Wrangell Sentinel -

Alaska’s seafood industry continued its mission to ramp up its message to policy makers, especially those from rail belt regions who tend to overlook its economic significance.

How important is the seafood industry to Alaska and the nation? At a glance: 62% of all U.S. seafood landings come from Alaska, as does 96% of all U.S. wild- caught salmon. Seafood is by far Alaska’s #1 export, valued at nearly $2 billion (next in line: zinc and lead exports at $785 million); and Alaska ranks 9th in the world in terms of global seafood production.

The industry provides more than 70,500 Alask...