UFA is a statewide organization representing 36 commercial fishing associations and hundreds of independent commercial fishermen from fisheries throughout the state and its offshore federal waters. UFA officially made this endorsement at its annual Spring meeting in February.

“UFA’s endorsement of Senator Sullivan is a result of his demonstrated leadership and effectiveness in advancing the interests of Alaska’s fisheries and fishermen across the state,” said UFA President Matt Alward. “Time and time again, Dan Sullivan has stood up for Alaska fishermen and coastal communities. We look forward to working with the Senator to further address issues of importance to our members and the communities in which they live and work.”

Sullivan’s campaign noted that he authored and passed the bipartisan Save Our Seas Act, the most comprehensive ocean cleanup legislation ever enacted by Congress, helping combat marine debris that threatens Alaska’s fisheries and marine ecosystems. He also spearheaded the Alaska Salmon Research Task Force Act, bringing together scientists, stakeholders, and policymakers to better understand declining salmon runs, identify critical data gaps, and support sustainable fisheries management for future generations.

“Alaska’s fishermen are the backbone of our coastal communities and a cornerstone of our economy,” Sullivan stated after picking up the fishermen’s endorsement. “I’m honored to have the support of the United Fishermen of Alaska, which represents a broad cross section of Alaska fishermen in coastal communities – and will continue fighting every day to strengthen opportunities for our fishermen and the numerous Alaska communities who support them, and ensure the next generation of Alaskans can continue this proud way of life.”

In 2018, UFA recognized Sullivan for his successful efforts in holding the Canadian government accountable for transboundary mines that pollute Alaska’s waters and threaten fisheries.

“He has worked with the Alaska delegation to combat illegal fishing, fought to ensure that illegally caught seafood does not enter the U.S. market, and played a critical role in developing a provision that reduces the cost of a new fishing vessel,” the group noted in its latest endorsement. “Most recently, Senator Sullivan fought to secure a provision in the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (or CARES) Act providing $300 million in relief funding for fisheries impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Alaskans will vote on the senatorial contest this coming November.

Click here to support the Alaska Watchman.