National Fisherman's Melissa Wood shares her stories as a writer and editor covering the U.S. fishing industry.
Wednesday, 28 November 2012
Though Alaska is the biggest player in the U.S. seafood industry by far, the small role it plays on a global stage is surprising. The state hauled up 5.5 billion pounds in 2011, but that was only a small fraction of the world’s 100 million metric tons of seafood.
Despite hefty competition, however, there is good news for Alaska seafood — and its prices — according to Andy Wink of the McDowell Group. I watched his presentation about Alaska’s outlook for the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute at Day 1 of the Pacific Marine Expo in Seattle on Tuesday.
In the salmon industry, for instance, global supply is expected to go through the roof as Chile continues to come back after disease sidelined its farmed product. More fish in the market typically means lower prices for all.
This is where Alaska’s image helps. Though fishermen can’t “throw more feed in the water,” said Wink, their product is special enough to be set apart so consumers value it above farmed product. “I think one of the most encouraging things we’re seeing is the value of Alaska salmon continues to rise despite that competition,” said Wink.
Fishermen can help with marketing too. Tyson Fick, ASMI’s communications director, said the organization is trying to get fishermen more involved in telling the story of Alaska seafood — by telling their own stories. ASMI is holding a photo contest where entrants can win an Ipad if they win in one of five different categories.
Callifornia crabbing: Here's a fun video shot on the decks of the Majestik while catching Dungeness crab off the coast of northern California.
Alaska fisherman and commercial fisheries activist Kevin Adams was elected chairman at the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute board of directors meeting on May 9 in Anchorage.
The governor-appointed board consists of seven members: five seafood processors and two industry representatives actively engaged in commercial fishing. Adams was appointed to fill a harvester seat by Gov. Frank Murkowski in 2004.
With 38 years of fishing experience in Bristol Bay, Adams has long been an active member in the Alaska fishing industry, ASMI says. He has worked for both the Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation and the Bering Sea Fisherman's Association, and represents Alaska fishermen on numerous boards.
The Northeast Regional Planning Body, a group of state, tribal and federal representatives from New England who are working to implement the National Ocean Policy and address critical New England ocean issues, is holding a series of public meetings in May and June.
The meetings are being held to discuss draft regional ocean planning goals and associated potential actions. The planning body seeks input on these goals and actions. Additional information on the group's progress can be found here.
The meetings will also provide an opportunity to review draft maps and products from initial efforts to gather information on the natural resources and diverse uses of the ocean, including fishing, transportation, energy and infrastructure, aquaculture, and recreation.
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