I fully agree with the main point in Kate Troll’s Jan. 10 Compass piece — which responded to mine on Jan. 4 — about the huge importance of our fisheries to Alaska’s economy and our food security.

Due to strict op-ed word limits and the fact that there were significant highlights for our economy in 2012 that fall within the Department of Natural Resources’ direct responsibility — such as oil, gas, mining, agriculture — I did not have the opportunity to discuss important natural resources such as fish and game, which are managed by another department, the Department of Fish and Game. I am glad that Kate did.

We will continue to focus on responsibly developing all of Alaska’s world-class resources, for the benefit of all Alaskans, while being good stewards of our environment.

— Dan Sullivan

commissioner, Department of Natural Resources,

Anchorage