In 2007, Alaska accounted for seven of the top 20 U.S. port landings by pounds of seafood, with Dutch Harbor leading the entire nation for the 19th consecutive year. In terms of the value of those landings, Alaska held eight of the top 20 U.S. ports in 2007.
Fishing continues to be Alaska’s biggest export industry, with Japan as Alaska’s largest customer. Last year, the value of the state’s seafood exports totaled $1.9 billion.
These facts were among many brought forward to an early September trip to Unalaska by numerous RDC board members, guests and staff as part of RDC’s annual community outreach tour.
The tour offered an opportunity for informal dialogue with representatives from all resource sectors, including fishing, oil and gas, timber, tourism and mining. Board members toured onshore and offshore fish processing plants, as well as community and industry infrastructure.
The RDC delegation met with local members, business leaders, the Ounalashka Native Corporation, and federal, state and local government agencies for updates on regional issues and projects.
Unalaska graciously welcomed RDC, hosting a reception with members of the City Council, local seafood processor management, and Unalaska Mayor Shirley Marquardt.
Marquardt expressed the community’s desire for effective communication, noting the importance of building trust and discussion. She said Unalaska is interested in economic diversification, with proper protection of renewable resources. She pointed out the community relies heavily on fishing, and won’t sacrifice one industry for another.
RDC Board Member and Executive Director of the Alaska Oil and Gas Association, Marilyn Crockett, was among those who visited Unalaska to gain a better understanding of the fishing industry and to become more familiar with local issues when looking to develop other resources.
Unalaska’s business leaders recognize that new development outside the fishing industry has the potential to bring new opportunities to their community and diversify the local economy.
The February 2008 record $2.6 billion OCS lease sale in the Chukchi Sea raises the need for expanded infrastructure in places like Dutch Harbor, for staging, transportation, and other oil and gas development needs.
RDC Board Member and Executive Director of the At-sea Processors Association, Stephanie Madsen, expressed support at the increased opportunity and need for infrastructure in Dutch Harbor, provided such development occurs in a way that mitigates impacts to other resource industries.
RDC Board Member and City of Unalaska Resource Analyst, Frank Kelty, discussed the impacts and importance of the fishing industry to Unalaska, including the approximately $10 million in taxes paid to the city annually. The industry creates opportunities for, and helps pay for a first-class school and community center.
Fishing and processing is the largest taxpayer and employer for many coastal communities in Alaska. The fishing industry generated over $65 million for the State of Alaska in 2007. The industry also accounts for a large number of jobs across Alaska.
Alaska’s vibrant waters hold all five Pacific salmon species, from the delectable Copper River reds to the much sought after kings in the Kenai River. Fishing has been a vital resource for thousands of years, and with proper harvesting and adequate involvement of all stakeholders, will continue to be.
Alaska’s largest (by volume) fishery is the Alaska pollock, mostly captured by way of Dutch Harbor. Historically, Alaska pollock has ranked second in world marine wild fisheries by volume. It is used for human food, fish oil, and fishmeal. All fish in Alaska’s fishing industry, including pollock, is caught wild.
An important concern of Alaska’s salmon consumers is the salmon bycatch numbers in recent years. The North Pacific Fishery Management Council and industry representatives have worked to reduce the number of salmon bycatch, with 2008’s number down 77% from last year.
Other recent protections include provisions to fishing areas closed to trawling in the Bering Sea. The goal of the provision is to protect the sensitive sea floor, made up of corals and delicate vegetation, needed for future fisheries.
Fishing is becoming more environmentally responsive, economically stable, and innovative to develop a sustainable industry.
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