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The United Fishermen of Alaska group thanks Gov. Sarah Palin for continued support of the commercial fishing industry in Alaska. We would like to specifically thank her for two recent actions - the return of the Habitat Division to the Department of Fish and Game, and funding for the department to offset reductions in federal spending.

A top priority and unanimous recommendation of her fish and game transition team was to consider moving the Habitat Division from the Department of Natural Resources back to the Department of Fish and Game. After careful review by her administration, the recent decision to initiate that move is greatly appreciated by fishermen throughout the state.

Recently, the federal government funding for important research and management programs by fish and game was cut. With these cuts over $7 million facing the department for this next year, Palin was very quick to respond to this emergency by submitting a funding request in the supplemental budget request that would cover this shortfall for the next fiscal year.

In the past year, Palin has demonstrated her commitment to support Alaska's coastal communities and those who provide the finest seafood to the nation and the world. We appreciate the governor's attention to these two items of importance to all Alaskans.

Mark Vinsel

Executive director, United Fishermen of Alaska

Juneau