Juneau commercial fisherman Thatcher Brouwer has been named executive director of United Fishermen of Alaska (UFA), bringing more than two decades on the water and years of fisheries policy experience to the statewide trade association.

Brouwer began the role in September, succeeding Tracy Welch, who was appointed earlier this year to the Alaska Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission. “It’s humbling to be working for the fishing industry,” Brouwer told the Juneau Empire. “I’ve participated as an active commercial fisherman for over 20 years and operated my own boat.”

Brouwer takes over UFA as Alaska fishermen face a busy stretch of state fisheries management decisions. The Alaska Board of Fisheries is preparing for meetings covering Lower Cook Inlet, Kodiak, and Upper Cook Inlet finfish over the coming months.

Brouwer said UFA’s board, which represents commercial fishing organizations across Alaska, will guide his role. One of his first major tasks will be preparing for the association’s fall meeting Nov. 4-5 in Anchorage, weighing in on Board of Fisheries proposals, and helping organize a candidate forum focused on commercial fishing.

He also plans to represent UFA at Pacific Marine Expo, scheduled for Nov. 19-21 in Seattle, where the organization will work to recruit members and encourage fishermen to become more involved in fisheries policy.

“I think it’s important that we continue to give the fishermen the tools they need to be involved,” Brouwer said. The participation extends the Board of Fisheries to federal management councils and the International Pacific Halibut Commission.

Economic pressures facing Alaska’s fleet will also be a focus. Although prices paid to fishermen improved for several species during the 2026 season, rising costs for diesel, gear, food, and vessel operations continue to squeeze fishing businesses.

“Sometimes the price fishermen are paid at the dock and the run size is enough to make up for the rising costs,” Brouwer said. “But of course, the runs and even the price that fishermen are paid fluctuate.”

He also emphasized the importance of maintaining adequate funding and staffing for the Alaska Department of Fish & Game, noting that gaps in fisheries data can lead managers to take more conservative approaches when information about abundance is limited.

Brouwer brings experience from both sides of the fisheries policy process. He has worked as a legislative aide during winter sessions since 2015, handling fisheries-related legislation for lawmakers including former Rep. Geran Tarr and Rep. Rebecca Himshcoot.

Within the industry, he serves as vice president and secretary of the Alaska Trollers Association and represents troller boats on the Douglas Island Pink and Chum board. He previously served on the Juneau-Douglas Fish and Game Advisory Committee.

His fishing experience also extends beyond Southeast Alaska. According to UFA’s appointment announcement, Brouwer has participated in Kodiak setnetting, halibut, and sablefish longlining, and Southeast shrimp fisheries.

As executive director, Brouwer said he wants to strengthen fishermen’s understanding of UFA’s work and ensure commercial fishing has a voice as state leaders consider fisheries legislation and appointments. He would also like to see greater fisheries expertise within the governor’s office, providing the industry with a consistent point of contact familiar with commercial fishing.

“I have a great deal of respect for fishermen statewide,” Brouwer said. “I know it’s a really hard way to make a living, but it’s also a very rewarding way to make a living.”

“I’m honored to be in this role,” he added.