Hearings to examine the blue economy, focusing on advancing American fisheries, maritime strength, and coastal economies.

1[Senate Hearing 119-512]2[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]34                                                        S. Hrg. 119-51256                           THE BLUE ECONOMY:7 ADVANCING AMERICAN FISHERIES, MARITIME STRENGTH, AND COASTAL ECONOMIES89=======================================================================1011                                HEARING1213                               before the1415                SUBCOMMITTEE ON COAST GUARD, MARITIME,16                             AND FISHERIES1718                                 of the1920                         COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE,21                      SCIENCE, AND TRANSPORTATION22                          UNITED STATES SENATE2324                    ONE HUNDRED NINETEENTH CONGRESS2526                             SECOND SESSION2728                               __________2930                              JUNE 2, 20263132                               __________3334    Printed for the use of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and35                             Transportation3637    [GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]3839                Available online: http://www.govinfo.gov40                                   _______4142                 U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE434464-450 PDF                   WASHINGTON : 20264546       SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, SCIENCE, AND TRANSPORTATION4748                    ONE HUNDRED NINETEENTH CONGRESS4950                             SECOND SESSION5152                       TED CRUZ, Texas, Chairman53JOHN THUNE, South Dakota             MARIA CANTWELL, Washington,54ROGER WICKER, Mississippi                Ranking55DEB FISCHER, Nebraska                AMY KLOBUCHAR, Minnesota56JERRY MORAN, Kansas                  BRIAN SCHATZ, Hawaii57DAN SULLIVAN, Alaska                 EDWARD MARKEY, Massachusetts58MARSHA BLACKBURN, Tennessee          GARY PETERS, Michigan59TODD YOUNG, Indiana                  TAMMY BALDWIN, Wisconsin60TED BUDD, North Carolina             TAMMY DUCKWORTH, Illinois61ERIC SCHMITT, Missouri               JACKY ROSEN, Nevada62JOHN CURTIS, Utah                    BEN RAY LUJAN, New Mexico63BERNIE MORENO, Ohio                  JOHN HICKENLOOPER, Colorado64TIM SHEEHY, Montana                  JOHN FETTERMAN, Pennsylvania65SHELLEY MOORE CAPITO, West Virginia  ANDY KIM, New Jersey66CYNTHIA LUMMIS, Wyoming              LISA BLUNT ROCHESTER, Delaware67                 Brad Grantz, Republican Staff Director68           Nicole Christus, Republican Deputy Staff Director69                   Lila Harper Helms, Staff Director70                 Melissa Porter, Deputy Staff Director71                                 ------7273          SUBCOMMITTEE ON COAST GUARD, MARITIME, AND FISHERIES7475DAN SULLIVAN, Alaska, Chairman       LISA BLUNT ROCHESTER, Delaware,76ROGER WICKER, Mississippi                Ranking77JOHN CURTIS, Utah                    BRIAN SCHATZ, Hawaii78BERNIE MORENO, Ohio                  GARY PETERS, Michigan79TIM SHEEHY, Montana                  TAMMY BALDWIN, Wisconsin8081                            C O N T E N T S8283                              ----------84                                                                   Page85Hearing held on June 2, 2026.....................................     186Statement of Senator Sullivan....................................     187Statement of Senator Blunt Rochester.............................     388Statement of Senator Wicker......................................     589Statement of Senator Cantwell....................................    3090    Prepared statement...........................................    319192                               Witnesses9394Tommy Sheridan, Director, Alaska Blue Economy Center (ABEC),95  University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF)...........................     596    Prepared statement...........................................     797Jeremy Woodrow, Executive Director, Alaska Seafood Marketing98  Institute......................................................    1299    Prepared statement...........................................    13100Nathan Wardwell, Managing Partner, JOA Surveys LLC...............    16101    Prepared statement...........................................    18102Clayton Heil, Vice President, Global Government Relations,103  Crowley........................................................    19104    Prepared statement...........................................    21105106                                Appendix107108Response to written questions submitted to Tommy Sheridan by:109    Hon. Roger Wicker............................................    41110    Hon. Lisa Blunt Rochester....................................    43111Response to written questions submitted to Nathan Wardwell by:112    Hon. Lisa Blunt Rochester....................................    45113Response to written questions submitted to Clay Heil by:114    Hon. Lisa Blunt Rochester....................................    46115116                      THE BLUE ECONOMY: ADVANCING117                      AMERICAN FISHERIES, MARITIME118                    STRENGTH, AND COASTAL ECONOMIES119120                              ----------121122                         TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 2026123124                               U.S. Senate,125        Subcommittee on Coast Guard, Maritime, and126                                         Fisheries,127        Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,128                                                    Washington, DC.129    The Subcommittee met, pursuant to notice, at 10:08 p.m., in130room SR-253, Russell Senate Office Building, Hon. Dan Sullivan,131Chairman of the Subcommittee, presiding.132    Present: Senators Sullivan [presiding], Wicker, Moreno,133Sheehy, Blunt Rochester, and Cantwell.134135            OPENING STATEMENT OF HON. DAN SULLIVAN,136                    U.S. SENATOR FROM ALASKA137138    Senator Sullivan. Good morning. I want to welcome our139distinguished witnesses. Apologize for my tardiness, but I140think at least three of you understand. I just got in from141Alaska last night, and you know what that's like. So welcome,142especially to the Alaskans.143    And this is a subcommittee hearing that examines the144importance of America's blue economy and the opportunities it145presents for economic growth, innovation, job creation, and146national security. The blue economy encompasses the industries,147activities, and of course, the communities that rely on our148oceans, coasts, Great Lakes to create economic opportunities,149support jobs, strengthen national security, and sustain coastal150communities, including the American fishermen.151    The blue economy is also central to America's economic152strength. In 2022, It generated more than $470 billion in goods153and services and supported 2.4 million jobs. It is one of the154fastest growing sectors in America, in our economy, and indeed155the world, encompassing commercial fisheries and seafood, sport156fisheries, subsistence fisheries, maritime transportation,157ports, tourism and recreation, and much more.158    For the United States, and especially for coastal states159like my state, the great state of Alaska, these industries and160community are not optional. They are essential. I always do a161little bit of bragging about the great state of Alaska here,162but when we talk about coastline, we have more coastline than163the rest of the country combined. I have a colleague from164Minnesota here who I respect a lot. She talks about her State165having 10,000 lakes. My state has 3 million lakes.166    America is a maritime Nation. Our economic success, food167security, supply chains, and national defense depend on safe,168healthy, and productive oceans. This hearing comes at a169critical time as our Nation races to strengthen our maritime170industries and secure our place in the global blue economy. But171so are other countries.172    The Federal Government is making significant investments173and taking important steps to ensure America remains174competitive and our coastal communities continue to thrive.175Seafood, and of course our fishermen and coastal communities,176remains one of the pillars of the blue economy.177    Alaska is the superpower of seafood, I like to say,178producing more than 60 percent--harvesting more than 60 percent179of all commercial sport and subsistence seafood in America and180providing roughly 10 billion meals of healthy protein--wild181Alaskan fish--each year. Our fisheries support thousands of182jobs, sustain coastal communities, and help feed both our183Nation and the world.184    President Trump's executive order on restoring American185seafood competitiveness recognizes an important reality:186seafood competitiveness is economic security and even national187security. At the same time, Illegal, Unreported, and188Unregulated fishing remains a major threat not just to global189fish stocks and fair competition, but to the economic and190national security of the United States.191    That is why my bipartisan Fighting Foreign Illegal Seafood192Harvests, or the FISH Act, which strengthens enforcement,193improves international coordination, and targets foreign bad194actors, particularly China, is so important to stop this195illegal fishing, what Senator Whitehouse calls pirate fishing.196We passed that in the Senate recently, and I believe it's going197to be passed in the House soon. That will be the most198comprehensive IUU fish legislation in the history of the199country.200    This builds on the bills Senator Whitehouse and I passed201the Save Our Seas Act, the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act, which were202the most comprehensive ocean cleanup legislation in American203history. And right now in this committee, we are working on my204comprehensive bycatch bill that we introduced last year. We are205hoping to mark that up. That will be the most comprehensive206bycatch legislation in American history. Healthy oceans are207both an environmental priority and an economic necessity, and a208national security issue. Tourism, charter fishing, wildlife209viewing, and countless small businesses depend on sustainable210fisheries and healthy marine ecosystems.211    Alaska is also seeing exciting innovation through our212growing mariculture industry, where kelp and shellfish growers213are creating new opportunities and jobs in coastal communities.214Science and data collection are foundational to the long-term215success of the American blue economy. Fishery surveys and stock216assessments support sustainable fisheries management, and that217is NOAA's key mission. And this committee reminds them of that218very regularly.219    Likewise, hydrographic services, including coastal mapping,220charting, and biometric surveys, are essential for safe221navigation, commerce, and maritime operations across every222sector of the American blue economy. Advancing our blue economy223also requires strengthening America's maritime transportation224network. Ports, marine highways, vessels, terminals, and225logistics systems are essential to moving goods, supporting226coastal states, maintaining resilient supply chains while227enhancing our national security.228    That is why the administration's Maritime Action Plan is so229important. Strengthening America's maritime transportation will230require long-term investment, workforce development, and strong231public-private partnerships that improve port capacity, modern232infrastructure, support domestic vessel operators, and ensure233reliable transportation networks for coastal communities within234and across states.235    Tourism is another driver of the American blue economy.236Visitors bring significant revenue directly to our local237communities, making it important that America remains238competitive as a global destination. That is why I introduced239the VISIT USA Act to fully fund Brand USA, the public-private240partnership responsible for promoting the United States as an241international travel destination.242    Ultimately, this all comes back to people. The blue economy243supports millions of Americans; fishermen, processors,244mariners, sport fishermen, welders, scientists, engineers,245military personnel, charter operators, tourism workers, and246small business owners across the United States. Yet workforce247shortages remain one of the great challenges across nearly248every sector.249    We are serious about advancing the blue economy. We must250invest in workforce development, training, apprenticeships, and251educational opportunities to prepare the next generation of252maritime professionals. The United States possesses some of the253richest ocean resources in the world, the best-managed254fisheries in the world. With the right investments, policies,255and partnerships, we can unlock the full potential of America's256blue economy while strengthening our economic and national257security and supporting coastal communities for generations to258come.259    I look forward to hearing from our witnesses today, many of260whom traveled far from the great state of Alaska like I did261last night, and to opportunities ahead, challenges they face,262and the policies needed to ensure a strong and prosperous263maritime future and blue economy for America.264    I now recognize the Ranking Member for any opening265statement she may have. Thank you.266267            STATEMENT OF HON. LISA BLUNT ROCHESTER,268                   U.S. SENATOR FROM DELAWARE269270    Senator Blunt Rochester. Thank you, Chairman Sullivan, and271thank you so much to our witnesses for being here. We look272forward to your testimony.273    Delaware may be small. You mentioned that you have millions274of lakes, and our colleague from Minnesota has thousands of275lakes. We have tens of lakes. We're small, but we're mighty. We276are urban, suburban, rural, and coastal. And because of that,277this conversation is particularly important to my state as well278as our country, because coastal communities like the ones that279call Delaware home rely on the maritime or blue economy.280    My home state sits on the Atlantic Ocean between the281Chesapeake and Delaware Bays, putting us in a perfect location282to drive innovation and opportunity in the blue economy, and we283do. The University of Delaware, Delaware State University, and284Delaware Technical Community College collaborate on285groundbreaking maritime marine research, underwater robotics,286and coastal infrastructure.287    Our growing aquaculture industry continues to create new288jobs while providing healthy, sustainable sources of food.289Thanks to funding from a Port Infrastructure Development290Program grant, the Port of Wilmington is about to begin an291historic expansion that will quadruple, quadruple its capacity.292And millions of visitors head to The First State each year to293enjoy our pristine beaches, bays, and coastline.294    All told, Delaware coastal economy supports over 100,000295jobs, generates over $22 billion in economic output, and is296growing over five times faster than the rest of our state. But297this isn't unique to my state. The blue economy is a huge298driver of economic growth and job creation across the United299States. NOAA estimates that the marine--the marine economy300contributes over $500 billion in GDP annually.301    Unfortunately, the administration has stifled and in some302cases refused to provide our coastal communities with the303support they need to thrive. Proposed NOAA budget cuts of over304$1 billion which will undercut the agency's critical mission to305support sustainable fisheries and give coastal communities the306tools they need to thrive. The administration terminated or307withdrew roughly $672 million in port infrastructure308development grants meant to support the offshore wind industry,309delaying critical investments in my state and the expansion of310cheap and--cheap and sustainable energy at a time when311Americans need it most.312    And they pushed an unprecedented Jones Act waiver that will313further undermine American shipping competitiveness while doing314little to address the inflation and energy crisis Americans are315experiencing. And while this--and while this administration has316correctly identified our vulnerability to Chinese-made port317equipment, they imposed tariffs without any plan to support318domestic industries and bring critical manufacturing jobs home.319    So while I commend the administration for trying to set a320vision to maintain economic competitiveness and ensure national321security, the actions that I have seen miss the mark for our322country and our needs right now. We can all agree we need to323invest in and grow our maritime industrial base. And what I'm324hoping to get out of today's hearing is a bipartisan path325forward to a better--to better support our coastal communities326and improve our national and economic security. And I look327forward to the conversation, and I yield back.328    Senator Sullivan. Thank you, Senator Blunt Rochester. And329speaking of national economic and national security, we have330the Chairman of the Armed Services Committee here. I'm very331honored. Mr. Chairman, would you like to say a few words? Also332the Senator from Mississippi knows a little bit about the blue333economy.334335                STATEMENT OF HON. ROGER WICKER,336                 U.S. SENATOR FROM MISSISSIPPI337338    Senator Wicker. Well, it's hard to tell Dan Sullivan no. I339had declined to make a statement, but I do think now I'll read340a 5-minute statement in its entirety.341    [Laughter.]342    Senator Wicker. No, let me just say, indeed, the domestic343maritime industry has everything to do with national security,344as I hope our distinguished panelists will point out in some of345their testimony. I have a few points to make. I may try to do346those during questions, but I do appreciate the comments of the347distinguished Chair and the distinguished Ranking Member, and I348yield.349    Senator Sullivan. Thank you. Well, we have some350distinguished witnesses, and I'd like to introduce them. Mr.351Tommy Sheridan, he's the Director of the Alaska Blue Economy352Center at the University of Alaska Fairbanks. Mr. Sheridan has353lived in Alaska for over two decades, focusing on the354commercial fishing industry and other elements of the blue355economy. As the Director, Mr. Sheridan focuses on growing the356Alaska blue economy through balancing stewardship and357sustainable use of our marine resources, including growing358workforce development and mariculture initiatives across the359state.360    Next, we have Mr. Jeremy Woodrow, Executive Director of the361Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute. Mr. Woodrow is a born and362raised Alaskan whose family has commercially fished in363Southeast Alaska for over five decades. He has practiced364marketing and public relations in the fields of seafood, State365and local government throughout Alaska since 2002.366    We also have Mr. Nathan Wardwell, Managing Partner of JOA367Surveys. Mr. Wardwell has more than 20 years of experience368measuring water levels and vertical datums. He brings extensive369knowledge and expertise in coastal surveying, an essential part370of maintaining our ability to access and navigate our coasts371and waterways safely.372    And finally, we have Mr. Clayton Heil, Vice President of373Global Government Relations at Crowley Maritime Corporation.374Mr. Heil leads the company's engagement with Federal, State,375and local and international government stakeholders on policy376and regulatory matters affecting its transportation, logistics,377and energy in maritime operations.378    Welcome again to our witnesses. You will each have five379minutes to deliver an oral statement. A longer written380statement will be included in the record, and we will begin381from left to right here, beginning with you, Mr. Sheridan. You382have the floor.383384             STATEMENT OF TOMMY SHERIDAN, DIRECTOR,385386               ALASKA BLUE ECONOMY CENTER (ABEC),387388              UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA FAIRBANKS (UAF)389390    Mr. Sheridan. Thank you, Chairman Sullivan, Ranking Member391Blunt Rochester, and distinguished members of the Committee.392Thank you truly for this opportunity. It's an honor to be with393you here today.394    My name is Tommy Sheridan, and I do serve as the Director395for the Alaska Blue Economy Center at the University of Alaska396Fairbanks. However, the testimony is provided in my personal397capacity as a parent to two Alaskan schoolchildren and as a398resident of coastal Alaskan communities these past 24 years.399    Several years ago, deep in the Alaskan bush, I was attacked400by a brown bear. When a bear charges, instinct screams at you401to run, but if you run, you could die. Survival depends on402preparation, tools, and the grit to stand your ground. I403survived the attack and it fundamentally changed how I look at404resilience.405    Today, our coastal towns face their own existential crisis.406We are losing young families to economic stagnation and rising407costs. Right now, the instinct for the next generation is to do408what makes sense in a panic: turn around and leave. But when409families leave coastal Alaska, we don't just lose a line on a410census report. We lose a classroom. We lose a volunteer411firefighter. We lose our future.412    For over 20 years, I've worked in fisheries management and413workforce development in Alaska. My wife and I are raising our414kids in coastal Alaska. This isn't an abstract policy debate415for us, it's survival. To stop the flight, we must change the416horizon. We must imagine an Alaska where science, fisheries,417workforce development, and innovation work together so the next418generation can build thriving futures in coastal communities.419    For decades, we've viewed Alaska's blue economy largely420through resource extraction. It is our backbone. But the future421is a knowledge-based economy driven by data, technology, and422collaboration. Our crisis isn't just tied to an abundance of423fish. It is a gap in connectivity. We have incredible424traditional industries alongside emerging frontiers like425mariculture and marine technology. To bridge them, I believe426that we must start at the very beginning with K through 12427education.428    A quiet revolution is already happening in Alaska. Tribal429partners, schools, and community and industry leaders are430joining forces. Programs like Science Olympiad, Teaching431Through Technology, and Prince William Sound College prove that432when you give a K through 12 student a drone or a data set,433they don't just learn STEM, they see a career. They realize434that marine science happens on the boats and docks right435outside their front door. When we invest in local education, we436actively build the world we need to see.437    But a bridge cannot stand without pillars. Our fisheries438management system relies on world-class data. To keep Alaska439leading, we must solidify partnerships between NOAA,440universities, and tribal organizations. Senator Sullivan, your441focus on maritime infrastructure has laid the foundation, and442now we must build the superstructure.443    I urge the Subcommittee to support four pillars. First,444investment in K through 12 STEM and local workforce445development. Second, funding for fishery science and NOAA446partnerships. Third, expanded community-based education and447applied research. Fourth, innovation to ensure our communities448remain economically unshakeable.449    You don't survive a crisis by running away. You survive by450equipping yourself to face it head-on. We do not need to451abandon our heritage to embrace the future. We need to arm our452youth with the tools to build it. So let us choose to invest453and let us finalize a reality where we no longer have to just454imagine an Alaska where science, fisheries, workforce455development, and innovation work together so the next456generation can build thriving futures in coastal communities.457Thank you. And I welcome your questions.458    [The prepared statement of Mr. Sheridan follows:]459460  Prepared Statement of Tommy Sheridan, Director, Alaska Blue Economy461          Center (ABEC), University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF)462    Chairman Sullivan, Ranking Member Blunt Rochester, and463distinguished Members of the Committee, thank you for the opportunity464to participate in the Subcommittee on Coast Guard, Maritime, and465Fisheries Hearing on ``The Blue Economy: Advancing American Fisheries,466Maritime Industry, and Coastal Economies.'' It is truly an honor to467provide you with this written testimony.468    My name is Tommy Sheridan, and I serve as the Director for the469Alaska Blue Economy Center (ABEC) at the University of Alaska Fairbanks470(UAF). ABEC is housed administratively in the university's College of471Fisheries and Ocean Sciences, or CFOS, where our world-class faculty472educates future leaders in fisheries and marine science, while473addressing pressing issues in aquatic ecosystems from the Arctic to474Antarctica. ABEC's role is to connect capacities throughout the475University of Alaska, including CFOS, with problems, needs, and476opportunities relating to the state's blue economy. I come to you today477with over two decades of experience living and working throughout and478alongside Alaska's blue economy, with experience as a hatchery manager479in the state's private nonprofit salmon fishery enhancement program, as480a fishery manager for the State of Alaska Department of Fish and Game,481in addition to roles in the seafood processing sector, most recently482serving in a variety of capacities in academia. This written testimony483and my accompanying oral comments are provided to you through my484personal capacity as a private citizen, as a parent to two Alaskan485schoolchildren, and as a resident of coastal Alaskan communities for486the past 24 years.487Introduction488    Alaska's blue economy is as significant as the state is large.489Alaska is about one-fifth the size of the contiguous United States, and490if you overlaid a map of Alaska onto the ``Lower 48,'' it would stretch491from the West Coast to the East Coast. Alaska's coastline is equally492immense and complex--it is longer than the coastlines of all other 49493U.S. states combined. The State of Alaska holds an abundant supply of494natural resources including, among others, energy, mineral, timber, and495seafood, presenting the country with unique opportunities for economic496development and national security for generations to come.497    Alaska is the fifth largest oil producing state in the country, and498Alaskan natural gas reserves account for over 15 percent of the total499proven gas available in the United States. Alaska holds over 56 percent500of the total U.S. marine energy potential, and is home to significant501hydroelectric and geothermal energy sources. Alaska is also a502recognized global leader in microgrid technology, hosting an estimated50310 percent of all microgrids globally, and 50 percent of all microgrids504in the United States. Alaskan oil and gas production and associated505activities are a linchpin for the state's blue economy, supporting over50645,000 direct, indirect, and induced jobs statewide.507    Alaska's seafood industry continues to be one of Alaska's most508important economic drivers, contributing about 7 percent to Alaska's509gross domestic product (GDP), generating over $5 billion in economic510activity, and supporting more than 41,800 jobs. Alaskan seafood511harvests account for roughly 63 percent of total U.S. seafood landings,512producing more wild-caught seafood than all other states combined. For513communities such as Cordova, where I've lived for 16 years, this514economic activity is the lifeblood of the community, with associated515taxes paying for critical services such as schools, harbors, and roads.516    Alaska's tourism industry is considered a renewable natural517resource and is a major contributor to Alaska's blue economy,518generating $5.6 billion in total economic impact in recent years, and519supporting 48,000 jobs in Alaska. With recent and pending520infrastructure investments in Whittier, Seward, Nome, and elsewhere,521expectations are for future growth. Travelers are increasingly522prioritizing nature, safety, open landscapes, and immersive outdoor523experiences. Alaska's glaciers, fjords, wildlife, national parks,524Indigenous cultural experiences, and increases in luxury expedition525offerings are luring more visitors to Alaska, with a record 2.7 million526out-of-state visitors traveling to Alaska between May and September5272025. Alaskan communities are collaborating with visitor industry528leaders to develop innovative approaches, such as regenerative tourism,529to ensure that this growth maximizes benefits to the state while530preserving its inherent characteristics and value.531    Last, but not least, Alaska's construction industry is a key part532of the state's blue economy, making up one of the largest sectors in533the state, employing over 20,000 people, and accounting for over $6.5534billion in economic output annually. Federal spending acts as a major535catalyst for Alaska's construction industry, and with current and536projected construction projects, including multi-billion dollar537developments on the North Slope, Federal port and shipyard upgrades,538and massive transportation and pipeline expansions, the Alaska539Department of Labor and Workforce Development anticipates at least54017,260 new skilled trade construction workers will be needed in Alaska541by 2028.542    These industries, and others such as healthcare, mining, and state543and local government, are integral components to Alaska's blue economy.544However, Alaska's greatest asset is its people-Alaskans embody the545grit, resilience, and independent spirit necessary to thrive in this546Last Frontier, making them the true foundation for the state. And,547unfortunately, that foundation is cracking.548Alaska's workforce challenge549    Despite Alaska's geographic prowess and abundant resources, the550state's population has been among the country's smallest since551statehood in 1959. With a population of approximately 738,000 residents552(in 2025), Alaska is the third-least populous state in the U.S., and553the most sparsely populated state in the country. Of relevance to blue554economy development, contributing factors to the state's workforce555challenge include a shrinking working-age demographic, which has556declined by over 34,000 people over the past decade due to an aging557population, declining birth rates, and net migration (the number of558people who move to Alaska in a given year, minus the number who leave).559According to the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development,560the prime working age of Alaskans (aged 18 to 64) reached its lowest561level (449,171 people in 2024) since 2008, and Alaska's net migration562has been negative for 13 consecutive years. Alaska's K-12 student563enrollment has also declined by more than 10,000 students since 2017564from a then-total of just over 130,000 students, further reducing the565potential for a ``homegrown'' workforce, and all the benefits this566provides.567    In the absence of a local Alaskan workforce, employers must568increasingly turn to nonresident workers. According to the most recent569data available, the number of out-of-state workers has continued to570rise in recent years, is at its highest level in over 30 years, and is571nearing an all-time high. According to the Alaska Department of Labor572and Workforce Development, almost 23 percent of non-federal jobs in573Alaska were held by non-Alaskans who earned approximately $3.8 billion574in 2024, or, in other words, about 17 percent of every dollar earned575from a non-federal job is leaving the state. Among the largest blue576economy industries in the state, the seafood industry saw the highest577percentage of non-resident workers at 81.5 percent of its workforce,578which was the second highest percentage on record for the industry. The579Alaskan oil and gas industry employed 40.5 percent nonresident workers,580in a sector that pays some of the highest average wages in the state. A581variety of visitor-related industries (including restaurants, hotels,582air transportation, and tour operators) hired a nonresident workforce583that comprised 35.2 percent of its total employment in 2024, and the584Alaskan construction sector workforce was 23.4 percent nonresident that585same year.586    I believe, and evidence suggests, that an expanded Alaskan-grown587workforce would be a critical economic engine for the state, offering588benefits ranging from reduced employee turnover to long-term community589stability. Local Alaskan workers are more likely to remain in the state590long-term relative to nonresident workers, thereby reducing high591recruitment costs associated with out-of-state hires common to remote592coastal and seasonal industries, such as seafood processing and593healthcare. Further, wages earned by Alaskan employees are spent594locally, thereby supporting small businesses in the communities where595they live. Alaskan workers also possess unique understandings of local596climate, geography, and cultural nuances, which are essential for597resource development activities, tourism, and other rural services.598Ultimately, by providing rewarding career paths where they live, it is599hoped that an increased focus on retaining ``homegrown talent'' can be600a boon for Alaska's blue economy, and its communities.601Alaskan solutions602    To stop the flight of young Alaskan families leaving our state, we603must change the horizon. We must imagine an Alaska where science,604fisheries, workforce development, and innovation work together so the605next generation can build thriving futures in coastal communities.606    In their 2021 book on developing a workforce for the New Blue607Economy, Liesl Hotaling, Rick Spinrad, and numerous contributing608authors, provide insights on how the U.S. can build off of traditional609blue economy industries, such as oil and gas, shipping, fishing, and610tourism, to a reenvisioned economy centered on data, information, and611knowledge. The authors argue that this transition will require612innovative approaches to technology, skills acquisition, and talent613development. I argue that Alaska's workforce struggles and abundance of614opportunities make it the ideal testing ground for these innovations,615and highlight several here that are well underway in the state.616    The authors assert that K-12 STEM (science, technology,617engineering, math) education must move away from a traditional approach618akin to a history course, where students memorize dates and619accomplishments, to hands-on approaches where students learn620practically, in collaborative learning environments, using technology-621based problem-solving. This approach is alive and well in Alaska, where622community-based scientific organizations such as the Sitka Sound623Science Center and Prince William Sound Science Center have bridged the624gap between traditional research and the implicated communities, and625have grown to include experiential learning opportunities for students626both young and old (``K through grey''). These organizations work with627and alongside traditional resource managers, university partners, and628both in and outside of local school districts, oftentimes incorporating629citizen science opportunities into their environmental education.630    The authors further recommend intentional inclusion of workforce631awareness and workforce preparation into K-12 STEM programs, regardless632of where they occur. At the University of Alaska Fairbanks, Alaska633Science Olympiad, and Teaching Through Technology (T3) work with middle634school and high school students across the state of Alaska, where635students are exposed to skills training aligned with Alaskan industry636needs and standards, through a variety of skills assessments, tailored637curriculum, and badging or certification programs. In Cordova, students638in these programs have worked with Alaska Blue Economy Center (ABEC)639and Cordova Chamber of Commerce to connect these opportunities with640local and regional stakeholders as they observed real-world career641pathways and emerging industries that promise to transform Alaska's642blue economy.643    Improving access to connectivity and equipment, and addressing644diversity, was recommended as well, and I note the role that ANSEP645(historically known as the Alaska Native Science and Engineering646Program) has played throughout the state for over 30 years as a647sequential education model rooted in Alaska Native Values. Upward Bound648is a federally funded program designed to help Alaskan high school649students from low-income backgrounds and potential first-generation650college students succeed academically and prepare for higher education.651These programs serve students across the state, with regional hubs652facilitating college-prep curriculum delivery, hands-on STEM653activities, and cultural enrichment.654    Hotaling and Spinrad highlight the need for engagement with and655support of community colleges, vocational, and/or trade schools, as a656prerequisite to workforce development for the New Blue Economy. In many657cases, dual credit programs allow high school students to earn college658credit while developing relevant and marketable skills, earning659certificates and occupational endorsements along the way, with the660potential of earning an Associate's degree simultaneous to their661traditional high school diploma. These students are then adequately662prepared for direct entry into the workforce, or can pursue additional663education in traditional university programs, such as those available664at UAF CFOS, albeit with a different skillset than is common among665entry-level undergraduate students. Prince William Sound College in666Valdez, Alaska, is a notable Alaskan example whereby local high school667students can learn from renowned instructors in areas such as668Construction Skills, Marine Services Technology, Millwright, Natural669Resources Technician, Marine Natural Resources Technician, and Outdoor670Leadership. Another notable, relevant, and highly innovative Alaskan671program is the Applied Fisheries Program at the University of Alaska672Southeast's Sitka Campus, where students are immersed in the exciting673and emerging fields of aquaculture and mariculture through their highly674regarded Alaska Aquaculture Semester.675    Were we to invest in and support our students in these ways, the676benefits would be significant, and our industries and communities would677be armed with a locally rooted workforce prepared to address the many678other complex problems facing Alaska. If we are to build the state's679blue economy, we must build an Alaska where science, fisheries,680workforce development, and innovation work together so the next681generation can build thriving futures in coastal communities.682Mariculture glidepath683    As Alaskans look to reenvision coastal economies, and potentially684repurpose their skillsets and assets towards new industries,685mariculture (marine aquaculture of kelp and shellfish) has received686significant attention and investment in recent years. The Exxon Valdez687Oil Spill Trustee Council invested more than $30 million in Alaskan688mariculture-related projects and infrastructure in October 2021. The689U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) awarded $49 million to690the ``Alaska Mariculture Cluster'' under its Build Back Better Regional691Challenge (BBBRC) program in 2022. That same year, the Alaska692Legislature allocated $7 million to the University of Alaska to support693mariculture research and development throughout the state. Finally, in6942024, the National Science Foundation (NSF) Established Program to695Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR) commenced its $20 million696``Interface of Change'' project in select communities in northern697Southeast Alaska, Prince William Sound, and Lower Cook Inlet, to698develop partnerships between researchers, Gulf of Alaska community699members, Tribes, educators, and entrepreneurs. Through these700connections, project participants have worked collaboratively to701investigate the resilience of marine species that are critical to the702subsistence way of life as well as developments in the mariculture703economy in the Gulf of Alaska.704    Leveraging this momentum and these resources, and by following705guidance laid out in the Alaska Mariculture Workforce Development Plan,706the Alaska Blue Economy Center at UAF has partnered with Prince William707Sound College (at the University of Alaska Anchorage) and the Applied708Fisheries Program (at the University of Alaska Southeast) in developing709an inspirational ``glidepath'' for mariculture-related workforce710development in the state. Through these efforts, Alaskan middle school711and high school students were introduced to mariculture through Science712Olympiad and Teaching Through Technology, respectively, and were713provided with opportunities for learning and potentially for direct714entry into the state's developing mariculture industry, along with715opportunities for postsecondary vocational-technical education and/or716matriculation into baccalaureate programs. Although this ``glidepath''717was developed for the state's nascent mariculture industry, we believe718that this approach can be modified and adopted for needs and719opportunities in the state's oil and gas industry, traditional seafood720industry, visitor industry, and construction industry, and elsewhere.721Collaboration is key (capacity building)722    Alaska's blue economy succeeds when we invest in people,723particularly K-12 students, connecting science, education, workforce724development, and sustainable coastal industries so future generations725can survive and thrive. In Alaska, these investments have always726involved external partners and partnerships, such as those with the727Federal government and its agencies, both U.S. and international728academic partners, and leaders from around the country and beyond, well729before the phrase ``blue economy'' was first prominently introduced by730Belgian economist Gunter Pauli in 1994. Internal collaboration in731Alaska is equally essential for economic development in the state, as732its vast geography and complex land ownership require diverse groups to733work together. Partnerships between Alaska Native Corporations,734municipalities, regional organizations, and state entities are vital to735building resilient industries and communities.736    These same approaches have been implemented at ABEC, albeit on a737smaller, and oftentimes more local scale. For example, in 2022, the738City of Valdez partnered with ABEC to support the city's interests in739mariculture development and the broader blue economy, with a goal of740building capacity at ABEC, and helping to connect the City and its741stakeholders with beneficial capacities at UAF. Located in Southcentral742Alaska, Valdez is a seamlessly connected hub accessible by land, air,743and sea. Perched along miles of the pristine, clean, and deep waters of744Prince William Sound, Valdez enjoys easy access to Alaska, the Arctic,745and the world. Its strategic location allows Port of Valdez to be a746gateway to Alaska's Interior, the Arctic, the U.S. Pacific Northwest,747and the Pacific Rim. With direct access to Alaska's road system, as a748regular stop on the Alaska Marine Highway System, and as the southern749terminus of the Trans Alaska Pipeline System, the Port of Valdez750ensures unparalleled access to the state and world beyond. As I751(Sheridan) am moving to Valdez in 2026, it is hoped that ABEC can be of752greater service to Valdez and its interests, including those pertaining753to port and harbor infrastructure development, and discussions754surrounding potentially home-porting U.S. Coast Guard Fast Response755Cutters, icebreakers, and joint interagency operations. Leaders across756Alaska, including those in Valdez, celebrated the Senate's passage of757the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which758includes the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2026, and are grateful to759Senator Sullivan and this Committee's work on that legislation.760    Successful outcomes from this unique municipal-university761relationship between ABEC and the City of Valdez include the Alaska762Mariculture Cluster (AMC) being awarded $49 million through the763Economic Development Administration's (EDA) Build Back Better Regional764Challenge grant program, which benefited from instigation and support765by the city, including a $6 million matching resource from the City in766support of the AMC application. Further, ABEC catalyzed and supported767of K-12 STEM programming in the local school district, including768Science Olympiad and T3. ABEC has also worked closely with Prince769William Sound College over the years on a variety of initiatives,770especially mariculture.771    External relationships made possible through federally funded772university initiatives have also been beneficial to ABEC's development,773and hold promise for the broader blue economy in the state. For774example, ABEC has benefitted from funding through the Alaska Regional775Collaboration for Technology Innovation and Commercialization (ARCTIC)776Program. ARCTIC is sponsored by the Department of the Navy, Office of777Naval Research (ONR), and is housed at the Alaska Center for Energy and778Power (ACEP) at UAF. The ARCTIC Program is a partnership designed to779promote capacity building and cooperation between Alaska and the Arctic780and Pacific regions through advancements in energy technology through781resiliency research, and technology development and deployment.782ARCTIC's work to explore and establish Community Innovation Hubs in783communities like Cordova and Kotzebue holds promise as testbeds for784concepts and technologies of likely benefit elsewhere in the state.785Similarly, ABEC has worked with the RISE-UP Program, which is another786ONR-funded project underway in Alaska as part of a tri-state initiative787uniting Rhode Island, Alaska, and Hawai`i, connecting education,788research, and industry to accelerate ideas into real-world defense and789commercial impact. Both programs have a core mission of building790capacity within the communities they serve, the likes of which bode791well for blue economy development in Alaska.792    I also wish to illuminate the opportunity for ocean-based economic793development in coastal states and communities through the support and794development of increasingly successful ocean cluster models. The795movement towards clusters is exemplified by organizations such as the796Iceland Ocean Cluster, Maritime Blue in Seattle, the Oregon Ocean797Cluster, TMA BlueTech in San Diego, the Rhode Island Ocean Tech Hub,798along with new state efforts in Maine, Hawaii, and the Great Lakes.799Academic-based development underway at schools such as Texas A&M800University Galveston, the University of Southern Mississippi, and801Oregon State University, are all good examples of public seed funding802at the state level that is leading to systemic change and blue economy803development.804    These efforts stem from increasing recognition that ocean805industries are among the fastest growing economic opportunities806globally. Organizations such as the World Bank and the European Union807have projected the value of the global blue economy will exceed $3808trillion by 2030. And in addition to growth in traditional industries809such as seafood, shipping, and energy development, emerging sectors810such as marine biotechnology, coastal resilience, mariculture, and811innovations in boatbuilding represent massive development potential.812The Ocean Regional Opportunity and Innovation (Ocean ROI) Act of 2025813(S. Bill 1392) would provide the investment needed to develop the blue814economy in Alaska, and elsewhere. Ocean ROA aspires to establish a815Federal Blue Economy strategy, creates Ocean Innovation Clusters in816each National Marine Fisheries (NMFS) region, would grant up to $10817million per cluster through 2030, and requires coordination among the818EDA, National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and819Sea Grant.820    Finally, I'll end with encouragement that we strive to develop821Alaskan leaders, and the organizations they work for and through. In8222008, the renowned American political scientists Ed Weber and Anne823Khademian describe the role that collaborative capacity-builders (CCBs)824play in fostering the transfer, receipt, and integration of knowledge825across networks, which can build long-term collaborative problem-826solving capacity strong enough to address complex public, or wicked,827problems, such as many that are facing Alaska today. Weber and828Khademian define a CCB as someone who has been assigned a lead role in829a network's problem-solving activities through the individual's legal830authority, whose expertise is valued within the network, and who has a831reputation as an honest broker. Although public managers are almost832always involved with such networks, Weber and Khademian contend that833CCBs do not always need to be public managers. In my opinion, any834effort to identify and foster CCBs in Alaska's blue economy is835essential to its development, and to the future of the state. An836interdisciplinary PhD program is underway at UAF that aspires to837develop such Alaskan leaders, drawing from pools of ``changemakers'' in838a variety of fields. This program offers its students the opportunity839to shape a dynamic curriculum that aligns with their unique goals and840passions. This flexible and innovative program allows students to841design a doctoral degree that spans multiple disciplines, going beyond842the traditional offerings of the university, and I believe that such843efforts can help to build and sustain Alaska's blue economy into the844future.845    In closing, I encourage this subcommittee to support four pillars:846first, investment in K-12 STEM and local workforce development; second,847funding for fisheries science and NOAA partnerships; third, expanded848community-based education and applied research; and fourth, innovation849to ensure our communities remain economically unshakeable.850    So, let us choose to invest, and let us finalize a reality where we851no longer have to just imagine an Alaska where science, fisheries,852workforce development, and innovation work together so the next853generation can build thriving futures in coastal communities.854    Chairman Sullivan, Ranking Member Blunt Rochester, and855distinguished Members of the Committee and staff, thank you once again856for your invitation to testify here today, and I look forward to857answering any questions you may have.858859    Senator Sullivan. Thank you, Mr. Sheridan. Mr. Woodrow.860861STATEMENT OF JEREMY WOODROW, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, ALASKA SEAFOOD862                      MARKETING INSTITUTE863864    Mr. Woodrow. Thank you, Chairman Sullivan and Ranking865Member Blunt Rochester and distinguished members of the866Subcommittee. Appreciate the opportunity to testify with you867today.868    My name is Jeremy Woodrow, and I serve as Executive869Director for the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute, also known870as ASMI. ASMI is a public-private partnership between the state871of Alaska and the seafood industry. Our mission is to increase872the economic value of the Alaska seafood resource through873marketing, education, and outreach. We work domestically and in874more than 50 international markets to build demand for Alaska's875wild, sustainable seafood, supporting fishermen and processors,876and strengthening the global reputation of the Alaska seafood877brand.878    As the Chairman said, the Alaska seafood industry is879foundational not only to Alaska's economy, but to the Nation's880blue economy. Seafood is Alaska's largest private sector881employer, supporting over 40,000 jobs and generating more than882$5 billion in added economic value. Nationally, Alaska accounts883for roughly two-thirds of the U.S. commercial seafood landings884and supports more than $10 billion in economic activity.885    But what truly sets Alaska apart is our dedication to886sustainability. Our fisheries are managed under a science-based887precautionary system that is enshrined in Alaska's888Constitution. Sustainability is not just a marketing claim,889it's a commitment to the future. It is reflected in every part890of our industry, from our multigenerational fishing families to891strict management practices, full resource utilization, and892rigorous third-party certification. This model has allowed893Alaska to avoid resource depletion and remain a global leader894in responsible fisheries.895    To Alaskans, sustainability means that Alaska's seafood896resource, fishing families, coastal communities, and way of897life will continue to thrive for generations to come. Alaska898seafood is also a major contributor to global food security.899Alaska seafood can be found in over 90 countries, providing900high-quality wild protein to consumers around the world.901    Key markets like the European Union and Japan directly rely902on Alaska products, while other countries such as China and903those in Southeast Asia play important roles in processing and904global distribution. However, the global seafood marketplace is905ever-evolving, increasingly competitive. Alaska producers face906significant pressure from foreign competitors, particularly907Russia, where lower costs and less stringent regulations allow908products to enter global markets at artificially low prices and909frequently through indirect channels.910    At the same time, U.S. producers face a growing web of911tariff and non-tariff barriers. Uneven trade policies, complex912certification requirements, and new systems like the European913Union's catch traceability platform create additional burdens914for responsible producers, often without effectively targeting915bad actors.916    Here at home, Alaska seafood must also compete against917imported products that are frequently produced under weaker918environmental and labor standards. Maintaining a fair and919competitive domestic market is critical to our Nation's food920security and supply chain integrity. Federal programs have been921essential in helping address these challenges.922    USDA Seafood Purchasing Programs provide stability during923market disruptions while delivering nutritious seafood to924American families. Marketing investments such as the Market925Access Program have helped ASMI expand global demand and build926brand recognition, and NOAA's Saltonstall-Kennedy grants have927supported innovation, efficiency, and product development928across the industry.929    The America First Trade Promotion Program offers additional930opportunity to increase demand for Alaska seafood and other931products globally. We also appreciate the establishment of the932USDA Office of Seafood, which represents an important step933toward better coordination and recognition of seafood within934Federal policy.935    Looking ahead, continued Federal engagement and support936will be critical. Investments in science, innovation, market937development, infrastructure, and trade equity are all necessary938to ensure that U.S. seafood producers can continue to compete939on a level playing field.940    Alaska seafood tells a uniquely American story, one of941stewardship, resilience, and leadership. With a continued942partnership of Congress and Federal agencies, we have an943opportunity to sustain the success and build upon this944incredible maritime history through supporting jobs,945strengthening food security, and reinforcing the United States'946position as a global leader in the production of wild,947sustainable seafood.948    Thank you for your time today and your commitment to our949Nation's seafood industry. I look forward to working together950to address these opportunities and challenges, and I welcome951any questions you may have.952    [The prepared statement of Mr. Woodrow follows:]953954       Prepared Statement of Jeremy Woodrow, Executive Director,955                   Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute956    Dear Chairman Sullivan, Ranking Member Blunt Rochester, and Members957of the Subcommittee:958959    On behalf of the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI), thank960you for the opportunity to provide testimony on the critical role of961the Alaska seafood industry in strengthening our Nation's coastal962economies, advancing global sustainability leadership, and supporting963American food security and trade competitiveness.964    ASMI is a public-private partnership between the State of Alaska965and the seafood industry. Our mission is to increase the economic value966of Alaska seafood through marketing, education, and outreach. We work967domestically and in more than 50 international markets to build demand968for Alaska's wild, sustainable seafood, supporting fishermen and969processors, and strengthening the global reputation of the Alaska970Seafood brand.971    The Alaska seafood industry is a cornerstone of both Alaska's972economy and the broader United States seafood sector. Seafood is973Alaska's largest private-sector employer, supporting tens of thousands974of direct and indirect jobs across harvesting, processing,975transportation, and distribution. The industry adds $5.2 billion976annually in economic value within Alaska (about 7 percent of Alaska's977GDP), making it one of the most important natural resource sectors in978the state.979    Nationally, Alaska seafood generates over $10 billion in economic980output and accounts for approximately two-thirds of total U.S.981commercial seafood landings by volume. These fisheries supply high-982quality, wild, and sustainably harvested protein to domestic and983international consumers. From small rural communities to major ports,984Alaska's fisheries sustain livelihoods, support infrastructure985investment, and contribute to food resilience in the United States.986    Alaska sets the global standard for well-managed, sustainable987fisheries. Wild seafood is one of Alaska's most precious resources, and988the state goes to great lengths to support its continued abundance.989From fishermen and processors to scientists and law enforcement990officials, sustainability is not only crucial to Alaskans livelihoods991but is also a deeply ingrained way of life.992    The five pillars of Alaska seafood sustainability tell the story of993the important work Alaska does to ensure that sustainable Alaska994seafood reaches consumers across the world:995996  1.  Families & Communities: Alaska's fishing families are the heart997        and soul of Alaska's seafood industry, handing down fishing998        practices from generation to generation and believing999        passionately in the importance of sustainability. The ability1000        for generations of seafood harvesters to thrive from well-1001        managed fisheries is the core definition of sustainability in1002        Alaska.10031004  2.  Social Responsibility: In Alaska, not only do we protect the fish1005        and the ecosystem, but the people that participate in the1006        fisheries as well.10071008  3.  Fisheries Management: Alaska represents the gold standard for1009        fisheries management around the world, utilizing a science-1010        based precautionary approach that is built to adapt to1011        ecosystem changes.10121013  4.  Resource Utilization: Alaska strives to use 100 percent of the1014        resource. Fully utilizing our abundant resources provides1015        greater cultural significance and economic value. Alaska's1016        fisheries continuously research and invest in new technologies1017        to further improve resource utilization.10181019  5.  Certification: Third-party certification provides a way for1020        fisheries to verify responsible fisheries management and strong1021        governance. These programs provide market access and consumer1022        confidence across the globe.10231024    The principles of sustainability are embedded in Alaska's1025constitution, which mandates that fisheries be managed for sustained1026yield. As a result, Alaska has avoided many of the resource depletion1027challenges experienced in other global fisheries.1028    Alaska seafood is a globally recognized premium product with a1029broad international footprint that is exported to at least 94 countries1030worldwide. This extensive reach underscores the industry's importance1031not only to Alaska's economy, but also to the United States' role in1032global seafood supply chains.1033    Alaska seafood maintains a diverse portfolio of export markets1034shaped by consumption trends, processing dynamics, and trade policies.1035In 2024, the European Union was Alaska's largest export market by1036value, directly importing approximately $616 million in seafood. Key1037products included sockeye salmon, Alaska pollock fillets, and surimi.1038Japan closely followed, importing $571 million, with strong demand for1039pollock surimi and roe, salmon roe, sablefish, and Atka mackerel.1040    China plays a distinct and critical role in the Alaska seafood1041supply chain. While importing approximately $566 million in Alaska1042seafood annually, its primary function is as a re-processing hub rather1043than a final consumer market. Due to high tariffs, Alaska seafood is1044generally not competitive for domestic consumption in China. Instead,1045products are thawed, processed into fillets or portions, re-frozen, and1046exported to other global markets.1047    Similarly, Southeast Asia, which includes Thailand, Vietnam, and1048Indonesia, has emerged as an increasingly important region for seafood1049reprocessing, helping diversify supply chains. In contrast, markets in1050the Middle East and North Africa currently import relatively small1051volumes, representing potential areas for future growth in domestic1052demand and export to Europe.1053    The global seafood marketplace is highly competitive, and Alaska1054faces significant challenges from foreign producers. Particularly1055concerning is the continued presence of Russian seafood in global1056markets. Russia remains Alaska's principal competitor for key species1057such as pollock, cod, salmon, and king crab. Russian producers often1058benefit from lower production costs and less rigorous regulatory1059frameworks, allowing them to undercut Alaska seafood prices1060internationally. Even where direct imports are restricted, Russian-1061origin seafood can enter global supply chains through third countries,1062distorting markets and suppressing prices for responsibly harvested1063U.S. products.1064    While the United States has implemented a full ban on Russian1065seafood imports, other major markets, for example the European Union,1066Japan, and the United Kingdom, have imposed more limited tariffs or1067sanctions. These uneven measures allow Russian seafood to continue1068circulating in global markets, distorting price competition and1069undermining U.S. producers.1070    At the same time, tariff and non-tariff barriers such as complex1071import requirements, certification standards, and evolving traceability1072systems continue to impact Alaska seafood's ability to compete1073globally. Tariff disparities can place U.S. producers at a disadvantage1074relative to competitors from countries with preferential trade1075agreements.1076    Regulatory measures, certification requirements, and documentation1077systems are becoming increasingly complex and burdensome. A notable1078example is the European Union's CATCH system, a digital platform1079designed to address illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.1080While the goal of the system is aligned with U.S. sustainability1081values, its implementation introduces extreme administrative and1082logistical challenges for exporters, particularly when requirements1083overlap with existing U.S. traceability systems. Unfortunately, this1084system places a bureaucratic burden on good actors, such as Alaska1085seafood producers, and is a perfect example of a recent non-tariff1086trade barrier.1087    The United States remains the largest market overall for Alaska1088seafood, representing over $2 billion annually through a combination of1089domestic landings and re-imported processed products.1090    However, Alaska seafood also faces increasing competition in the1091U.S., which is one of the largest seafood-consuming nations in the1092world and where imports account for the majority of seafood consumed1093domestically. Alaska seafood therefore must compete with lower-cost1094imported products, many of which are produced under less stringent1095environmental, labor, and regulatory standards.1096    Maintaining a fair but competitive domestic market is essential not1097only for economic resilience but also for national food security and1098supply chain integrity.1099    Federal support has been instrumental in strengthening the value1100and market position of Alaska seafood both domestically and abroad.1101USDA Federal seafood purchase programs, such as Section 32, play an1102important role in supporting the stability and value of Alaska seafood,1103particularly during periods of market disruption. These purchases1104provide a dual benefit as they help alleviate supply imbalances and1105price pressures faced by U.S. fishermen and processors, while also1106delivering highly nutritious, sustainably harvested seafood to American1107families.1108    Continued and expanded use of these programs can help strengthen1109domestic demand, reinforce food security, and ensure that U.S. seafood1110producers remain competitive in the face of global market volatility1111and import pressures.1112    USDA marketing investments, including long-standing programs like1113the Market Access Program (MAP) funding and more recent programs such1114as the America First Trade Promotion Program (AFTPP), have enabled ASMI1115to expand international marketing and brand recognition, increase1116consumer awareness of sustainability and quality, and develop new1117market channels and product forms.1118    The Alaska seafood industry has also benefited significantly from1119NOAA's Saltonstall-Kennedy (S-K) Grant Program, which has supported1120critical promotion, development and marketing investments that might1121not otherwise occur. These funds have advanced seafood innovation and1122product development, improved processing efficiency and full resource1123utilization, and strengthened marketing strategies and consumer1124education efforts. Targeted investments under S-K deliver measurable1125returns by driving demand, increasing product value, and supporting1126jobs throughout the American seafood supply chain from harvesters and1127processors to distributors and retailers.1128    ASMI also appreciates the recent establishment of the USDA Office1129of Seafood, which represents an important step toward more coordinated1130Federal engagement with the U.S. seafood sector. The creation of this1131office will help elevate the role of seafood within Federal nutrition,1132trade, and agricultural policy, ensuring that fisheries are better1133integrated into national food systems. This enhanced focus will support1134American harvesters and processors, improve market access, and1135strengthen the competitiveness of U.S. seafood both domestically and1136overseas.1137    The Alaska seafood industry is an essential pillar of the U.S. blue1138economy by supporting American jobs, strengthening food security, and1139supplying the world with high-quality, sustainably-harvested protein.1140    However, this success is not guaranteed. Alaska seafood producers1141are navigating an increasingly complex and competitive global landscape1142shaped by uneven trade policies, rising non-tariff barriers, shifting1143supply chains, and aggressive price competition from foreign producers.1144    Strategic Federal engagement is critical at this moment. Continued1145investment in fisheries science, technological innovations, market1146development, infrastructure and trade enforcement, along with1147coordinated policy support through agencies like USDA and NOAA, will be1148essential to maintaining U.S. leadership in sustainable seafood1149production.1150    Alaska seafood tells a powerful American story: one of stewardship,1151resilience, and global leadership. It is a model of how natural1152resources can be managed responsibly while supporting hardworking1153Americans, vibrant coastal communities and the national economy.1154    With continued partnership and support from Congress and Federal1155agencies, the United States has an opportunity not only to sustain this1156legacy, but to expand it and, in turn, ensure that American fishermen1157and processors can remain globally competitive, consumers at home and1158abroad continue to trust the Alaska Seafood brand, and our fisheries1159remain among the most sustainable in the world.1160    Thank you for your leadership and commitment to America's seafood1161industry.1162            Respectfully submitted,1163                                            Jeremy Woodrow,1164                                                Executive Director,1165                                    Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute.11661167    Senator Sullivan. Great. Thank you, Mr. Woodrow. Mr.1168Wardwell.11691170STATEMENT OF NATHAN WARDWELL, MANAGING PARTNER, JOA SURVEYS LLC11711172    Mr. Wardwell. Chairman Sullivan, Ranking Member Blunt1173Rochester, and distinguished members of the Subcommittee, thank1174you for the opportunity to testify today.1175    I was born and raised in Alaska and raised in a family1176there and own a small business in Anchorage that employs 151177people. I have worked in the hydrographic services for more1178than 20 years. That sector that maps the seafloor, measures1179water levels, and provides the foundational data that makes1180safe navigation possible. That work has taken my company to1181every coast of the United States, from the Arctic to the1182Caribbean to the Great Lakes, and provides the foundational1183data--excuse me--and almost always in partnerships with Federal1184agencies.1185    That experience gave me a broad perspective on how many1186industries depend on this data and how much is still missing.1187The simple truth is this: The blue economy cannot function1188without hydrographic services. Without accurate maps of the1189seafloor and real-time water level information, mariners cannot1190safely navigate. The same data that guides vessels safely into1191port is used to model tsunamis, forecast storm surge, identify1192critical mineral resources, route undersea fiber cables, and1193monitor long-term sea level change.1194    It is the foundation beneath every sector of the blue1195economy: fishing, shipping, recreation, energy, and national1196security alike. Yet as of 2024, 46 percent of U.S. coastal1197ocean and Great Lakes waters remain unmapped to modern1198standards. In Alaska, that figure is even more striking. 621199percent of more than 1.2 million square nautical miles of1200Alaska's waters are unmapped.1201    For a state with more than 33,000 miles of shoreline and1202the Nation's only access to the Arctic Ocean, that gap is not1203just a data problem, it is an economic constraint, a safety1204risk, and a national security vulnerability. Closing it will1205require not only sustained investment and strong partnerships,1206but continued innovation in how we collect, integrate, and1207deliver hydrographic data at a scale that traditional methods1208alone cannot achieve. Closing that gap requires both government1209and private industry working together.1210    The 2019 Presidential memorandum on ocean mapping of the1211U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone and the shoreline and nearshore of1212Alaska was an important step in building a plan. But not every1213port in America yet has the real-time water levels and current1214bathymetry that mariners need to navigate safely while1215maximizing their load capacity. And as vessels continue to grow1216larger, that need only intensifies.1217    Senator Sullivan, I want to thank you personally for your1218work to bring more icebreakers to Alaska. I had the privilege1219of sailing aboard the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Healy in the1220Arctic during graduate school, an experience that shaped my1221understanding of how icebreakers underpin our national1222security, emergency response, and scientific capabilities in1223ways nothing else can replace.1224    I also want to thank you, Senator Murkowski, and Senator1225Cantwell, for introducing the Tsunami Warning Research and1226Education Act of 2026. In August 2025, a landslide in Tracy1227Arm, a fjord in southeast Alaska, generated a mega tsunami with1228run-up reaching nearly 1,600 feet above sea level. My company1229operated a water level station in an adjacent fjord installed1230on behalf of the Alaska Department of Natural Resources to1231provide data for a NOAA program.1232    That station captured the tsunami in real time, and the1233data is now part of the scientific record. It exists because1234someone invested in putting an instrument there and because a1235State agency, a Federal program, and a private company were1236working together. That is the case for this investment.1237    I will leave you with three points. First, hydrographic1238data is not a government overhead cost, it is the1239infrastructure the blue economy is built on. Second, delivering1240hydrographic data at the scale of Alaska demands strong public-1241private partnerships and continued investment in innovation,1242from new sensor technologies to modern data frameworks to real-1243time observing networks that can operate year-round in ice-1244affected environments. And third, Alaska's 33,000 miles of1245shoreline and its position as America's Arctic Gateway presents1246an extraordinary blue economy opportunity, one we can only1247realize if we invest in knowing what lies beneath the waters.1248    Thank you, and I look forward to further discussion.1249    [The prepared statement of Mr. Wardwell follows:]12501251       Prepared Statement of Nathan Wardwell, Managing Partner,1252                            JOA Surveys LLC1253    Chairman Sullivan, Ranking Member Blunt Rochester, and1254distinguished Members of the Committee, thank you for inviting me to1255participate in today's hearing. It is an honor and I commend you for1256focusing on the importance of growing the Blue Economy.1257    My name is Nathan Wardwell, Managing Partner of JOA Surveys, a1258small business in Anchorage, Alaska providing coastal mapping services1259nationwide for more than 20 years. After completing graduate studies at1260the University of New Hampshire in ocean mapping, I have participated1261in projects from the Arctic Ocean to the Caribbean Sea to the Great1262Lakes, giving me a regional and national perspective on coastal and1263maritime geospatial challenges.1264Navigation, Commerce, and the Cost of Incomplete Data1265    Underkeel clearance, the vertical distance between a vessel's keel1266and the seafloor, is one of the most fundamental safety parameters in1267maritime operations. Accurately calculating it requires three1268interlocking systems: high-resolution bathymetry, real-time water1269levels, and a consistent vertical datum tying them together.1270    The degree to which authoritative data is available for monitoring1271underkeel clearance varies from port to port. Consider the Port of West1272Sacramento and its 43-mile Sacramento Deep Water Ship Channel. Bar1273Pilots navigating that channel have confirmed that most vessels draft1274deeply enough to require tidal consideration on every transit, meaning1275shippers cannot fully load vessels given current depth limitations, and1276cargo moves at a fraction of each ship's capacity.\1\ A real-time water1277level station tied to a consistent datum was required before pilots1278could safely navigate the channel while maximizing vessel load1279capacity.1280---------------------------------------------------------------------------1281    \1\ U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, San Francisco District.1282Sacramento River Deep Water Ship Channel Limited Reevaluation Report--1283Appendix E: With-Project Economic Analysis (Draft). February 2011.1284https://www.spn.usace.army.mil/Portals/68/docs/SRDWSC/Appendix_E.pd1285---------------------------------------------------------------------------1286    At the Port of Alaska, with seasonal sea-ice and a 30-foot tidal1287range, vessels supplying goods to 90 percent of Alaska's population1288depend on the same authoritative bathymetry and real-time water1289levels.\2\ Yet across Alaska, marine pilots serving remote coastal1290communities routinely navigate without current bathymetry or real-time1291water levels along their routes.1292---------------------------------------------------------------------------1293    \2\ Don Young Port of Alaska. About Don Young Port of Alaska. Port1294of Alaska, City of Anchorage. Accessed 2026. https://1295www.portofalaska.com/about-us/1296---------------------------------------------------------------------------1297Tracy Arm Landslide: Observation Infrastructure1298    On August 10, 2025, a landslide above South Sawyer Glacier sent 641299million cubic meters of rock into Tracy Arm fjord, generating the1300second-highest megatsunami ever recorded, with runup reaching nearly13011,600 feet above sea level.\3\ Water level stations in Juneau and1302Endicott Arm detected a tsunami signal generated from the event.\4\1303These stations provided the observational record researchers need to1304reconstruct wave propagation and model future hazards. Without datum-1305referenced water level stations distributed across Southeast Alaska,1306that science cannot be done.1307---------------------------------------------------------------------------1308    \3\ U.S. Geological Survey. 2025 Tracy Arm Landslide-Generated1309Tsunami. USGS Landslide Hazards Program, August 2025. https://1310www.usgs.gov/programs/landslide-hazards/science/2025-tracy-arm-1311landslide-generated-tsunami1312    \4\ Shugar, D.H. et al., (2026). A 481-meter-high landslide-tsunami1313in a cruise ship-frequented Alaska fjord. Science, eaec3187. https://1314doi.org/10.1126/science.aec31871315---------------------------------------------------------------------------1316    The economic consequences of this event are already being felt:1317five major cruise lines have removed Tracy Arm from their 20261318itineraries, redirecting passengers to Endicott Arm.\5\ Increased1319cruise tourism in Alaska's fjords increases exposure to exactly these1320cascading geological risks. Observation infrastructure must grow with1321the industry.1322---------------------------------------------------------------------------1323    \5\ Travel Market Report. Cruise Lines Pull Tracy Arm from Alaska1324Itineraries. April 6, 2026. https://www.travelmarketreport.com/cruises/1325articles/cruise-lines-pull-tracy-arm-from-alaska-itineraries1326---------------------------------------------------------------------------1327Western Alaska: The Flood Imperative1328    When Typhoon Merbok struck the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta in September13292022, it impacted more than 35 Alaska Native communities along 1,3001330miles of coast.\6\ In 2024 the community of Kwigillingok experienced1331coastal flooding with water levels higher than the community members1332remember experiencing. The next year Typhoon Halong devastated1333Kwigillingok along with over 40 more communities in the Yukon-Kuskokwim1334Delta region.\7\ In many of these communities, emergency managers1335navigate blind and rebuilding efforts are hampered by a lack of1336observational data. These storms are not unique to Alaska. What remains1337unique is the real-time observational gap.1338---------------------------------------------------------------------------1339    \6\ U.S. Geological Survey. Typhoon Merbok Coastal Community1340Impacts. USGS Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Recovery1341Activities. https://www.usgs.gov/supplemental-appropriations-for-1342disaster-recovery-activities/typhoon-merbok-coastal-community1343    \7\ Alaska Public Media. Officials Say Storm `Completely1344Devastated' Western Alaska Communities (Typhoon Halong). October 13,13452025. https://alaskapublic.org/news/public-safety/2025-10-13/officials-1346say-storm-completely-devastated-western-alaska-communities1347---------------------------------------------------------------------------1348GNSS-IR: Innovative Blue Economy Technology1349    My company has been developing and deploying GNSS Interferometric1350Reflectometry, GNSS-IR, for water and ice level monitoring in Alaska1351since 2017, working with local, state, and Federal stakeholders to1352expand the coastal and river observing networks across the state.\8\1353GNSS-IR is a remote sensing technique that measures water and ice1354levels using reflected satellite signals.\9\ Unlike conventional1355sensors, GNSS-IR requires no in-water infrastructure, making it well-1356suited for remote and ice-affected environments. As the Blue Economy1357grows in the Arctic, this capability becomes increasingly critical.1358Full-scale adoption requires interagency commitment and investment.1359---------------------------------------------------------------------------1360    \8\ Wardwell, Nathan, Drew Lindow, Reece Robinson, and Jim1361Mitchell. Adventures in Multipath: Extracting Tides & Water Levels from1362Noise in Alaska. Presentation at the Alaska Geospatial Summit, April 9,13632025. JOA Surveys, Anchorage, AK. https://joasurveys.com/wp-content/1364uploads/2025/04/AK-Geosummit-GNSS-IR.pdf1365    \9\ Larson, K.M. GNSS Interferometric Reflectometry: A New Tool for1366Environmental Sensing. GPS Solutions, 2016. https://doi.org/10.1007/1367s10291-016-0557-11368---------------------------------------------------------------------------1369Conclusion1370    Since the precursor to NOAA's Office of Coast Survey was1371established by Congress in 1807, our Nation has understood the value of1372mapping its coasts and waters for navigation, land management, national1373security, and long-term monitoring. Yet in 2024, 46 percent of U.S.1374waters remain unmapped.\10\ Advancing American fisheries, maritime1375strength, and coastal economies depends on understanding our ocean and1376seafloor.1377---------------------------------------------------------------------------1378    \10\ Carter, Nicole T., Laura B. Comay, Caitlin Keating-Bitonti,1379Eva Lipiec, and Linda R. Rowan. Frequently Asked Questions: Mapping of1380U.S. Ocean and Coastal Waters. Congressional Research Service Report1381No. R47623, updated July 29, 2025. Washington, DC: Congressional1382Research Service. https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R476231383---------------------------------------------------------------------------1384    That requires strong public-private partnerships and continued1385investment in ocean technology. Thank you for this opportunity to1386testify.13871388    Senator Sullivan. Thank you, Mr. Wardwell. And stay tuned1389on the icebreakers. Might have some more announcements coming1390up here from the Coast Guard on homeporting icebreakers in1391Alaska, which is, by the way, the place you would think the1392Coast Guard would have done that about 50 years ago, putting1393the icebreakers in the state with the ice. But that's actually1394never happened. So we're working on that one, too.1395    Mr. Heil, you're up.13961397           STATEMENT OF CLAYTON HEIL, VICE PRESIDENT,13981399              GLOBAL GOVERNMENT RELATIONS, CROWLEY14001401    Mr. Heil. Chairman Sullivan, Ranking Member Blunt1402Rochester, and members of the Subcommittee, my name is Clay1403Heil, and I serve as Vice President of Global Government1404Relations for Crowley. Thank you for the opportunity to1405testify.1406    Crowley is a privately held, U.S. owned maritime logistics1407and energy company founded in 1892 and headquartered in1408Jacksonville, Florida. For more than 130 years, Crowley has1409served commercial and government customers in some of the most1410difficult environments in the world. Today, our business1411includes logistics, vessel operations, fuel transportation and1412distribution, ship assist and escort services, vessel1413construction management, and government services.1414    We are also deeply committed to Alaska, where Crowley has1415operated for more than 70 years. Crowley employs hundreds of1416Alaskans and supports communities across the state by1417purchasing, transporting, storing, and distributing the fuels1418needed to heat homes, operate schools and businesses, fly1419aircraft, and power the vessels that support Alaska's fishing1420economy.1421    In western Alaska, Crowley operates coastal and river1422barges serving remote communities where maritime transportation1423is not just a convenience, it is the supply chain. Crowley's1424work in Alaska demonstrates why this hearing matters. The blue1425economy is not an abstract policy concept. It's the daily work1426of fishermen, mariners, shipyard workers, port employees, fuel1427distributors, tug and barge operators, seafood processors, and1428the families and communities that depend upon them.1429    The Jones Act is essential to that system. It ensures that1430cargo moving between American ports is carried on vessels that1431are American-built, owned, crewed, and flagged. It also1432supports the domestic maritime workforce, a U.S. shipbuilding1433and repair base, and dedicated trade lanes that provide1434regular, reliable service to American communities.1435    That reliability is especially important for the fishing1436industry and for remote markets. Fishing operations depend on1437steady fuel deliveries, functioning ports, trained mariners,1438and vessels that can carry--can safely operate in difficult1439environments. Those capabilities do not appear overnight. They1440are built through long-term private investment, and the Jones1441Act gives companies the confidence to make those investments.1442    Crowley strongly supports the administration's maritime1443executive order and the bipartisan SHIPS for America Act. Both1444recognize that the United States must rebuild its maritime1445industrial base, expand U.S. flag shipping, grow the pool of1446American mariners, strengthen domestic shipbuilding, and ensure1447that our Nation has the commercial maritime capacity needed for1448economic security and national defense.1449    Those are the right goals, and Crowley is prepared to help1450meet them. For decades, we have invested in American shipyards,1451U.S. built vessels, American mariners, port infrastructure, and1452the domestic maritime services that support American1453communities. But those investments depend on stable,1454predictable policy environments. The current Jones Act waiver1455undermines those efforts.1456    Crowley recognizes that true emergencies may require1457carefully tailored waivers. Congress has provided a process for1458that purpose, and the maritime industry has understood that1459national defense and emergency response come first. Crowley is1460proud of its longstanding role supporting national security1461missions. Our commercial operations employ and train American1462mariners and provide access to vessels, logistics capabilities,1463and global transportation networks that support military1464sealift readiness and crisis response when the Nation needs1465them.1466    But broad or recurring waivers that are not tied to a1467specific vessel need, a specific cargo need, or the actual non-1468availability of U.S. vessels creates a very different problem.1469Such waivers send the wrong message at the wrong time. At the1470very moment the administration and Congress are calling for1471more U.S. flag vessels, more American mariners, more shipyard1472capacity, and more private investment. The waiver invites1473foreign-flagged vessels into domestic trades and weakens the1474market certainty needed to build that capacity.1475    The current waiver has also not solved the underlying1476energy problem. It does not create new supply or make global1477tanker markets less volatile. Instead, it shifts cargo away1478from American vessels and American crews while weakening the1479long-term business case for the domestic maritime capacity we1480will need in the next crisis.1481    Crowley stands ready to work with this committee, the1482administration, and our partners across the country to1483strengthen America's maritime economy, support our fishing and1484coastal communities, and ensure the United States remains a1485maritime Nation.1486    Thank you for the opportunity to testify, and I look1487forward to your questions.1488    [The prepared statement of Mr. Heil follows:]14891490          Prepared Statement of Clayton Heil, Vice President,1491                  Global Government Relations, Crowley1492    Chairman Sullivan, Ranking Member Blunt Rochester, and members of1493the Subcommittee. My name is Clay Heil, and I serve as Vice President1494of Global Government Relations for Crowley. Thank you for the1495opportunity to testify today.1496    Crowley is a privately held, U.S.-owned maritime, logistics, and1497energy company founded in 1892 and headquartered in Jacksonville,1498Florida. For more than 130 years, Crowley has served commercial and1499government customers in some of the most difficult operating1500environments in the world. Today, our business includes logistics,1501vessel operations, fuel transportation and distribution, ship assist1502and escort services, vessel construction management, and government1503services.1504    We are also deeply committed to Alaska, where Crowley has operated1505for more than 70 years. Crowley employs hundreds of Alaskans and1506supports communities across the state by purchasing, transporting,1507storing, and distributing the fuels needed to heat homes, operate1508schools and businesses, fly aircraft, and power the vessels that1509support Alaska's fishing economy. In Western Alaska, Crowley operates1510coastal and river barges serving remote communities where marine1511transportation is not just a convenience; it is the supply chain.1512    Crowley's work in Alaska demonstrates why this hearing matters. The1513blue economy is not an abstract policy concept. It is the daily work of1514fishermen, mariners, shipyard workers, port employees, fuel1515distributors, tug and barge operators, seafood processors, and the1516families and communities that depend on them.1517    The Jones Act is essential to that system. It ensures that cargo1518moving between American ports is carried on vessels that are American-1519built, owned, crewed, and flagged. It also supports a domestic maritime1520workforce, a U.S. shipbuilding and repair base, and dedicated trade1521lanes that provide regular, reliable service to American communities.1522    That reliability is especially important for the fishing industry1523and for remote markets. Fishing operations depend on steady fuel1524deliveries, functioning ports, trained mariners, and vessels that can1525safely operate in difficult environments. Those capabilities do not1526appear overnight. They are built through long-term private investment,1527and the Jones Act gives companies the confidence to make those1528investments.1529    Crowley strongly supports the Administration's Maritime Executive1530Order and the bipartisan SHIPS for America Act. Both recognize that the1531United States must rebuild its maritime industrial base, expand U.S.-1532flag shipping, grow the pool of American mariners, strengthen domestic1533shipbuilding, and ensure that our Nation has the commercial maritime1534capacity needed for economic security and national defense.1535    Those are the right goals, and Crowley is prepared to help meet1536them. For decades, we have invested in American shipyards, U.S.-built1537vessels, American mariners, port infrastructure, and the domestic1538maritime services that support American communities. But those1539investments depend on a stable and predictable policy environment.1540    The current Jones Act waiver undermines those efforts.1541    Crowley recognizes that true emergencies may require narrowly1542tailored waivers. Congress has provided a process for that purpose, and1543the maritime industry has always understood that national defense and1544emergency response come first. Crowley is proud of its longstanding1545role supporting national security missions. Our commercial operations1546employ and train American mariners and provide access to vessels,1547logistics capabilities, and global transportation networks that support1548military sealift, readiness, and crisis response when the Nation needs1549them. But broad or recurring waivers that are not tied to a specific1550vessel need, specific cargo need, or the actual non-availability of1551U.S. vessels create a very different problem.1552    Such waivers send the wrong signal at the wrong time. At the very1553moment the Administration and Congress are calling for more U.S.-flag1554vessels, more American mariners, more shipyard capacity, and more1555private investment, the waiver invites foreign-flag vessels into1556domestic trades and weakens the market certainty needed to build that1557capacity.1558    The current waiver has also not solved the underlying energy1559problem. It does not create new supply or make global tanker markets1560less volatile. Instead, it shifts cargo away from American vessels and1561American crews while weakening the long-term business case for the1562domestic maritime capacity we will need in the next crisis.1563    Crowley stands ready to work with this Committee, the1564Administration, and our partners across the country to strengthen1565America's maritime economy, support our fishing and coastal1566communities, and ensure that the United States remains a maritime1567nation.1568    Thank you for the opportunity to testify. I look forward to your1569questions.15701571    Senator Sullivan. Thank you to all the witnesses. That was1572a great overview of many important topics. The topic of the1573blue economy itself is kind of broad.1574    So, Mr. Sheridan, why don't we start with you since you1575focus on this a lot at UAF, and they have a great program on1576fisheries and many other things. You work across many sectors1577of Alaska's blue economy. How do you define the blue economy,1578and where do you see the greatest opportunities for growth over1579the next decade, not just in Alaska, but I would say throughout1580the United States?1581    Mr. Sheridan. Thank you for the question, Chairman1582Sullivan. I think that your introduction on the blue economy1583was very good, very inclusive. Blue economy is a very broad and1584expansive term, and I like to describe it as everything that1585happens in places like Cordova and Valdez, where I've lived for158616 years now.1587    In both communities, we have one of North America's largest1588salmon aquaculture programs. We have renowned commercial1589fisheries, certainly associated marine shipping. In Valdez, of1590course, is the terminus for the Trans-Alaska Pipeline and so1591energy is a big industry in that region. And with its access to1592the road system, Valdez is positioned to be a significant port1593for national defense and national security.1594    So, it really runs the gamut in coastal Alaska. Some of the1595areas of opportunity that we've been involved with and have1596been tracking includes making just better use, more full use of1597the existing infrastructure and resources that we have. With1598the seafood industry, there has been a lot of interest lately1599on Icelandic models and the work that's being done there1600through the Iceland Ocean Cluster to make more full utilization1601of their cod fishery resource. I think there's opportunity to1602do that in Alaska.1603    One example of that that we've been involved with is a1604discussion around the potential to integrate mariculture into1605Alaska's salmon hatchery system, for example. That's something1606that folks are interested in, in addition to the development of1607energy in the vicinity of those sites.1608    Tourism is rapidly becoming one of the largest sectors in1609Alaska's blue economy. There have been significant port1610developments in Cordova, Valdez, Whittier, Seward, all in our1611neighborhood of Prince William Sound, with additional1612significant investments to come in Nome. And so I think we'll1613see a growth of that industry in that direction.1614    But in general, just to answer your question, of course,1615it's a significant opportunity. Estimates are for the global1616ocean economy to grow to or beyond $3 trillion by 2030. And1617certainly----1618    Senator Sullivan. In the U.S. or globally?1619    Mr. Sheridan. Globally. And certainly much more so in the1620next decade. So those are a few things that we're tracking and1621interested in.1622    Senator Sullivan. Right. Mr. Wardwell, you talk about when1623people hear hydrography and ocean mapping, they may not1624immediately connect that to economic growth. Can you explain1625how investments in mapping directly support jobs and economic1626activity? And additionally, you mentioned that not having1627mapping done is a national security vulnerability.1628    I'm sure you recall, a lot of Alaskans did--last summer we1629had a Chinese research fleet off the coast of Alaska, all1630summer, that was a spy operation. We all know that, right, and1631trying to map the floor and find our cables and maybe1632subroutes. I mean, that's what they were doing. They weren't1633doing research, wasn't friendly. They were spying on us. So can1634you talk a little bit about that national security1635vulnerability as well?1636    Mr. Wardwell. Yes, so the ocean mapping and the blue1637economy obviously are tied together, right? You can't do1638anything in the--in the ocean without wanting to know or1639needing to know something about the water depth, whether you're1640doing construction for a coastal facility or you're trying to1641identify an area to preserve. One of the--I think the collapse1642of the Francis Scott Key Bridge is a good example. In order to1643open up commerce into those ports, you had to map the seafloor1644to find safe routes for the vessels to come in and out of the1645port.1646    Every foot of draft for a vessel equates to additional1647revenue and profit for companies and more efficient commerce.1648So those are directly tied to ocean mapping. All of the work1649from the fisheries and everything else is fundamental to1650achieving those goals.1651    From a national security standpoint, I read the news in1652Alaska, I see the articles about the boats and the Bering from1653foreign countries. We can't--without understanding our coasts1654and our seafloor, can't safely navigate, we can't move1655commerce----1656    Senator Sullivan. We need to understand our coasts and1657seafloor more than the Chinese understand our coasts and1658seafloor. Isn't that like an imperative? Like, figure out what1659we have before they do? And those guys were up all summer last1660summer trying to figure it out, as you know.1661    Mr. Wardwell. Agreed. As somebody in the mapping industry,1662it's always kind of blown me away that we have--that the moon1663is mapped better than our oceans on Earth. I think there's some1664value there.1665    Senator Sullivan. Good. Thank you. Senator Blunt Rochester.1666    Senator Blunt Rochester. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I want to1667start off with talking about aquaculture. The United States has1668one of the world's largest ocean economies, yet we still import1669the majority of our seafood that we consume. Shellfish1670aquaculture offers economic, environmental, and food security1671benefits for coastal communities.1672    So I'd like to start with you, Mr. Woodrow. How can1673shellfish aquaculture strengthen America's blue economy,1674particularly in supporting domestic seafood production, coastal1675jobs, and healthy marine ecosystems?1676    Mr. Woodrow. Thank you, Ranking Member Blunt Rochester, for1677that question. I will try to answer your question as best I1678can. I am a wild fisheries expert when it comes to marketing.1679We are growing, and no pun intended, our aquaculture sector in1680Alaska, especially in terms of oyster aquaculture as well as1681seaweed aquaculture.1682    I will say that the investment in those industries is1683really beginning. It has been--they've been around for decades,1684but they did receive a significant Build Back Better grant that1685was about $50 million several years ago to heavily invest more1686into that industry. As Mr. Sheridan said, we are looking at how1687we can bridge the gap between our growing mariculture industry1688and aquaculture industry and our existing coastal economies1689with our wild capture fisheries.1690    One thing that's really unique in Alaska is the timing of1691our fisheries. We have a lot of seafood processing plants that1692sit empty throughout the year. They're really busy throughout1693those pulse fisheries, and there are vacancies throughout the1694year where those can be filled with other fisheries, and that1695keeps the lights on, keeps the economy going in those small1696communities, and frankly, it's an opportunity for growth. So1697that's one area that we definitely need to continue to explore.1698And that's something that Alaska is doing and trying to be a1699leader in.1700    I will say, when it comes to aquaculture as well, is when1701it comes to wild capture fisheries, for the most part, we look1702globally, our wild capture fisheries are maxed out, right?1703We're doing a good job of most of the part of sustainably1704managing and, you know, and catching those fisheries. If we1705need to continue to feed the world, we need to find aquaculture1706as well to feed the world. We need to do it responsibly and we1707need to look at areas where we can do that responsibly.1708    And so that's one thing that Alaska is doing and why those1709fisheries that we're looking at are those aquaculture1710agriculture fisheries that we're looking at, such as shellfish1711fisheries, is where we're starting.1712    Senator Blunt Rochester. You mentioned just the growing1713demand both domestically as well as globally but we still see1714that the industry faces some significant barriers. Could you1715talk about some of the biggest challenges that are limiting the1716responsible growth of shellfish, and also what actions that we1717as Congress or Federal agencies like NOAA or USDA can take to1718better support the industry?1719    Mr. Woodrow. Thank you for that question. For Alaska,1720probably our greatest challenge is always our greatest strength1721as well, and it's our remoteness. The economy of scale in1722Alaska is always challenging. We're far away from the rest of1723the world, so being able to move our product to the rest of the1724world is costly. Getting product to Alaska to be--to start1725investing is always costly.1726    And so we were always looking at ways to try to expand that1727efficiency, but we need to start small and continue to grow1728from there. And I can't speak to the rest of the--the rest of1729that industry across the U.S. because I really am an Alaska1730expert. But I know that's probably been the most difficult1731aspect to growing that aquaculture industry in Alaska is really1732it's the economy of scale and it's the remoteness. It just--1733it's really, really expensive to do business in Alaska in these1734remote areas.1735    Senator Blunt Rochester. Thank you. I'm going to turn to1736the Jones Act. I'm concerned by recent actions that the1737administration has taken to undermine the maritime industry and1738our global competitiveness in response to energy price1739inflation caused by the Iran war, we've taken some1740unprecedented steps of creating a prolonged Jones Act waiver.1741    And I think it was you, Mr. Heil, that said limited, you1742know, targeted, that makes sense. After issuing a 60-day waiver1743in March, the President decided to extend the waiver an1744additional 90 days as the war continues on. When it is1745currently set to expire mid-August, the 150-day waiver will be1746the longest in modern history. And we're seeing just the1747impacts of this waiver.1748    It's reported that it's halting a $1 billion investment.1749And just last week, we saw a vessel with ties to the Chinese1750government carrying cargo between U.S. ports. Mr. Heil, how1751have Jones Act waivers chilled investment in our domestic1752maritime industry, and how will this affect the workforce?1753    Mr. Heil. Well, thank you for the question, Senator. I1754guess on the workforce part, I'll start with that. We're1755hearing from our own mariners, U.S. citizens, our mariners who1756are asking, what does this waiver mean for our jobs long term?1757If waivers are to continue and reoccur, what does that mean for1758me and my employment? So that's a concern for us and for our1759workers.1760    And you mentioned the Chinese vessel that moved asphalt1761from Louisiana to Connecticut last week. The Chinese, you know,1762crude vessel, Chinese-built vessel operating in our territorial1763waters under a national security waiver, moving asphalt. That's1764concerning on a variety of levels.1765    For the investment community, when waivers are extended1766like this--and this is, as you mentioned, there is no1767historical parallel for a waiver of this duration or covering1768this many products, over 600--it causes investment to pull1769back. Shipyards will kind of in the short term probably not see1770severe impacts, it's more of the longer term of future1771investments.1772    Companies like ours are looking to recapitalize our fleets.1773If the Jones Act looks unstable, we're not going to do that.1774For shipyards, U.S. shipyards, they may see orders being1775canceled. They may see their order book dry up for Jones Act1776vessels. So I think it's concerning on multiple levels, the1777duration and the uncertainty that it brings to the marketplace1778and to private capital who won't invest in unstable markets.1779    Senator Blunt Rochester. Thank you, Mr. Heil. I have more1780questions, and I don't know if you're going to do a round two.1781I can submit them----1782    Senator Sullivan. Yes, we will do a round two.1783    Senator Blunt Rochester.--for the record. Thank you and I1784yield back.1785    Senator Sullivan. Chairman Wicker.1786    Senator Wicker. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And let me just1787say that no one has done more for this area of subject matter1788than Senator Dan Sullivan of Alaska and I very much appreciate1789the fact that he is a valuable member of the Committee that I1790chair, the Armed Services Committee, and he realizes, in his1791capacity as subcommittee chairman on this committee, the inner1792workings of national security with everything that we've talked1793about today.1794    I'm glad the Ranking Member has mentioned the Jones Act,1795and so I want to continue to try to delve on that. I've always1796been a big supporter of the Jones Act, and actually the Jones1797Act was sort of considered holy writ in both parties for a long1798time. Now we do see a number of people from both ends of the1799ideological spectrum attacking the Jones Act now.1800    And I think, Mr. Heil, you would agree that we need to step1801up our defense of the Jones Act. What is the national security1802aspect of ensuring that we have a large enough domestic fleet?1803    Mr. Heil. Senator, Department of Defense, Department of War1804have said for decades that the Jones Act is critical for their1805efforts, not only to provide the mariners and surge capacity1806requirements that are needed in times of war, also the vessels1807that are needed that support our U.S. military. We are in the1808Tanker Security Program. We have three tankers that support1809Department of Defense assets around the world providing fuel1810and supplies. That's just one part of the U.S. commercial1811effort that supports our defense efforts.1812    Also, the shipyard capabilities are extremely important. We1813need to maintain our shipyards and having the workers that know1814how to build commercial ships, those are the same workers that1815are building our military vessels. So we need to maintain that1816whole infrastructure to counter our--counter China and others1817who are building their naval assets around the world and who1818are in fact incorporating their commercial assets into their1819battle plans.1820    So we need to have the U.S. flag fleet that is able to1821project power worldwide and then provide supplies for our1822country in times of war.1823    Senator Wicker. Well said. I think we would agree, though,1824and all four of you would probably agree, we really still don't1825have enough of a domestic fleet. What do we need to do in1826addition to the Jones Act to build more commercial-type ships1827in the United States of America? We're just not getting there.1828And this point is made by people who are attacking the Jones1829Act.1830    Mr. Heil. The biggest thing that would--biggest help that1831would be needed is cargo to put on those vessels. I mean, we1832make investments in new ships based on cargo demand. We have--1833--1834    Senator Wicker. During times when we're not at war.1835    Mr. Heil. During times when we're not at war. You know,1836they're commercial vessels. We need to have customers and cargo1837to go on those vessels. There are various ideas that have been1838posed in the SHIPS Act and the Maritime Action Plan to address1839that. One idea is a tax incentive. Basically, it would be1840incentive--get a tax incentive if you put cargo on U.S. built1841ships. I think that would do a lot to help increase demand for1842U.S. built vessels and produce more ships in our shipyards.1843    Senator Wicker. Mr. Heil, you in your testimony commend the1844Maritime Executive Order and the bipartisan SHIPS for America1845Act. But at the same time, you're very troubled, as are the1846three of us, with the current waiver. We talk about the1847narrowly tailored waivers that Congress has provided for. It's1848my position that there's some question as to whether the1849current waiver complies with the statute.1850    Would anybody on the panel like to respond to that? I think1851probably, Mr. Heil, your company questions whether the1852administration has gone farther than the statute anticipated.1853    Mr. Heil. Yes, Senator, there are two parts of the statute,1854501(a) and 501(b). 501(a) is the national security waiver part1855of it, where the Secretary of Defense identifies, ``It's1856necessary in the interest of national defense to address an1857immediate adverse effect on military operations.'' When we look1858at the movement last week of asphalt on a Chinese-built ship,1859Chinese crewed ship, from Louisiana to Connecticut, we fail to1860see the national security interest, and there are a lot of1861products on that list, over 600, that we see no national1862security relevance----1863    Senator Wicker. If war breaks out, that Chinese ship's not1864going to be available to us, is it?1865    Mr. Heil. It is not.1866    Senator Wicker. Would any of the three of you other1867gentlemen like to agree or disagree with the basic premise that1868Mr. Heil and I have been talking about and the distinguished1869Ranking Member, about the necessity of the Jones Act? Anyone1870feel differently? Well, the cat's got your tongue. Mr. Woodrow,1871you're smiling and the Chair is being lenient with the gavel.1872    Mr. Woodrow. Thank you, Senator Wicker. What I will address1873in terms of our fisheries and trying to compete in the global1874environment and I'll use Russia as an example here, Russia is1875expanding its fleet of fishing vessels with government1876subsidies at a rate that we can't compete with, especially for1877our large or larger vessels. The cost to build a large trawler1878in China--well, it doesn't matter where they build it, whether1879it's in China or Turkey or overseas--but the cost to build a1880Russian vessel is about a third the cost it is to build here in1881the U.S.1882    I don't have a silver bullet of how we fix that here at1883home, but all I know is that we're falling behind our1884competitors and it does make it very challenging for us to1885continue to compete with them in a global space.1886    Senator Wicker. Anyone else? Mr. Chairman, thank you for1887your indulgence.1888    Senator Sullivan. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And we're going1889to go to round two, Senator Blunt Rochester, if that makes1890sense for you, because we have these witnesses who came from1891many parts of the country, but particularly far away from1892Alaska.1893    So let me turn to Mr. Woodrow. I want focus a little bit on1894the threat to the American blue economy, particularly from--you1895just mentioned it--from foreign governments. I'm going to focus1896on Russia and China. So I'm sure you're very familiar with, we1897had Russia ban the importation of all American seafood starting1898in 2014. That's an unlevel playing field. That's really an1899outrage. And to be honest, we didn't really react. I was1900certainly trying to get the governments of Obama, Trump won,1901and Biden to retaliate and I was successful.1902    I worked with the Biden administration. My team and I put1903thousands of hours into making sure there was a ban on the1904importation of all Russian seafood into America. Then they1905tried to launder it through China, and we got that loophole1906closed. By the way, if anyone else says they were working it,1907don't believe them, because it was my team and I. And that's a1908fact.1909    And then the Trump administration came on board and we1910said, hey, there are a lot of executive orders the Biden1911administration did, particularly against Alaska, that we want1912you to rescind because they hurt our economy, but not this one.1913Keep it. And the Trump administration listened to us and1914they've kept it.1915    So how important is that, that we finally, after 10 years,1916said we're not going to put up with this unlevel playing field?1917And oh, by the way, why should American importers--I had1918legislation to ban Russian importation of seafood, brought it1919to the Senate floor a few times. Unfortunately, some of my1920colleagues blocked it, but we got through that. But how1921important is it for Americans to have American freedom fish,1922not Russian or Chinese communist fish, and to sustainability,1923to national security, and just fairness.1924    I mean, this country banned the importation of any fish1925from America for 10 years, and now we finally reacted. And1926isn't that benefiting our coastal communities and fisheries,1927not just in Alaska, but throughout the country, for Americans1928to buy American seafood from American fishermen, not rely on1929this communist fish from China and Russia? How important has1930that been?1931    Mr. Woodrow. Chairman Sullivan, thank you for bringing this1932up. Thank you for your work on this issue and----1933    Senator Sullivan. Yes, we worked it really, really hard. By1934the way, there are some other people out there saying they had1935something to do with it. They didn't. Zero. Zilch. Nada. It was1936my team and I, and we put thousands of hours. The only reason I1937say that, I get offended sometimes when my team works hard and1938someone else comes in saying, oh, I did it. Nothing to do with1939it. My team and I did it, exclusively.1940    Mr. Woodrow. Alaska fishermen owe you a great debt of1941gratitude. For those who might not be aware, 2 years ago,1942seafood processors told Alaska pink salmon fishermen to stop1943fishing because they could not buy their fish for a single1944penny per pound and sell that fish on the market. They would--1945--1946    Senator Sullivan. And weren't the Russians flooding the1947American market with seafood? Flooding. And trying to undercut1948and kill Alaska and American fishermen?1949    Mr. Woodrow. Senator, at that time, they weren't just1950flooding the U.S. market, they were flooding the global1951market----1952    Senator Sullivan. And they were doing it to try to destroy1953you guys, our fishermen, our coastal communities, weren't they?1954    Mr. Woodrow. Senator, they have publicly said that their1955goal is to bring down Alaska's fisheries.1956    Senator Sullivan. They said they were at war with Alaska1957fishermen.1958    Mr. Woodrow. You are correct.1959    Senator Sullivan. And when someone says to me, you're at1960war with my constituents, I say we fight back. And that's what1961we did, right?1962    Mr. Woodrow. Correct. And I will say that upholding this1963ban has made a difference. We have seen prices rebound here in1964the U.S. marketplace----1965    Senator Sullivan. Because Americans are buying Americans'1966freedom fish, not communist fish from Russia.1967    Mr. Woodrow. Correct.1968    Senator Sullivan. Good. Well, listen, we're going to keep1969that. We've worked with the President and his team, both1970administrations. This has been bipartisan. But again, I know1971we've worked with all of you guys on this. It was a really,1972really important policy goal that my team and I are proud to1973have led on and delivered. Not just for Alaskan fishermen,1974American fishermen.1975    So let's turn to China. So my bill, the FISH Act, which1976passed the Senate unanimously just about two months ago. I've1977been working on getting that over the goal line for about four1978years, and I finally got it over the goal line. That targets1979IUU fishing, unsustainable fishing, and it's aggressive. It1980sanctions Chinese fleets. It sends the Coast Guard and the U.S.1981Navy to go after them. It is the most aggressive bill. We're1982hoping the House is going to pass it here. Again, it was1983unanimous in the Senate, which I was proud of.1984    But you mentioned it, the Chinese--I chair the1985Congressional Executive Committee on China. That's a1986longstanding committee that was passed after China joined the1987WTO in the Congress. Senator Rubio used to chair it. When he1988became Secretary of State, now I chair it. We had a hearing1989recently on IUU fishing. The Chinese use slave labor on their1990ships. How hard is it for American fishermen, Alaska fishermen,1991to compete against slave labor?1992    Mr. Woodrow. Thank you, Senator. It undercuts us at every1993aspect----1994    Senator Sullivan. Impossible, right?1995    Mr. Woodrow. Yes, it's impossible. And it undercuts us at1996every aspect----1997    Senator Sullivan. Slave labor. People are forced to work,1998not paid, human trafficked. This is the China gray fleet.1999    Mr. Woodrow. What I'll also add, where it undercuts2000American fishermen is seafood has a challenge to enter into2001American homes, and it creates a barrier that they're--of2002confusion for consumers, and they just turn away from seafood2003entirely.2004    Senator Sullivan. Let me give you another example on China2005that I was proud to have led on. In last year's NDAA, I had a2006bill of mine that got in there saying we should not have any2007imports of Chinese fish into military, DFACs, military chow2008halls, or military commissaries. Our military shouldn't be2009eating communist fish from China. By the way, you think2010they're--you think the Chinese military is eating Alaskan fish?2011No.2012    So my bill passed. So there's no communist Chinese fish in2013any commissary, in any chow hall in America. And believe it or2014not, there was a lot, right? There was a lot. So we stopped2015that. But I have another bill. I told you my comprehensive2016bycatch bill, which would be the most comprehensive bycatch2017legislation ever that says, why should we import any seafood2018from China if they don't have the standards that we do?2019    So my next focus is trying to get that over the goal line,2020including a ban on Chinese fish into America. Do you think that2021makes sense?2022    Mr. Woodrow. Senator----2023    Senator Sullivan. They don't have the sustainability that2024you do, that we do, that American fishermen do.2025    Mr. Woodrow.--for seafood coming into the U.S., regardless2026of where it may be coming from, we should be upholding to the2027same standards that we apply to our seafood here in the U.S.2028    Senator Sullivan. Yes, exactly. The same standards that we2029have. And we have the highest standards in the world, don't we?2030    Mr. Woodrow. We certainly do.2031    Senator Sullivan. On not just sustainability, environmental2032stewardship, but also workforce, right? We don't use slave2033labor on our ships, do we?2034    Mr. Woodrow. We certainly don't.2035    Senator Sullivan. Well, that's what we're going to do. And2036I think we'll have bipartisan support for that. So Senator2037Cantwell, the Ranking Member of this committee, the broader2038committee, welcome, and the floor is yours.20392040               STATEMENT OF HON. MARIA CANTWELL,2041                  U.S. SENATOR FROM WASHINGTON20422043    Senator Cantwell. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Thank you to you2044and to Senator Blunt Rochester for holding this very important2045meeting on the blue economy and the competitiveness of America2046in the maritime sector. So very much appreciated. I don't2047think--I don't think you were including me on people who helped2048claim credit for helping you on Russian fish. I think you2049thought I helped you, right?2050    Senator Sullivan. No, I wasn't including you at all.2051    Senator Cantwell. OK.2052    Senator Sullivan. You're a partner.2053    Senator Cantwell. Thank you. Appreciate that. And I want to2054continue to be.2055    I think this issue you've just illuminated--I just went on2056a trip to China with four of our colleagues, including two from2057our committee, and definitely brought up seafood. And the2058Senator's point about Russia moving their illegal fish through2059China has got to stop. And China has to become a better2060sustainable fisheries nation, and we should work with them on2061that or point out how that should be accomplished.2062    But they also represent 45 percent of the world's seafood2063consumption. So I was very surprised to see a bountiful dinner2064that I had there of really just Northwest product. Dungeness2065crab, spot prawns, geoduck, shellfish. I was thinking they have2066the best--they're eating the best that Washington State has to2067offer. And so to me, they should open up----2068    Senator Sullivan. Just real quick, do you think that was a2069propaganda dinner that they were like----2070    Senator Cantwell. No, because it was arranged by--it was2071arranged by somebody--growers in our state.2072    Senator Sullivan. OK, just checking.2073    Senator Cantwell. Growers. We had to push our way in. Push2074our way in. But the point is, instead of marketing and selling2075illegal Russian fish and trying to make money off of that, they2076should develop distribution and trade relations with the U.S.2077on seafood and better give us access to their market, because2078they like seafood. And the fact that they consume so much,2079that's the big opportunity, and we're happy to depart to them2080what better fisheries management truly looks like.2081    But we have lots of fish we can sell to them if they would2082just let it in the door. So I want to work with this committee2083and the two of you on ideas to further that. But, I do think2084that brings up a point about tariffs. I don't like the tariffs2085because I don't like the tariffs being charged on fisheries,2086and I don't know, maybe somebody might want to comment about2087that.2088    But this broader hearing being about strengthening the2089coastal communities and the maritime economy, I wanted to--I'll2090put a longer statement in for the record that covers all of2091that, Mr. Chairman.2092    [The information referred to follows.]20932094Prepared Statement of Hon. Maria Cantwell, U.S. Senator from Washington2095    Thank you, Senator Sullivan, for holding this important hearing.2096    From fisheries and seafood processing, to shipbuilding, ports,2097maritime transportation, tourism, and emerging ocean technologies, the2098marine economy contributes more than $500 billion dollars annually to2099our Nation's economy and supports millions of jobs. Nowhere is that2100more evident than in Alaska and Washington.2101    Alaska harvests roughly 60 percent of America's seafood. Seattle2102serves as the Nation's seafood capital, connecting fishermen,2103processors, shipyards, ports, and exporters to markets around the2104world. Together, Alaska and Washington anchor a seafood supply chain2105that supports harvesters, processors, truckers, shipyards, exporters,2106and maritime workers across the country.2107    Just a few weeks ago, I was in China meeting with business leaders2108and government officials. During one dinner in Shanghai, I was served2109geoduck harvested from Puget Sound. Less than 48 hours earlier, it had2110been in the waters of Washington State. Before tariffs disrupted that2111market, geoduck was selling for more than $100 dollars per pound.2112    That is the blue economy. It is Washington shellfish growers,2113fishermen, ports, processors, truck drivers, exporters, and maritime2114workers connected to customers around the world. Washington exports2115more than $1 billion dollars in seafood annually. Our maritime sector2116supports more than 170,000 jobs and generates nearly $46 billion2117dollars in economic activity each year. The question before us today is2118whether we are creating the conditions necessary for that economy to2119grow?2120    A thriving blue economy requires three things: science,2121infrastructure, and a strong maritime workforce. It starts with2122science. Fishermen cannot fish sustainably without accurate and timely2123information on the health of fish stocks. Regional fishery managers2124cannot make sustainable decisions without stock assessments. Coastal2125communities cannot plan for the future without reliable ocean2126observations, weather forecasting, and scientific data.2127    Yet at the very moment the Administration says it wants to grow the2128Blue Economy, it is reducing the scientific capacity that underpins it.2129The President's Fiscal Year 2027 budget proposal would cut NOAA by2130roughly $1.6 billion dollars--nearly 27 percent--while eliminating2131entire programs such as Sea Grant, the Integrated Ocean Observing2132System, Coastal Zone Management Grants, and NOAA's research arm, the2133Office of Oceanic and Atmospheric Research.2134    The consequences are real. Stock assessments and surveys are2135already being delayed or cancelled. That means fishing seasons become2136harder to plan, stock assessments become less reliable, and managers2137have less information to keep fisheries open and sustainable.2138Businesses struggle to make investments when the Federal government2139cannot provide the scientific information needed to support management2140decisions.2141    A thriving Blue Economy also requires modern infrastructure. That2142means resilient ports, working waterfronts, seafood processing2143facilities, navigation systems, and shipyards capable of building and2144maintaining the vessels our economy depends on. Programs like the Port2145Infrastructure Development Program have helped modernize ports across2146the country and strengthened supply chains. Continued investment in2147maritime infrastructure is essential if America intends to compete2148globally. But ports and shipyards alone do not create maritime2149capacity. We also need policies that support long-term investment in2150American vessels and American mariners.2151    That is why I am concerned about the Administration's unprecedented2152150-day Jones Act waiver. The Administration said this waiver was2153needed to move energy products more quickly, ease supply disruptions,2154and help lower fuel costs. Yet after nearly five months, there is2155little evidence of meaningful savings at the pump.2156    What we are seeing instead is growing uncertainty throughout the2157maritime industry. Shipyard investments are being delayed. Vessel2158orders are being reconsidered. Domestic operators are losing work to2159foreign competitors. At least one planned $1 billion dollar maritime2160capital raise has reportedly been halted, and more than $2.6 billion2161dollars in active shipyard contracts are now at risk.2162    That should concern anyone who is serious about rebuilding American2163shipbuilding capacity. Shipyards and vessel operators make investment2164decisions over decades, not months.2165    When the rules governing the domestic maritime market become2166uncertain, companies delay vessel orders, postpone expansion plans, and2167think twice before making long-term investments in American shipyards.2168I agree with the Administration's goal of restoring American maritime2169dominance. But maritime dominance is not achieved through uncertainty.2170It is achieved through investment.2171    We cannot ask companies to build ships in America while2172simultaneously undermining confidence in the laws that sustain the2173market for those very ships. We cannot rebuild American shipyards with2174one hand while weakening the laws that support them with the other.2175    I support the Administration's goal of growing American2176shipbuilding, strengthening our maritime workforce, and expanding2177domestic seafood production. But those goals require consistency. If2178America wants to remain a global maritime leader, we must invest in the2179science that supports our fisheries, the infrastructure that moves our2180commerce, and the industrial base that builds and crews our vessels.2181    That is how we grow a $511 billion-dollar blue economy. That is how2182we compete with China. And that is how we secure America's maritime2183future.2184    Thank you, Mr. Chairman.21852186    Senator Cantwell. But I wanted to ask about the Jones Act2187since we have a temporary waiver on the Jones Act which creates2188a little more uncertainty. I was very pleased that the MARAD2189director and our Transportation Secretary all want to have a2190very aggressive a shipbuilding agenda for the Nation and that2191they want us to be more active in the kind of capacity we have2192for investments in vessels, shipyards, workforce training,2193ports, and maritime infrastructure.2194    So I wanted to know specifically from you, Mr. Heil, if the2195waiver is extended again, what would that mean for investments2196in shipyards and workforce development. Does it create2197uncertainty? What should--how should we communicate about this?2198    Mr. Heil. Senator, thank you for the question. The current2199waiver has created a tremendous amount of uncertainty. Now at2200150 days, which is unprecedented amount of time, to be extended2201again would be another signal to the investment community and2202the companies like ours and to mariners that the Jones Act is2203unstable and investment will flee.2204    Our U.S. mariners will wonder, will they have jobs? You2205know, this budget request for Fiscal Year 2027 includes a large2206investment in the Merchant Marine Academy, which is sorely2207needed. But without the Jones Act, we don't need a Merchant2208Marine Academy frankly. It's hard to see why that investment2209would be moving forward. The Jones Act supports the jobs from2210the Merchant Marine Academy. Those go into our commercial2211mariners, into the U.S. military. They're critical, and the2212Jones Act is the foundation for all of that.2213    So when you talk about an extended waiver, it would be2214extremely damaging to every part of the U.S. maritime industry.2215    Senator Cantwell. Well, we certainly don't want that. We2216certainly want a very strong Jones Act, and we certainly want a2217very strong shipbuilding. Are there other specific investments2218that you think we should be looking at that would help the2219workforce development and accelerate shipbuilding in the U.S.?2220    Mr. Heil. On the workforce side, there are a lot of, we2221think, very good ideas that we support in the SHIPS Act. You2222know, on the mariner recruitment side, we need to do a better2223job there. For a lot of high school kids, they go to their high2224school counselor and hear about all the service academies, but2225don't hear about the Merchant Marine Academy. That needs to2226change. They need to know about our State academies, and it2227needs to be a countrywide effort, not just on the coasts. Folks2228in the middle of the country need to understand that these are2229good jobs, good high-paying jobs, and they need to have access2230to that.2231    On the shipbuilding side, there's a lot we can do. I2232mentioned earlier in the hearing perhaps a tax incentive for2233folks, for companies that put cargo on U.S. built ships. That2234would be one way to drive demand for U.S. built vessels because2235that cargo has to go on U.S. built ships.2236    There's also various ideas about--these would be more in2237the trade negotiation realm, but requiring certain percentage2238of imports or exports from countries like China that they be2239put on U.S. flagged vessels. That would be a tremendous help in2240allowing U.S. companies and U.S. flagged vessels to compete in2241markets where we're excluded from right now.2242    Senator Cantwell. Well, I like that last idea because this2243committee passed in response to the COVID pandemic and the fact2244that international trade vessels were leaving U.S. products on2245the dock. They literally, they were just coming here and2246dropping stuff off and running back, not even taking product2247back with them. And that led us to passing a reform to the2248Federal Maritime Commission and new tools to ensure that we2249were getting access and trade.2250    But this is an additional requirement, and I think the2251change, you know, Mr. Chairman, in the landscape--both the2252COVID pandemic showed us, but now the interest in the Pacific2253writ large has shown us that the United States needs to2254strengthen its capacity. And to do that, we have to strengthen2255our shipbuilding capacity. I think I see both of my colleagues2256nodded when you talked about the workforce, because they know--2257they know that there are young people in our states that would2258love to know there are six-figure welding jobs right out of2259high school.2260    Somebody's nodding in the audience there, and they're like,2261yes, let us know, where are those? And so we can be training2262and skilling at the high school level young people who want2263those six-figure jobs. We could be doing that right now. Some2264in my state, in Kitsap County, which is a very big maritime--we2265have military bases there and a huge Navy population--they do2266train and skill for this.2267    But we need--as you just said, it needs to be everywhere in2268the United States if we want to get the capacity for these2269young people. But again, I thank the two of you for holding2270this hearing, and I'll take any comments for the record about2271the tariffs. But, you know, I don't know what the number is.2272Some big part--is it 80 percent of our economy comes out of the2273coastal states? Well, it's a big number. It's a big number of2274our economy comes out of coastal states.2275    So, glad you're having this hearing and glad we continue to2276focus on this. Thank you, Mr. Chairman.2277    Senator Sullivan. Thank you. Senator Blunt Rochester.2278    Senator Blunt Rochester. Thank you, Mr. Chairman for a2279round two, and I know votes were just called, so I'm going to2280try to be succinct. I want to follow up on the whole2281conversation about workforce, because I think, you know, when2282we look at general--we have generally workforce challenges, but2283to reshore cranes, to build new ships, to do all the repairs2284and the improvements to port infrastructure, we need people to2285do those jobs. And the Department of Labor estimates that the2286shipbuilding industry alone may require 200,000 or more2287additional workers to satisfy demand.2288    I'm going to ask the question to Mr. Sheridan and Mr. Heil,2289and others can join in as well. But we know this affects our2290competitiveness. So can both of you talk a little bit about the2291strategy for how we deal with these workforce shortages? I know2292the administration has a strategy to address it, if you want to2293talk about that. I know you focused on K through 12, and we've2294also talked about the Merchant Marine Academies.2295    So I'll start with you, Mr. Sheridan, if you could talk2296about how do we deal with our workforce shortages in this2297industry, and then I'll turn to you, Mr. Heil.2298    Mr. Sheridan. Thank you, Ranking Member Blunt Rochester,2299for the question. Certainly, I was all about K through 12 there2300in my comments and we do believe that's an opportunity. We've2301been involved in Alaska with the mariculture funding that we've2302discussed, really working to engage middle school students with2303Science Olympiad, high school students with Teaching Through2304Technology, but then also really intentionally partnering with2305CTE programs and traditional community colleges.2306    And so, you know, for fisheries and mariculture in Alaska,2307there are two programs that kind of stand out: Prince William2308Sound College in Valdez, University of Alaska Southeast Sitka2309campus's Applied Fisheries program. But for shipbuilding, we do2310have shipbuilding in the state as well, and UAS Ketchikan's2311campus is involved there. And I would hope that--I haven't been2312involved with----2313    Senator Sullivan. I was just there, it's a really2314impressive program.2315    Mr. Sheridan. It is a great program. So I've not been2316involved with it, but I would hope that they are--they are2317really starting as young as they possibly can because that is2318our near future workforce. The work that we've been doing with2319students in Cordova, for example, those kids are already in the2320workforce. Our 14-year-old son is participating in a setnet2321salmon commercial fishery. Today was the first day of the2322fishery. And so they start them young in Alaska. And so I think2323that we should start training them young as well.2324    Senator Blunt Rochester. That's the pipeline. And I'll come2325back to you. Just wanted to clarify, we talked a lot about2326public-private partnerships and want to make sure that the2327resources are there to continue that good work. I'm going to2328turn to Mr. Heil if you could talk as well about the workforce.2329    Mr. Heil. So critical issue, obviously in lots of different2330areas. I think part of it is replicating models that work for2331workforce training and skill training, developing high school2332curriculums around certain skill sets. That's something that2333we're doing in Jacksonville right now. I think we'll announce2334soon that our partnership there to do that on the mariner side,2335and it's the same for the shipbuilding sector.2336    I know some of the--some of the companies have great2337partnerships with Job Corps centers and community colleges to2338develop workers, to bring them in, get their skills up to a2339certain level, and hire them. And again, it goes back to2340awareness. We have to do a better job as a country of making2341sure young people understand that these opportunities exist and2342where they are and how do they access them.2343    Senator Blunt Rochester. I will ask for the record2344questions on port equipment as well as emerging technologies2345like robotics and artificial intelligence.2346    But I did want to ask each of you, if you could be very2347succinct, to tell me what is the one thing that's keeping you2348up at night and what is the one thing that you want us to make2349sure we tackle? Try one. I know it's very hard because there2350are a lot of things that we discussed here. Who would like to2351go first? OK, Mr. Woodrow.2352    Mr. Woodrow. I'll be very succinct. We need to modernize2353our industry. We need to catch up to the rest of the world.2354    Senator Blunt Rochester. That's it. And what do you want us2355to do?2356    Mr. Woodrow. Well, you mentioned AI, you mentioned2357automation. I'll just share a very quick story. A couple of2358years ago, I was touring a processing plant in Spain, and that2359processing plant had four robots working the line. The two2360robots in the front were so darn efficient at their jobs, the2361other two robots didn't have a job.2362    Senator Blunt Rochester. Wow.2363    Mr. Woodrow. We don't have a single plant like that in2364Alaska.2365    Senator Blunt Rochester. Wow. Thank you. Who's next? All2366right, Mr. Sheridan.2367    Mr. Sheridan. I'll keep it quick and I'll stick with the2368same thing. When we're talking about these technologies,2369automation, integrating AI into seafood processing2370technologies, I do think that we should start young. And so2371I'll just share an example. We brought middle school students2372to Fairbanks for a Science Olympiad event. They were introduced2373to funders and received thousands of dollars to 3D print their2374own drones, and they're now developing their own skills and2375experience there. So these young people have a lot of2376potential, and I think it's important to engage with them.2377    Senator Blunt Rochester. Excellent. And Mr. Wardwell.2378    Mr. Wardwell. Yes, I've spent a lot of my career trying to2379bring geospatial services to communities throughout Alaska that2380are underserved so that Crowley can deliver goods and seafood2381can get out of them and get into them. And so bringing--making2382sure there's legislation for private industry to be involved2383with bringing those services and funding those opportunities.2384    Senator Blunt Rochester. Great, thank you. And Mr. Heil.2385    Mr. Heil. My biggest concern right now is the Jones Act2386waiver and what it's doing to U.S. shipping and U.S. maritime2387industry. And in terms of what we would like, you know, see2388Congress do is to encourage the administration to end the2389current waiver. And if there has to be a waiver, use the 501(b)2390process, which is the process that is when waivers are needed,2391that's the process that's known to U.S. maritime and does not2392cause the damaging effects of the current waiver.2393    Senator Blunt Rochester. Great. Thank you. And I yield2394back.2395    Senator Sullivan. Thank you, Senator Blunt Rochester. And2396there's a vote called, so I'm going to ask one more round. But2397I want to thank you for engaging in this hearing with so many2398of my constituents. It's great. And I really appreciate your2399involvement and engagement. So I'm going to--I'm going to do2400one more--one more quick round.2401    Mr. Heil, I haven't asked you a question, and it's about an2402opportunity, something I've thought about a lot. I don't know2403how you would do it, but I think it has a great opportunity.2404I'm a big supporter of the energy sector, and you know, we have2405this real big boom, which is great for America, great for the2406world, and the production of natural gas and even the export of2407natural gas.2408    In Alaska, we're trying to get a--we're close. We've never2409been this close to get this very large-scale LNG project and2410Alaska pipeline, gas pipeline, off the--off the ground and into2411development. We've been trying to work on that. We've been2412trying to get that done for about 50 years, and we might be2413getting there. We are definitely getting there.2414    So my question is this. You mentioned mandating American2415cargo on vessels. I've always thought about one way to get our2416shipbuilding off the ground. Not sure the oil and gas sector2417likes this idea, but to mandate a certain amount. We are2418exporting LNG all over the world and it's going to continue.2419And if this Alaska project gets done, that'll be the biggest2420LNG project in America, maybe in the world. We're the logical2421place. It's a six-day cargo shipment from the Kenai Peninsula2422to Tokyo. We were the first place in the world to start2423exporting LNG to Asia. We started doing that in the late 1960s2424from Cook Inlet.2425    So my question is, would it make sense to mandate a certain2426amount of American cargoes or percentage of LNG to be from2427American-made ships as this industry is really, really taking2428off and has explosive growth? And I'm talking the American LNG2429natural gas industry. What's your thought on that? Have you2430thought about that one?2431    Mr. Heil. It certainly could. And I think that is a concept2432that's in the SHIPS Act currently. So, yes, I think that2433requiring that a certain amount of exports of LNG be2434transported on U.S. built vessels----2435    Senator Sullivan. Can we build those vessels, though?2436    Mr. Heil. Yes.2437    Senator Sullivan. A lot of people say, oh, we can't do it.2438We don't have the capability. Only the Koreans can do it. Only2439the Chinese. And I'm like, well, actually, we do have the2440capability to build sophisticated ships. Go look at the latest2441American submarine or the American aircraft carrier. Those are2442the most sophisticated ships on the planet Earth, and we2443Americans build them. So can we build LNG ships?2444    Mr. Heil. Senator, I'm not a shipbuilder, but, you know,2445from what I've observed, yes, we can. It will just take time.2446You know, an LNG vessel is probably the most complicated2447commercial vessel that is--that is constructed----2448    Senator Sullivan. Not as complicated as a Boomer-class2449submarine, though.2450    Mr. Heil. No, I mean, that's a different scale on the2451defense side. But on the commercial side, it's very2452complicated. We can do it. It'll just--it will take some time2453and training, but it's something we can do in this country.2454    Senator Sullivan. And it's an opportunity, right?2455    Mr. Heil. It is an opportunity.2456    Senator Sullivan. Our LNG capacity has really increased,2457and it's great for the economy, great for--and again, we're2458trying to get this Alaska one off the ground.2459    Mr. Woodrow, I want to come back to you. I was honored to2460be at the inaugural meeting of the Secretary of the Department2461of Agriculture, joined by the Secretary of Commerce, joined by2462the Secretary of Interior, joined by the White House National2463Economic Council Chairman and me, when we announced the Office2464of Seafood Policy at USDA. Again, that's something I've been2465working on for--on that one for 10 years, and we finally got it2466done.2467    I have legislation on it. We're going to follow up on that.2468But as you know, we got legislation of mine passed last year to2469fund that office, and now the administration is fully behind2470it. The launch of this was--you don't normally get half the--2471well, it wasn't half, about a third of the cabinet of any2472administration to launch something. So it was a big deal.2473    How important is that from your perspective, some of the2474initiatives that the Secretary announced that I've been working2475on to essentially enable our fishing communities, our2476fishermen, our coastal communities to have access to analogous2477programs that American farmers have that de-risk their2478operations? We love our American farmers, but they have2479billions and billions of dollars of programs that enable them2480to limit their risk, crop insurance and export capabilities2481when markets close.2482    How important is that Office of Seafood Policy at USDA and2483what would be the most important programs we should do for our2484fishermen that American farmers already have?2485    Mr. Woodrow. Thank you, Senator Sullivan. As you said,2486we've been chasing this for decades now. And I've, you know,2487kind of joked that we're like a dog chasing a car. Now we2488finally caught it, we aren't sure exactly what to do with this2489car, but we're figuring it out really fast. And we're very2490thankful for the work you've done. And this administration for2491establishing this Office of Seafood.2492    Senator Sullivan. Did you see when we launched it? It was2493quite a big deal.2494    Mr. Woodrow. It was excellent. And being able to bridge the2495gap that we've had between NOAA, where we manage our fisheries,2496to USDA, where our fish becomes food. That's where seafood2497actually happens when it enters into USDA----2498    Senator Sullivan. And they have--I mean, it's no2499exaggeration, their programs for farmers are in the hundreds of2500billions of dollars. And again, we love our farmers. They get a2501lot of Federal Government support. The farmers of the sea,2502fishermen of America, don't. And we want them in on those2503programs, and the Secretary of USDA said that was part of her2504goal for that office.2505    Mr. Woodrow. Correct. And those programs didn't all happen2506overnight. They happened over periods of time when we addressed2507challenges to our farmers. And we could also argue that, you2508know, our fishermen face even more challenges, right?2509    Senator Sullivan. Yes.2510    Mr. Woodrow. The volatility of our markets were at, you2511know, the whims of Mother Nature when it comes to returns of2512our seafood.2513    Senator Sullivan. Yes.2514    Mr. Woodrow. And so having those protections, having those2515assurances to allow them to have, you know, some sort of2516certainty that they can fish today and fish tomorrow is really2517important. So being able to take advantage and actually enter2518into--we aren't--what we are asking is not to, you know,2519replace our farmers and those programs----2520    Senator Sullivan. No, no, no.2521    Mr. Woodrow.--just be a part of it and have those same2522assurances.2523    Senator Sullivan. Well, maybe for the record on this2524hearing, you can submit to this committee some of the areas2525that you would like to have prioritized, because it is a great2526opportunity. And again, I've been working on trying to get that2527done for almost a decade, and it was a real satisfying day when2528we--when we did it.2529    So, Mr. Sheridan, why don't we come back to you? You know,2530I'm a huge UAF fan, so important to Alaska, so important to our2531economy. So the Blue Economy Center that you had brings2532together universities, industries, entrepreneurs, communities2533across Alaska.2534    Can you share examples of public-private partnerships with2535universities and others that you believe are successful in2536creating blue economy opportunities, either in Alaska, or maybe2537there's something you've seen in the lower 48, or like overseas2538in Europe, that looks good that maybe we can emulate with that2539public-private partnership model?2540    Mr. Sheridan. Thank you, Chairman Sullivan. I'm happy to2541have this opportunity to talk a little bit about work that2542we've done with the City of Valdez. And so----2543    Senator Sullivan. When you say you, you're talking about2544UAF?2545    Mr. Sheridan. UAF. It's a broad consortium. I'll go back to2546just describing a little bit of the origins for what became the2547Alaska Mariculture Cluster, the $49 million EDA Build Back2548Better Challenge Award grant. That was really instigated by and2549supported by a broad group of Alaskans. The City of Valdez2550offered up a $6 million match that really made that possible.2551And so I just wanted to acknowledge that. With mariculture2552again----2553    Senator Sullivan. The city put up--so the city had skin in2554the game? $6 million?2555    Mr. Sheridan. $6 million.2556    Senator Sullivan. Wow. Significant.2557    Mr. Sheridan. Yes. And that just--that opened up2558opportunity for everyone across the state. Again, with2559mariculture in Alaska, we're talking about kelp farming and2560shellfish fish farming. But UAF is the State's land grant2561institution. The Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources2562Extension, IANRE, is our agency that meets that mission. And2563the interesting thing about mariculture, kelp farming in2564particular, as we're talking about USDA, is the potential for2565impact on agricultural markets.2566    And so for kelp in particular, there's the potential for2567large volume of production to support the development of2568livestock feeds and the development of soil applications. So I2569just think that's an interesting example of where, you know, a2570municipal-university relationship supported industry2571development in the state in ways that we could potentially move2572the needle for the United States agricultural sector.2573    Again, we have more coastline than the rest of the lower 482574combined. That's a whole lot of space to grow a whole lot of2575kelp, and those are some pretty big markets.2576    Senator Sullivan. Good, great. Good answer. Let me end, I2577will just do one more question for Mr. Wardwell. You know, I2578think it surprises a lot of people, your testimony, that Alaska2579still has large areas that are still uncharted in terms of the2580waters, your point about the moon being mapped, it's really an2581interesting one. It's kind of crazy, to be honest.2582    What risks does that create for commerce, navigation,2583economic development, national security, when we have such2584large parts of our coastal area in Alaska and the rest of the2585country? But I think it's really acute in Alaska. Where we have2586areas that are still uncharted?2587    Mr. Wardwell. Yes, thank you for the question. It creates a2588major risk. There could be navigation hazards in those2589uncharted areas.2590    Senator Sullivan. You mean like a ship running into a rock?2591    Mr. Wardwell. For example, you know, yes, ship run into a2592rock, that could create you know, loss of life and property.2593We're having--you know, trying to have recovery of those2594vessels, you know, Coast Guard out in the area, it's a massive2595region. Just delivering commerce, you know, having efficient2596routes for shipping and navigation and understanding our2597resources, right? So if we don't know what's down there, how2598can we manage that and use those uncharted areas.2599    Senator Sullivan. Good. Well, thank you. Well, listen, we2600have a vote right now I'm going to head off to, but I really2601want to thank the witnesses for their testimony today and the2602Q&A. The hearing record here will remain open until the close2603of business Tuesday, June 9--that's a week from today--for2604other Senators or those of us like myself who want to submit2605additional questions for the record. We would respectfully2606request the witnesses to be able to answer those questions by2607close of business Tuesday, June 23.2608    And otherwise, I want to thank the witnesses,2609particularly--well, everybody, but my fellow Alaskans who flew2610thousands of miles to come here to D.C. to testify. I think2611it's very enlightening. We had a good group of Senators here.2612It's a great topic and a great opportunity for not just Alaska,2613but for America. And it's very bipartisan, as you can see. And2614the more we highlight this and have the good ideas that all of2615you bring to it, the more we can take advantage of it,2616legislate on it in a positive way.2617    So I want to thank all of you again. This is an exciting2618topic with a lot of potential, and you guys have all put a2619bunch of brainpower and thought and action into it, and we2620really appreciate it. So with that, I'm going to conclude this2621hearing. The Committee stands adjourned.2622    [Whereupon, at 11:37 a.m., the hearing was adjourned.]26232624                            A P P E N D I X26252626    Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Roger Wicker to2627                             Tommy Sheridan2628National Sea Grant Program2629    Federal investments in ocean research at universities is an2630essential precursor to developing new technologies that support better2631ocean sensing, data collection, and fisheries information. The National2632Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Sea Grant program is a2633Federal-University partnership program that advances science for2634coastal communities. For over 50 years, the National Sea Grant College2635program has supported coastal communities through research, extension,2636and education. The National Sea Grant Law provides nationally2637recognized legal research, education and outreach that strengthens2638understanding of the legal frameworks governing our oceans, coastal,2639and freshwater resources.26402641   How does the Sea Grant program support the Blue Economy and2642        how can we ensure that we are fully utilizing Federal2643        investments in the Sea Grant program?2644    Answer. Senator Wicker, thank you for the opportunity to contribute2645to this process, and for the opportunity to answer your questions.2646These answers, along with my written testimony, and previous oral2647comments, are provided to you through my personal capacity as a private2648citizen, as a parent to two Alaskan schoolchildren, and as a resident2649of coastal Alaskan communities for the past 24 years.2650    On a national scale, thirty-four universities participate in the2651National Sea Grant Program, which as you note is a federal-state2652partnership that provides critical services to a wide range of2653residents in every coastal and Great Lakes state, and U.S. territories.2654The Sea Grant program supports the Blue Economy in a variety of ways,2655including creating and sustaining local jobs and a skilled workforce2656through training and new business support; providing planning services2657and technical advice to businesses; strengthening the domestic U.S.2658seafood supply chain through seafood workforce development and safety2659training; and supporting coastal communities and businesses in2660responding to storms, flooding and erosion.2661    With imported seafood making up 90 percent of American seafood2662consumption, I believe that our Nation should be focusing on programs2663to expand and improve our domestic wild capture fisheries and2664aquaculture industry. The Sea Grant is a program that does just that--2665helping fishermen and mariculture (shellfish and seaweed) farmers2666navigate a complex patchwork of state and Federal coastal zone2667management regulations through technical assistance. Sea Grant works2668with local harvesters and producers to grow and sustain their business2669models while connecting them to local resources to share best2670practices.2671    The economic impact of the National Sea Grant Program highlights2672the benefit of this Federal investment. According to 2024 performance2673metrics of the program, Sea Grant contributed to creating and2674sustaining 21,520 jobs and 2,076 businesses. On top of business and job2675creation, Sea Grant logged 336,000 volunteer hours in 2024. Further,2676Sea Grant contributed $1.59 billion in economic benefit, representing a267712:1 impact for every Federal dollar invested in the program ($942678million).2679    Alaska Sea Grant, which is housed at the University of Alaska2680Fairbanks (UAF), provides marine education, research, and technology2681transfer to the public with support from the National Oceanic and2682Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Alaska Sea Grant support for the2683seafood harvesting sector includes providing beginning and established2684seafood harvesters with resources, consulting, and hands-on training.2685Workshops supported by the Alaska Sea Grant FishBiz team cover skills2686that support robust careers in Alaska's fishing industry. Programs2687include the AK On-Board Crew Class, Alaska Young Fishermen's Summit,2688Business of Fishing workshops, direct seafood marketing courses, and2689AMSEA (Alaska Marine Safety Education Association) safety courses.2690    Alaska Sea Grant's seafood processing sector support includes2691consultation services, product development and testing, and training.2692Workshops help seafood processing businesses attain food and process2693safety certification, and build workforce capacity to ensure a2694competitive Alaskan seafood industry. Our programs include Hazard2695Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) safety training, seafood2696processor supervisor training, and the Alaska Seafood Processing2697Leadership Institute.2698    Alaska Sea Grant also supports kelp and shellfish mariculture2699businesses with resources and workshops for business planning, site2700permitting, and applying growing and harvesting methods and technology.2701Programs include kelp business planning and marketing workshops, kelp2702farming operations train-the-trainers, Alaska seaweed handling and2703processing workshops, kelp hatchery operations and oyster hatchery2704operations workshops, and the annual Mariculture Conference of Alaska.2705    In 2023, it is estimated that Alaska Sea Grant's work resulted in2706over $52 million in economic benefit to the state, thanks to a Federal2707investment of $1.9 million (27:1!). Alaska Sea Grant workforce2708development, training, and technical support activities supported 5592709jobs, 183 businesses, and 9,472 professionals trained in 2023.2710    Here in Prince William Sound, where I live, we are grateful for our2711Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program specialists in Cordova and2712Valdez. As is true for all of Alaska Sea Grant employees throughout the2713state, these employees are valued members of our communities, providing2714essential education and training opportunities for residents of all2715ages and occupations. They are commercial fishermen, small business2716owners, volunteers, and public servants working alongside and with2717community members to ensure that Alaska's Blue Economy thrives.27182719   Can you comment on the value added to fisheries and coastal2720        economies through collaboration with universities and their2721        researchers?2722    Answer. Although I provide these answers in my personal capacity, I2723also currently serve as the Director for the Alaska Blue Economy Center2724(ABEC) at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF). ABEC is housed2725administratively in the university's College of Fisheries and Ocean2726Sciences, or CFOS, where our world-class faculty educates future2727leaders in fisheries and marine science, while addressing pressing2728issues in aquatic ecosystems from the Arctic to Antarctica. ABEC's role2729is to connect capacities throughout the University of Alaska, including2730CFOS, with problems, needs, and opportunities relating to the state's2731blue economy. I have over two decades of experience living and working2732throughout and alongside Alaska's Blue Economy, with experience as a2733hatchery manager in the state's private nonprofit salmon fishery2734enhancement program, as a fishery manager for the State of Alaska2735Department of Fish and Game, in addition to roles in the seafood2736processing sector, most recently serving in a variety of capacities in2737academia. These deeply rooted perspectives are not unique among2738university researchers--many of my colleagues grew up fishing in2739Alaska, whether as commercial, subsistence, or recreational fishers--2740with many having been born and raised in coastal Alaskan communities.2741    Alaska's seafood industry continues to be one of Alaska's most2742important economic drivers, contributing about 7 percent to Alaska's2743gross domestic product (GDP), generating over $5 billion in economic2744activity, and supporting more than 41,800 jobs. Alaskan seafood2745harvests account for roughly 63 percent of total U.S. seafood landings,2746producing more wild-caught seafood than all other states combined.2747Universities, particularly the University of Alaska (UA) system,2748including Alaska Sea Grant, anchors and supports the state's seafood2749industry by providing essential workforce training, innovative food2750safety certifications, and research and development in emerging2751opportunities such as mariculture.2752    Through initiatives such as the Fisheries, Seafood and Maritime2753Initiative (FSMI), and the Alaska Mariculture Workforce Development2754Plan, universities align degree and certificate programs with industry2755and community needs. At ABEC, one of our priorities has been to support2756K-12 workforce awareness and development to prepare our youngest2757students for transition into the workplace, ideally in partnership with2758the state's community-based campuses where dual credit programs allow2759high school students to earn college credit while developing relevant2760and marketable skills, earning certificates and occupational2761endorsements along the way, with the potential of earning an2762Associate's degree simultaneous to their traditional high school2763diploma. These students are then adequately prepared for direct entry2764into the workforce, or can pursue additional education in traditional2765university programs, such as those available at UAF CFOS, albeit with a2766different skillset than is common among entry-level undergraduate2767students. Prince William Sound College in Valdez, Alaska, is a notable2768Alaskan example whereby local high school students can learn from2769renowned instructors in areas such as Construction Skills, Marine2770Services Technology, Millwright, Natural Resources Technician, Marine2771Natural Resources Technician, and Outdoor Leadership. Another notable,2772relevant, and highly innovative Alaskan program is the Applied2773Fisheries Program at the University of Alaska Southeast's Sitka Campus,2774where students are immersed in the exciting and emerging fields of2775aquaculture and mariculture through their highly regarded Alaska2776Aquaculture Semester.2777    Universities provide critical infrastructure in coastal communities2778that are unique to their mission and provide economic cornerstones for2779supporting local and regional industries and businesses. One such2780example in Alaska is the Seward Marine Center (SMC), which is located2781approximately 130 miles south of Anchorage at the head of Resurrection2782Bay. Co-located with the Alaska SeaLife Center and the Alutiiq Pride2783Marine Institute, the Seward campus is a central feature in the2784community of Seward and the broader Kenai Peninsula. Established in27851970 to support research in fisheries, marine biology and oceanography,2786SMC is one of Alaska's primary docking facilities for marine research2787vessels and has been a driving force both in scientific research and in2788the Seward community.2789    UAF's Kodiak Seafood and Marine Science Center (KSMSC) is another2790notable coastal Alaskan asset, providing researchers, students, and2791community and industry members with access to research kitchens,2792biochemistry labs and food labs to test production techniques and2793develop new seafood products. KSMSC staff work closely with the2794industry partners to convey research results and provide educational2795opportunities that help seafood workers improve efficiency and the2796quality of their products. Created by the Alaska Legislature in 1981,2797the mission of KSMSC is to increase the value of Alaska's fishing2798industry and marine resources through research, technological2799development, education, and service.2800    Community campuses operate throughout the University of Alaska (UA)2801system, offering accessible, localized degree programs, vocational2802training, and academic support tailored to their specific regions.2803University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA), which is headquartered in2804Anchorage, administers four main community campuses across Southcentral2805Alaska: Kenai Peninsula College in Soldotna, Kodiak College in Kodiak,2806Matanuska-Susitna College in Palmer, and Prince William Sound College2807in Valdez. UAF, which is administered from Fairbanks, operates multiple2808community and rural campuses across the state, including its Bristol2809Bay Campus in Dillingham, Chukchi Campus in Kotzebue, Kuskokwim Campus2810in Bethel, and Northwest Campus in Nome. University of Alaska2811Southeast, with its main residential hub in Juneau, serves Southeast2812Alaska in concert with satellite campuses in Ketchikan and Sitka.2813    Ilisagvik College is a public tribal land-grant community college2814in Utqiagvik (formerly Barrow), Alaska. Formally established in 1995,2815the College provides post-secondary academic, career and technical2816education in a learning environment that honors Inupiat culture,2817language, values, and traditions, while developing a well-educated and2818trained workforce who meet the human resource needs of North Slope2819employers and the state of Alaska. Operated by the North Slope Borough,2820a home rule government of the Inupiat, it is the only tribal college or2821university in Alaska, and it is the northernmost accredited community2822college in the United States.2823    Collectively, in Alaska and beyond, these coastal university2824facilities and their researchers, students, staff and volunteers, are2825essential engines for coastal and maritime economies. They drive the2826Blue Economy by linking rigorous academic research with practical2827workforce development for traditional and established coastal2828industries, such as fisheries and tourism, while also cultivating and2829developing other emerging opportunities such as marine robotics (and2830ocean technology) and sustainable aquaculture.2831    Thank you sincerely for these opportunities to contribute to your2832work, and for the opportunity to serve the State of Alaska, and our2833nation, through these contributions.2834                                 ______28352836Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Lisa Blunt Rochester to28372838                             Tommy Sheridan2839Topic: Emerging Technologies2840    Question 1. Mr. Sheridan, how can the Federal government better2841support academic institutions that are on the forefront of applying2842emerging technologies to a marine environment?2843    Answer. Senator Blunt Rochester, thank you for the opportunity to2844contribute to this process, and for the opportunity to answer your2845questions. These answers, along with my written testimony, and previous2846oral comments, are provided to you through my personal capacity as a2847private citizen, as a parent to two Alaskan schoolchildren, and as a2848resident of coastal Alaskan communities for the past 24 years.2849    Personally, I have found the Ocean Research Advisory Panel's (ORAP)2850recommendations for supporting public-private partnerships to advance2851emerging ocean technologies to be among the most compelling advice as2852to how the Federal government can best support academic institutions2853that are on the forefront of applying emerging technologies to a marine2854environment. ORAP advises the Ocean Policy Committee (OPC) and provides2855independent recommendations to the Federal government on matters of2856ocean policy. ORAP membership consists of individuals who represent the2857National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine; individuals2858who represent the views of ocean industries, state, tribal, territorial2859or local governments, and academia, and such other views as the co-2860chairs of OPC consider appropriate; and individuals eminent in the2861fields of marine science, marine technology, and marine policy, or2862related fields. The ORAP membership reflects a balance of academic,2863scientific, and geographic interests.2864    On May 21, 2026, ORAP reviewed a report providing recommendations2865to the OPC regarding opportunities for leveraging public-private2866partnerships to advance emerging ocean technologies that support2867national ocean research priorities. Supporting advancement of emerging2868ocean technologies in the U.S. via public private partnerships applies2869private sector talent to address national interests that include food2870security, domain awareness, public health, and environmental2871stewardship, while fostering entrepreneurship and positioning U.S.2872companies to be leaders in the global Blue Economy. The report2873identifies challenges and barriers to public-private partnerships and2874makes recommendations for addressing them. The report's appendix2875includes a discussion of examples of technologies that are mature for2876investment. The updated version of the report incorporates the2877perspectives gained from panelists at a previous ORAP meeting who2878discussed some of the challenges and barriers to public-private2879partnerships, as well as examples of successes. At their May 212880meeting, ORAP adopted the report via unanimous consent, and there were2881no objections. Additional details regarding this report may be accessed2882at https://www.noaa.gov/ocean-research-advisory-panel/orap-public-2883meetings (the report itself can be accessed at https://www.noaa.gov/2884sites/default/files/2026-05/DRAFT-BOT-Report-for-ORAP-Review-Approve-2885May2026.pdf), and I provide its Executive Summary here:28862887        ``The development of public-private partnerships to support2888        emerging observing technologies that monitor ocean2889        biogeochemistry, biology, and ecology is critical for driving2890        the growth of a sustainable ocean economy, supporting national2891        defense and navigation safety, and developing U.S. energy2892        resources and infrastructure. This report identifies challenges2893        and opportunities in developing successful public-private2894        partnerships. Specific examples of emerging technologies that2895        are prime for investment in terms of their application2896        relevance, industry maturity level, and market need and urgency2897        are discussed in the Appendix.28982899        As acknowledged in Executive Order 13840, the ocean is2900        foundational to the economy, security, global competitiveness,2901        and well-being of the United States. The ocean drives economic2902        growth in coastal communities and supports industries that2903        employ millions, providing essential food, transportation,2904        recreation, and energy security. To sustain these benefits, the2905        order emphasizes modernizing ocean science through partnerships2906        with multiple sectors to inform better decision-making and2907        foster entrepreneurial opportunity. This must include the2908        development of new technologies that enhance our knowledge of2909        coastal and open ocean systems, from surface waters to deep-sea2910        sediments. Public-private partnerships serve as a critical2911        driver for advancing technological development. However, this2912        requires a careful analysis of the challenges that private2913        sector partners face when considering investments and2914        identifying opportunities for state and Federal agencies to2915        enhance collaborations. Building upon the findings from the2916        2019 White House Summit on Partnerships in Ocean Science and2917        Technology (OSTP, 2019), reports from the National Academies of2918        Science, Engineering and Medicine Ocean Studies Board (NASEM2919        2018; 2020; 2021; 2022a; 2022b; 2025), and the 2018 Executive2920        Order Regarding the Ocean Policy to Advance the Economic,2921        Security, and Environmental Interests of the United States (EO2922        13840, 2018), among others, this Ocean Research Advisory Panel2923        (ORAP) report is focused on key challenges in (i) creating2924        opportunities for market growth, and (ii) improving partnership2925        mechanisms. These challenges are discussed below, along with2926        specific recommendations and potential mechanisms to expand2927        opportunities for public-private partnerships that advance2928        emerging ocean technologies. This ORAP recommends that the2929        Administration use or seek the authority to implement the2930        recommendations identified in this report.''29312932    Thank you sincerely for these opportunities to contribute to your2933work, and for the opportunity to serve the State of Alaska, and our2934nation, through these contributions.2935                                 ______29362937Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Lisa Blunt Rochester to29382939                            Nathan Wardwell2940Topic: Emerging Technologies2941    Question 1. In what ways are artificial intelligence and robotics2942technology shaping the field of marine observation?2943    Answer. Artificial intelligence and robotics are reshaping marine2944observation primarily as force multipliers. They expand what a given2945investment in people and equipment can accomplish.2946    The traditional approach to seafloor mapping deploys a crewed2947vessel equipped with acoustic sensors that bounce sound off the2948seafloor to measure water depth and bottom geometry. This method is2949constrained by the number of available vessels and people to operate it2950while at sea for extended periods of time. Artificial intelligence and2951robotics reduce that constraint because a crewed vessel can now operate2952alongside autonomous surface vessels (ASVs) and uncrewed underwater2953vehicles (UUVs), each equipped with their own sensor suites multiplying2954the area mapped in a single deployment. ASVs rely on artificial2955intelligence to operate safely without a crew on board. Artificial2956intelligence provides real-time collision avoidance, route2957optimization, and adaptive response to changing sea conditions. Both2958ASVs and UUVs require sophisticated robotics for the integration of2959propulsion, sensor, and communication hardware.2960    Artificial intelligence's role in data processing is also2961increasing. Modern multibeam sonar systems, Light Detection and Ranging2962(LiDAR) sensors, and imaging platforms generate data volumes that make2963manual review impractical at scale. The implementation of artificial2964intelligence for automated feature detection in digital elevation2965models, change detection across time-series datasets and anomaly2966identification significantly reduces processing labor. Reducing the2967time required to extract operationally meaningful information from2968large geospatial datasets increases the number of decisions that can be2969made and improves the speed at which they can be made.29702971    Question 2. What technology skill gaps are you seeing among the2972workforce that need to be addressed?2973    Answer. The technology skill gaps I see in the hydrographic2974services workforce are in artificial intelligence, data science,2975geodesy and robotics.2976    Artificial intelligence is becoming embedded in business operations2977across sectors, however for the everyday user in a business gaps remain2978in understanding how artificial intelligence works, how to deploy it at2979scale and to what extent it can be trusted without human supervision.2980In a field where the data products generated inform navigation safety,2981flood forecasting, and resource management decisions trust in the data2982is imperative.2983    The mapping industry, both land and water, has undergone a2984fundamental transformation, moving from single stationary sensors to2985multiple different sensors simultaneously on mobile platforms and2986satellite-based signals. Private companies are now building LiDAR2987systems small enough to mount on commercially available drones for2988shallow coastal mapping. They are also building autonomous surface2989vessels capable of extended offshore campaigns with full acoustic2990sensor suites. As the demand for geospatial data from systems like2991these accelerates, we need engineers and scientists with the skills to2992design, build, operate and maintain this technical hardware and2993software at scale.2994    Geodesy, the science of precisely measuring and understanding the2995Earth's shape, orientation and gravity field, is foundational to all of2996this. The full value of hydrographic data cannot be realized without2997accurate positioning and accurate positioning requires geodetic2998expertise. Without geodesists, the datum consistency that ties a2999bathymetric survey to a tide gauge to a flood model to a legal boundary3000cannot be maintained.3001    Finally, data science. The volume of geospatial data being3002generated by modern survey platforms is well beyond what a team can3003process manually. Leveraging data science tools with artificial3004intelligence to automate processing pipelines, detect features,3005validate data quality, and extract actionable intelligence is becoming3006a baseline operational requirement. Training the existing hydrographic3007workforce in these skills, and building them into entry-level education3008programs, is one of the most high-leverage investments industry and3009government can make together.3010                                 ______30113012Response to Written Questions Submitted by Hon. Lisa Blunt Rochester to30133014                               Clay Heil3015Maritime Industrial Base--Port Infrastructure3016    Question 1. During a time of investment uncertainty and3017skyrocketing energy costs, the administration also cut millions in3018grants to support the maritime industry in developing offshore wind3019energy. Mr. Heil, does this decision also undermine investment in port3020infrastructure?3021    Answer. Reducing or cancelling Federal support for maritime related3022energy projects creates uncertainty for companies, ports, vessel3023operators, shipyards, and equipment suppliers that must make long-term3024capital investments to support those projects. Port infrastructure3025projects require years of planning, permitting, financing, procurement,3026and construction. When Federal policy changes abruptly, it becomes more3027difficult for private companies and public port authorities to justify3028investments that depend on a stable pipeline of cargo, vessels, and3029energy projects.30303031    Question 2. The administration has proposed replacing most of the3032current Port Infrastructure Development Program funding with a tax on3033foreign vessels. Do U.S. companies have enough confidence in this3034funding scheme to make long-term investments in port infrastructure?3035Will this end up just being a tax on consumer goods?3036    Answer. Ports and U.S. companies strongly prefer predictable3037funding streams that allow them to plan for long-term infrastructure3038investments. A funding mechanism dependent on fees assessed against3039foreign vessels would likely provide less certainty because collections3040could vary based on the vessels subject to the fee, the applicable fee3041levels, and changes in carrier behavior.3042    Depending on how the fee is structured, carriers may adjust their3043vessel deployments or port calls to avoid or reduce the assessment,3044which could reduce anticipated revenue. It is also possible that some3045or all of the additional costs would be passed through the supply chain3046in the form of higher freight rates for affected voyages.3047    The Port Infrastructure Development Program has been extremely3048helpful in expanding and modernizing port capacity, particularly for3049projects that require multi-year planning and private capital3050commitments. Stable and predictable funding streams provide the3051certainty needed to support those investments.30523053    Question 3. Would a bipartisan process like that in the3054Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) provide more certainty3055for companies planning to invest in port infrastructure?3056    Answer. Multi-year funding authorizations, such as the surface3057transportation reauthorization, provide greater certainty for long-3058term, capital intensive projects. Port infrastructure projects often3059require environmental reviews, engineering, dredging, terminal3060upgrades, landside connections, utility work, equipment purchases, and3061coordination among multiple public and private entities.3062    A multi-year funding authorization for port infrastructure would3063provide the maritime sector with a clear signal that the Federal3064government views port infrastructure as a national priority. That kind3065of year-over-year stability helps companies make investment decisions,3066hire workers, order equipment, and coordinate with ports and public3067agencies.3068Maritime Industrial Base--Port Equipment3069    Question 4. Over 70 percent of the world's ship-to-shore cranes are3070made by a Chinese company--ZPMC. Do you believe that there is currently3071a sufficient domestic industry for critical domestic port equipment to3072compete with these Chinese-made cranes?3073    Answer. The United States does not currently have a sufficient3074domestic industrial base to compete at scale with Chinese-made ship-to-3075shore cranes. Dependence on a single foreign manufacturer creates both3076economic and national security concerns. Ship-to-shore cranes are3077essential pieces of infrastructure at container ports and are not3078easily replaced because of their cost, complexity, and the limited3079number of available manufacturers.3080    Both the prior and current Administrations have recognized the3081importance of reducing the risks associated with dependence on foreign3082manufactured port equipment and strengthening domestic maritime3083industrial capacity. Rebuilding this capability, however, will require3084a sustained strategy, long-term investment, and a realistic transition3085plan for ports.30863087    Question 5. What would be the likely timeline to expand or create a3088domestic supply chain for critical port equipment like these cranes?3089    Answer. Crowley is not involved in the manufacture of ship-to-shore3090cranes and, therefore, is not in a position to provide a reliable3091estimate of the time required to establish the necessary domestic3092manufacturing capacity and supply chain. Any realistic timeline would3093need to account for engineering capabilities, component sourcing,3094manufacturing facilities, workforce development, financing, regulatory3095requirements, and sufficient long-term demand to support private3096investment.30973098    Question 6. In your view, does this administration have an adequate3099strategy for reshoring ship-to-shore crane production in the near term?3100    Answer. Crowley is not involved in the manufacture of ship-to-shore3101cranes and, therefore, is not in a position to fully assess the3102adequacy of the Administration's plans to reconstitute production in3103the United States. As a general matter, any successful strategy should3104provide clear and sustained demand signals, support workforce and3105supply chain development, and include a transition plan that allows3106ports to continue obtaining and maintaining the equipment necessary for3107efficient operations.31083109                                  [all]