The Move is Part of the State's Salmon Revitalization Strategy

SAN DIEGO –Sept. 27, 2003– As part of efforts to increase productivity and innovation in the Alaska fishing industry, Gov. Frank H. Murkowski today announced a partnership with Chicken of the Sea to market wild-caught Alaska salmon in a foil pouch.

The state awarded Chicken of the Sea an $800,000 grant to produce the product, which is expected in stores nationwide in February 2004. Chicken of the Sea will match grant money awarded by the state, and will be the first national brand to market smoked Alaska salmon in a foil pouch.

"The pouched, smoked salmon offers superior product quality and continues our tradition of innovation by offering consumers a new, great-tasting product that meets their busy lifestyles," said Van Effner, director of marketing for Chicken of the Sea.

"We've had huge success with our pouched salmon, which was introduced in 2002. In addition, consumers are responding well to our recently introduced line of shellfish pouches - shrimp, crab, oysters, imitation crab and clams - and we have already received overwhelmingly good feedback from retailers about the smoked Alaska salmon," he said.

The introduction of Chicken of the Sea Smoked Alaskan Salmon is part of Murkowski's Salmon Revitalization Strategy, a multi-year plan that includes investment by the state in infrastructure, capital improvement, quality and marketing for the Alaskan salmon industry.

Chicken of the Sea Smoked Alaskan Salmon will be processed by Alaska-based NorQuest and will be available in a 3-ounce pouch.