Speaker

Linda Behnken is Executive Director of the Alaska Longline Fishermen’s Association (ALFA).  She has fished commercially off Alaska since 1982 as a deckhand and owner/operator. Linda has served on the North Pacific Fishery Management Council, International Pacific Halibut Commission, National Academy of Science Individual Fishing Quota Review Panel, and as an industry advisor to the North Pacific Anadramous Fish Commission.  She also served on Alaska Gov. Walker’s Climate Action Leadership Team. Linda helped launch the Alaska Sustainable Fisheries Trust, which invests in fishing access opportunities for community-based fishermen committed to sustainable fishing practices, and the community supported fisheries program Alaskan’s Own. She was awarded the National Fisherman Highliner award in 2009 for her work promoting healthy marine ecosystems and strong coastal communities, recognized as a White House Champion of Change for Sustainable Seafood, and received the 2020 Heinz Foundation Award for the Environment. Linda is currently serving as a co-author of the National Climate Assessment Alaska chapter.  She is the Oceans Coordinator for the Businesses for Conservation and Climate Action.