Alaska’s fishing industry sounds alarm over proposed NOAA cuts
The commercial fishing industry relies on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for everything from marine weather forecasts to fisheries data. But NOAA, which lost hundreds of employees in February when the Trump administration fired probationary staff, is in the administration’s crosshairs again, according to a preliminary budget proposal from the White House Office of Management and Budget. The budget calls for slashing NOAA’s funding by more than 27% for fiscal year 2026. It also restructures the agency’s fisheries division, shifting key responsibilities to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Frank Kelty, a fisheries consultant and former Unalaska mayor, said big changes like these could have major consequences for commercial fishing in Alaska. “What are we going to do if we don’t have weather information?” he asked. “People are going to go out and get sunk.” more, >>CLICK TO READ<< 11:36
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