10 Cast Net: Alaska Commercial Fishing

Alaska Commercial Fishing

Alaska’s commercial fisheries are diverse, valuable, harvest a variety of finfish and shellfish species, and include both large and small vessels. Catcher processors over 300 feet in length operate in the Bering Sea pollock fishery while open skiffs of 20 feet fish for salmon, herring, and halibut close to shore. In between all sizes and configurations of vessels work their respective fishing grounds. Alaska’s largest and most valuable fisheries target salmon, pollock, crab, herring, halibut, shrimp, sablefish, and Pacific cod. The total value of Alaska’s commercial fisheries is $1.5 billion to the fishermen; with a wholesale value of $3.6 billion. Economists have estimated the seafood industry to contribute $5.8 billion and 78,500 jobs to the Alaskan economy. Fisheries management in Alaska is based on scientific assessments and monitoring of harvested populations and is regarded as a model of successful natural resource stewardship.