Monday, May 21, 2012

Tools

Begich: Don’t Introduce Frankenfish into Food Chain

Story Created: Nov 3, 2011 at 2:24 PM AKDT

Story Updated: Nov 3, 2011 at 2:38 PM AKDT

Frankenfish

Begich: Genetically modified salmon shouldn’t be introduced into the market/food chain
Genetically modified salmon a mix of Atlantic and Pacific salmon DNA, and Chinook and eel DNA, as well
Begich staffers created and handed out Frankenfish buttons trick-or-treat style in Washington, D.C.
Conservationists, sport fishermen alike concerned about repercussions of genetically engineered salmon
Seeking to prevent interstate sale of product
Begich: Should work to improve sustainability of wild fish market—not engineering fish as a solution
Fear of diseases
Says catfish farming and farming of genetically engineered fish two completely different issues
Introduction could have devastating long-term impact on food chain

Indian Affairs Committee

Sen. Daniel Akaka of Hawaii working on the Stand Against Violence and Empower Native Women Act (SAVE Act)
If passed, would allow tribal governments to have jurisdiction over non-tribal members in matters of domestic violence, sexual assault and rape
Over 230 federally recognized (but not state recognized) tribes in Alaska
Current solution is to lock up offenders/perpetrators, but says no real prevention or treatment offered

Golden Mouse Award

Earned award for the top site in the U.S. Senate.
Wanted to create a forum for discussion; goal to create a robust web site
Invitation for communication statewide
Recently launched hub for rural Alaska
Calls social media a powerful tool and emphasized the importance of real-time communication