Petersburg Vessel Owners Association

PO Box 232
Petersburg, AK 99833
Phone & Fax: 907.772.9323
pvoa@gci.net ● www.pvoaonline.org
For immediate release: October 1, 2010

PVOA Endorses Lisa Murkowski for United States Senate

The members of the Petersburg Vessel Owners Association (PVOA) a diverse group of
commercial fishing families that participate in a variety of fisheries throughout the State
of Alaska are pleased to announce their endorsement of Lisa Murkowski for United
States Senate.

Members of the fishing industry have found Murkowski to be extremely knowledgeable,

accessible, and a tireless advocate for the protection and stability of Alaska’s commercial
fishing businesses. In her time as Senator for Alaska, Murkowski has quickly gained
seniority and has established herself as an effective representative for the state.

Petersburg Vessel Owners Vice President Gary Slaven affirmed “As a long time member
of Vessel Owners, I am delighted to have the opportunity to support Lisa Murkowski to
continue her work as a U.S. Senator for the State of Alaska. Reflecting back on the last
eight years, I appreciate most having a true Alaskan who understands the issues of the
whole state and is willing to come to our office and listen to our concerns. She's been a
conscientious and intelligent advocate for Alaska. Lisa has worked hard and achieved
much for us and I hope we are lucky enough to have her ability and seniority in
Washington DC for another six years.”

“Comparatively, Alaska has less representation in Congress than most states. Her
successful ability to reach across party lines and knowledge of the fishing industry makes
Senator Murkowski an asset to the people and the state of Alaska” said Julianne Curry,
Executive Director of Petersburg Vessel Owners Association. “Murkowski and her
dedicated staff have helped to pass vital legislation such as a recent moratorium on Clean
Water Act permits for incidental discharges for commercial and charter fishing vessels.
This legislation was a bipartisan effort with Democratic Senator Barbara Boxer from
California and 15 other co-sponsors.”

PVOA member Jared Bright of the F/V Obsession added “As a young fisherman in the
commercial fishing industry, I've always been able to count on Senator Murkowski to
recognize the importance of commercial fishing to Alaska's economy and way of life.
The recently extended EPA discharge permit is just one example of how Senator
Murkowski acknowledges the fishing fleet is clean, diverse, and sustainable.”
PVOA is a diverse group of 100 commercial fishermen and businesses operating
primarily in Southeast Alaska. Our members provide millions of meals to the public
annually by participating in a variety of fisheries statewide including salmon, herring,
halibut, cod, crab, and shrimp. Many PVOA members are also active sport, personal use,
and subsistence fishermen who depend on sustainable and conservative management of
Alaska’s fishing resources to ensure healthy fisheries for the future.

Contact:
Julianne Curry
Executive Director