March 2006
Letter to the Board of fish - Urgent
Enclosed is a letter to our Board of Fish related to the special Bristol Bay issues they will consider at the 3/17/06
meeting in Anchorage. Be there if you can. Please read this letter and if you agree with it, sign it and print your vessel
name and mail it to the address at the top of the letter or fax it to: 1-907-465-6094.
Mail to:
Alaska Department of Fish and Game
Boards Support Section
PO Box 115525
Juneau, Alaska 99811-5525
Please send as soon ass possible
BBDA is devoted to enhancing fishing for the driftnet Fishermen of Bristol Bay. We are involved in many issues
including: Board of Fish, setnet/driftnet, high seas and other intercept, safety regulations, marketing as well as many
others that impact our fishery. Here’s our latest report of matter affecting your fishery. Please take the time to join or
renew so we can help even more.
ADF&G Management, Board of Fish
The key issues are we are working on are:
March 17 2006- Board Meeting (Out of Regular Cycle)
In March 2006 the Board of Fish will consider four Proposals that deal with important Bristol Bay issues and we will be
in Anchorage working the issues. This last August several BBDA members put agenda change requests before the
Board of Fish. Of all the dozens of ACRs from various groups put before the Board, 2 out of the 4 accepted to be
considered for regulation were written by BBDA members. The exact wording of the proposals can be taken from the
Fish Board’s web site at http://www.boards.adfg.state.ak.us/fishinfo/meetinfo/fcal.php . Once in the website look at
the March 17th 2006 meeting proposals. If an ACR gets to this stage it has the interest of the Board.
Proposal 391 Increases the gear driftnetters are allowed to fish from 50 fathoms to 75 fathoms in the Naknek River
Special Harvest Area (NRSHA). This proposal is geared toward giving the driftnetters more effectiveness while in the
NRSHA. The manager has not been able to come very close to the mandated 84% for Driftnet fishermen nor has he
been able to avoid over escaping the Naknek River. This proposal would probably help somewhat toward achieving
those goals.
Proposal 392 Removes all setnet buoys and running lines when the driftnetters fall behind in allocation or the
Naknek River is over escaping in the NRSHA. After the Board of Fish in the winter of 2003 (because of information
supplied by BBDA) reiterated that the NRSHA was part of the Naknek/Kvichak District and that allocation in the NRSHA
was in effect just as it had been in 1998, 1999 and 2000. The setnet gear group harvested 19% (as opposed to the
allocated 16%) of the catch in both 2004 and 2005. The setnet gear left in the water during driftnet openings is
interfering with the efficiency of drift gear and making the Manager’s job difficult in achieving both escapement and
allocation. In the 20 year period prior to allocation the driftnet fleet harvested over 88% of all of the salmon harvested
in the N/K District. Harvesting 84% should not be difficult for driftnetters. The N/K setnetters in the Alagnak River
showed in 2005 that they are capable of removing all gear during every closure. This proposal has great potential to
make allocation fairer and improve management’s ability to hit escapement goals in the NRSHA. It is important to do
so immediately because we are very likely to be starting the 2006 season inside the NRSHA again.
Proposal 393 This proposal by ADF&G requests that the Driftnet down river boundary be moved 1000 feet upstream
from its current location to help a barge company that needs to anchor inside the current NRSHA. If the setnet gear is
pulled out of the water when the triggers in proposal 392 are met we see no objection to this proposal.
Proposal 394 Allows the driftnet fleet access to the Alagnak River SHA and also reauthorize the ARSHA. In 2005 the
Alagnak River (AKA Branch R.) was opened for the first time ever to commercial fishing. The driftnet fishermen were
not allowed into this section because it was alleged to be too small for driftnet vessels. To the contrary, it is likely that
driftnet vessels would have an easier time operating in this special harvest area than setnetters with our greater hold
capacities and for some, the ability to transport chilled fish to market. The 2005 season showed the setnet portion of
the fishery could not harvest more than a tiny portion of the salmon available. The Board will be reconsidering
methods of harvesting salmon in the Alagnak at their March meeting and will certainly be looking at allowing
driftnetters into the Alagnak RSHA in the future. This is a huge issue. In 2005 The Alagnak River had an escapement
goal of 185,000 sockeye and the recorded escapement, even with the setnet gear group attempting to harvest these
fish, reached 4,219,026 sockeye!!! The value of the over escaped salmon at a 6 pound average weight and $0.60/lb.
is over $15,000,000! If every Driftnetter in Bristol Bay devoted one hundred dollars to this issue and if 84% of the
$15,000,000 were harvested by driftnet fishermen, the annual return on investment would be about 6,771% (not a
typo) on years we are in-river with similar run sizes. That is a far far better ROI than buying Microsoft stock in 1986.
With the Kvichak again predicting a very weak run for 2006 it is almost certain that the East side Districts will be in the
special harvest areas in 2006. This proposal is extremely critical. Bristol Bay Driftnetters will need to show up in
person in Anchorage this March to help win this one. Advise us if you can make it. Please send your earmarked
donation to help.
Regular Bristol Bay Boards (In the 3 year cycle)
We need to prepare for the April 10, 2006 deadline for sending in Proposals to the Board of Fish for the Bristol Bay
and Area M regular cycle meetings in the winter of 2006/2007. We will be working with members to help you write
these proposals. Please let us know your suggestions. If you want help or have suggestions call. You can download
a proposal form from the Board of Fish website at http://www.boards.adfg.state.ak.us/bbs/forms/propform.pdf
You may also call the Board of Fish office and request forms. Phone number (907) 465-4110.
Bristol Bay Regional Seafood Development Association (BBRSDA)
Bristol Bay Driftnetters’ Assoc. supports the proposed formation of a Bristol Bay Regional Marketing Association. All
Driftnet Permit holders will be asked to vote in regards to this on May 1st 2006. We believe that this assessment is an
investment in our future and will give back a very good return. Regional Seafood Development Associations are non
profit organizations created in 2004 by the Alaska Legislature for the purpose of allowing fishermen to work collectively
toward increasing the value of their harvests in each of the twelve Alaskan regions designated in the statutes. Bristol
Bay, meaning all of area within the boundaries of area T, is one of these 12 regions. In May 2005 a group of Bristol
Bay driftnetters put together an application to establish an RSDA for Bristol Bay. The state approved that application in
June. These RSDAs are audited annually and must comply with the Alaska Statutes that permitted their creation.
ASMI is no longer taking a 1% tax out of our raw fish value as of the 2005 season. While we have supported the
concept of what ASMI is trying to do for our industry we are certain that the BBRSDA will be able to direct it’s efforts
more precisely and exclusively toward the promotion of Bristol Bay sockeye than ASMI could since all of the revenue
generated will go toward increasing the incomes of Bristol Bay fishers. ASMI, being controlled by the processing
portion of our industry will at times have somewhat differing motivations than an RSDA whose entire Board of
Directors will be elected permit holders. The current Board members are all interim and, as is required in the bylaws,
are all Bristol Bay permit holders. Our BBRSDA has already passed all of the requirements needed for creation. The
complete set of regulations, statutes and bylaws along with other information can be viewed on the BBRSDA website
at www.bbrsda.com .
What kinds of activities could an RSDA be involved in? The list is huge but for starters they may work on ice
availability, regional quality certification, airport coolers, vessel insulation/slush bags etc, niche marketing/sales
assistance. BBDA members are still hearing reports of illegal fishing in Far East Russia. They could possibly
investigate what happens to our sockeye on their entire migratory route.
BBDA believes establishing a marketing association will prove to be a powerful tool that will improve the future for
Bristol Bay. If we find we are unhappy with the results from the RSDA, the Alaska State Statutes give the permit
holders a y simple and straight forward election process to eliminate the BBRSDA with a fishermen initiated election
at any time. At current prices, the cost to fishermen at the proposed 1% assessment would be about 0.6 to 0.7 cents
per pound. This is a small investment for the potential for such a significant reward.
Proposed Pebble Mine
The Facts: A Canadian mining company called Northern Dynasty has discovered 27 million ounces of gold in an area
straddling the Kvichak and Nushagak drainage systems. The find makes it the largest known gold deposit, and the
second largest copper deposit, in North America. Their claim, combined with at least six other mining companies
owning peripheral claims copper deposit, in North America. Their claim, combined with at least six other mining
companies owning peripheral claims covers a potential mining district over 1,100-square-miles in size. Specifically,
to get these minerals there would be an open pit 1200-feet deep and over one-and-a half miles wide, also the largest
in North America. Near this would be tailings pond more than 10 square miles in size which would sit where Frying
Pan Lake and the South Fork Koktuli headwaters now lie. The area encompasses the headwaters of Upper Talarik
Creek and the South Fork Koktuli River, which itself would be re-routed. These waters are directly linked to salmon
and rainbow trout spawning and rearing habitat. We are told that the permitting process could begin in early 2007
while further exploration continues.
MINING HISTORY: Hardrock mining is the largest source of toxic releases in the US, according to the EPA. There are
a few examples of non-polluting mines in existence, but they are like scattered candles in a dark gymnasium—
darkened by a long history of poisoned land, abandoned cleanup obligations and lives harmed by the resulting
devastation. Hard rock mining has a dismal record of positive effects where it operates near people or sensitive areas
CONCERNS: • The tailing pond would contain contaminated water, acid-generating waste, heavy metals, and residue
left from extracting the minerals. Extraction methods have not been confirmed, but cyanide is commonly used for
extracting gold. That aside, the pond is GUARANTEED to be toxic from the very nature of the sulfide-laced ore being
mined that becomes sulfuric acid when exposed to air and water. Juvenile salmon die when exposed to minute
amounts of these toxins. Northern Dynasty admits that preventing leakage or a blowout from accidents or
earthquakes cannot be guaranteed…(note that Augustine volcano—70-miles away—blew again this January, 2006).
This pond will remain like a ticking bomb hanging over Bristol Bay long after the active 35—50 year life of the mine is
over.
• Mixing zone regulation changes proposed by Governor Murkowski and the DEC could expose and compromise the
water quality of the numerous spawning streams.
• Safety oversight of this vast, remote location and extremely sensitive area, particularly when the smaller mines
scattered around the area become active, will be nearly impossible to monitor.
• Destruction of the integrity of the spawning habitat in this huge wilderness area will drive out game the majority of the
locals depend on for hunting, not to mention tourism and sport fishing. Additionally, the network of roads in the area,
and connecting a port in Cook Inlet, will see large trucks rumbling over spawning creeks 24/7 for the life of the mine. A
power plant, possibly air polluting coal powered, will need to satisfy an electric appetite greater than Anchorage
• Wild salmon’s image we have worked hard to nurture cannot help but be affected. The WFGA (Washington Fish
Growers Assoc.) specifically posted news of the mine on their website and may use the information that our salmon
are born downstream from a toxic mine against us
POSITIVES: Besides riches for the foreign owners, the only positive result from this mine would come from the brief
economic boost to the region. Two thousand jobs are projected for the construction phase, with 250--1000 needed
during its operation. Except for the skilled jobs, many filled by distant commuters, the remaining work will entail ‘camp
jobs’ probably requiring a two week, 12/7, schedule of rotation. There is little benefit to the majority of Alaskans
BOTTOMLINE: Should the mine be approved, those that live in the area will experience a short-term economic boom--
for some. After that there will be a massive scar in the earth, easily seen from space, containing a huge toxic lake
poised over the extremely sensitive ecosystem embracing spawning waterways of the Kvichak and Nushagak
drainage systems.
Many local councils and villages such as Ekwok, New Stuyahok, Koliganek, Nondalton and the Alaska Inter-Tribal
Council have voted against this mine. Governor Murkowski is for it. Economics aside, and understanding that the
local people have the most powerful voice in this issue, it should be remembered that the Bristol Bay sockeye salmon
run is a phenomenon on a scale seen nowhere else on earth. It is a natural wonder as extraordinary as the Grand
Canyon and threats to it should be taken with equal concern
For more information go to: pro: <northerndynastyminerals.com> / con: <bristolbayalliance.com>
Appreciation to mining expert Dr. David Chambers and Patrick Flatley, Outreach Coordinator for the Bristol Bay
Alliance (BBDA invited BB Alliance into our booth at Pacific Marine Expo this November.) The PR people at Northern
Dynasty have been attempting to paint BBA as a radical environmental group. They are not that at all. Like us, they
want development to be done only in a responsible fashion.
Area M
Last summer the ADF&G staffs in Area M and Area T were given funding to do DNA stock ID research on the sockeye
in the North Peninsula and Bristol Bay. Instead of doing research that could be used to estimate Ugashik, Kvichak
and other interception levels the area manager chose to do a study around Nelson Lagoon in July. The burning
question in the North Peninsula has always been “How large is the Area M interception rate of sockeye from the
various rivers in Bristol Bay?” Instead the money was used at a local level in a way that failed to answer any useful
question. The Bristol Bay Managers used their funding to answer relevant intercept questions.
Answering the intercept questions now is more important than ever. Because of recent relaxed regulatory
restrictions, the area M fleet in 2005 was able to take 22.25% of the amount of sockeye Bristol Bay permit holders
harvested and this while the North Peninsula fishermen spent some time on limit. Remember when they used to be
limited to a maximum of 8.3% of the projected Bristol Bay run.
Optimum number Study
The Bristol Bay salmon drift gill net fishery optimum number study was completed in 2004. The CFEC
recommended an optimum number range of 800-1200 permits which the commission proposed as a regulation. In
2005 the commission adopted a modified version of the proposed regulation that establishes an optimum number
range of 900-1400 permits for the fishery. A number of permits within that range would be considered optimum under
the law. That regulation is now effective.
The Alaska legislature is currently considering a bill (SCS CSHB 251) that would authorize the Alaska Board of
Fisheries to grant additional fishing privileges to a person who holds two entry permits in a fishery. If the bill passes
the legislature and is signed into law, the Board might opt to pass a regulation allowing persons' holding two S03T
permits to fish an additional 50 fathoms. If the Board did this, the opportunities for permit stacking would increase.
Price 2005
There are a great many that go into calculating what might be a fair price to harvesters Some of the variables are
available on the Alaska Seafood Price Report (http://www.tax.state.ak.us/reports.asp#salmonreport) and some are
proprietary such as production, transport and marketing costs for the various types of product forms i.e. headed &
gutted, frozen or fresh, fillets, canned talls, halves and quarters and roe and are not available. Each of the processing
forms has its own set of costs and has different first wholesale prices. The lack of information here requires that
some degree of estimation must be used. In a free market each of the product forms are competing with each other.
As one form improves it’s profitability it attracts a greater percentage of the pack and this movement brings up the
wholesale price of the decreasing product form while decreasing the wholesale price of the product form being
expanded. Rather than try to back calculate potential price to fishermen using production and overhead costs of the
processors we can use some guidelines created by negotiations from the United Salmon Association. The
processors must have put the considerations of their own costs into the contract formula. In recent years USA has
been using 40% of the first wholesale price for frozen H & G salmon as a negotiation guide line for Kodiak fishermen
to receive. In the 2005 season using this ratio for frozen H&G in Bristol Bay this price would have been ($2.03
wholesale price)*(040%)*(0.74 recovery rate) = $0.60/lb. In Bristol Bay for 2005 with refrigeration mixed in we
received $0.60/lb. for frozen H&G sockeye or about 41% of the May – Aug wholesale price of $2.03. In 2005 May-
Aug for tall cans the wholesale price was about $91.14/case. USA in 2002 negotiated an ex-vessel price of $0.65/lb.
when the tall case price hit $92/case. Using this ratio we would have received a price in 2005 of $0.64/lb. Since the
canned pack in Bristol Bay has lately been a little larger than the frozen pack we can take the average of the potential
canned and frozen numbers to come up with a reasonable estimate of possible price to the fishermen. And that
would be an estimated base price of ($.64+$.60)/2= $0.62/lb in 2005.
The September to December Alaska Salmon report will be coming out in a few days and that will give us a better
understanding how sockeye prices faired since August.
Safety
BBDA organized a safety Panel at Pacific Marine Expo entitled Innovation and Leadership in Making Our Fishery Safer
and More Productive. The session was especially useful and there were numerous requests to hold it again at Fish
Expo-2006. Jerry Dzugan reported the statistics for fatalities and accident causes in Alaska for 1995-2000. Sinking-
22, Man over Board-19, Fire-1, Capsize-27, and Collision-0. One of the most repeated suggestion were to get a safety
gear inspection and conduct drills (required). As you send your freight up to Bristol Bay please remember to review
your safety items. Have a safe and successful season.
Salmon Farming
Providing consumers with cheap sea foods is the rationale offered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA) for opening our Exclusive Economic Zone, three to 200 miles offshore to industrial scale fish
farming
NOAA introduced the “The National Aquaculture Act - S. 1195” in June, 2005 and first hearings may be held in March,
2006. While NOAA boasts the fish farm industry could provide 600,000 jobs and produce five billion dollars worth of
fish by the year 2025, the agency has not calculated the impacts on wild fisheries, coastal communities or small
businesses. The bill provides no monitoring of risks, no provision for liability, no zoning that would protect other
marine businesses, and gives complete discretion to the Secretary of Commerce in deciding what environmental
protections should be in place. Other language in the bill would allow foreign ownership, and state laws would not be
applicable since the operations would be in federal waters.
The damage from the fish farm industry is largely under the waterline and out of sight. In Washington State, more
than 613,000 nonnative Atlantic salmon escaped from relatively sheltered cages in 4 years. Sea lice, parasites,
diseases, pollution and escaped fish from marine cages place wild fish at risk and scientists are increasingly calling
for closed containment systems. Yet, NOAA is transferring tax dollars to private individuals and corporations for
experimental gear development, feasibility studies, research on how to grow high value species that will directly
compete with wild caught fish in the marketplace.
The consequences of this legislation are so far reaching that Congress needs scientific information BEFORE they
vote, but NOAA has repeatedly refused to prepare the required Legislative Environmental Impact Statement (LEIS).
Everyone who harvests, processes, sells and enjoys wild fish should contact their elected representatives and tell
them that NOAA must prepare the LEIS now – before they give away our ocean commons and our livelihoods.
Thanks to Anne Mosness of the Go Wild Campaign
Email: eatwildfish@aol.com
Exxon Valdez for SO3T
Here is the very latest scoop.
1. If you want to hear oral arguments from Jan 27, go to http://www.ca9.uscourts.gov click Audio files, Case
number: 04-35182. The prediction is 9 months for a ruling, then probably to the Supreme Court.
2. Permit holders claim forms are to be sent out 5/01 with a deadline around 7/31.
3. Share holders claim forms after that in the Fall.
4. The crew share fund is separate from that of Permit holders
For questions call Andrew Ott at 907-486-6024.
ADF&G forecast for the 2006 Bristol Bay Sockeye Fishery
River Spawning Goal (millions) Total Harvest (Millions
N/K
Kvichak 1.94 0.0
Naknek 1.1 6.08
Alagnak 2.00 .86
Total 5.04 6.94
Egegik 1.1 8.2
Ugashik .85 2.49
Nushagak
Wood 1.1 3.57
Igushik 0.22 0.62
Nuhsagak 0.55 1.46
Total 1.87 5.65
Togiak 0.15 0.44
BB Total 9.01 23.72
The total BB harvest does not account for Area M (South Peninsula and North Peninsula catch) or in season capacity
concerns. For a complete forecast go the ADF&G Website at: http://www.cf.adfg.state.ak.
us/region2/finfish/salmon/bbay/brbfor06.php
Russian Intercept Activity
We continue to receive reports of extensive illegal fishing in Russian Waters. In fact 75% of all seafood caught in Far
East Russia is exported illegally according to Russia’s Interior Minister. He cited corrupt officials and other legal
problems as reasons for the worsening situation. Police reports indicate 3,000 poachers have been held criminally
responsible for 5,600 crimes. The Russian poachers are also doing a great deal of harm to the local Russian
fisheries so they have a self interest in curbing this activity. We at BBDA think our new RSDA could help investigate
these types of problems too. If the RSDA could curb interception of our sockeye by 1% of the run size, the increased
revenue in the form of increased returning run size would balance against the 1% assessment. The cost of the
BBRSDA to the fishermen would be close to zero dollars per year and the RSDA would still have the funds to do lots of
marketing and infrastructure work.
Other Points of Interest
Mark you calendar (November 16-18, 2006) for this year’s Fish Expo at Qwest Field. This new site works great. At
PME this past year the Alaska Pavilion was a hub of activity.
One of the developments at PME was a meeting of a new national coalition to promote the common interests of the
commercial fishermen. Fishermen from different parts of the country and different gear sectors have come together to
share their vision for a national group that promotes the values and culture of commercial fishing and the coastal
communities they support. The resulting coalition, called Commercial Fishermen of America, is the product of that
vision and will serve as the mechanism that will give commercial fishermen more of a national presence in the minds
of the public, legislators, and the media. This organization is still being formed
At BBDA we receive a number of publications that help keep us informed on issues that could potentially affect our
fishery. One that we enjoy that reports from the East coast is Commercial Fisheries News. You can catch some of the
articles at www.fish-news/com/cfn
BBDA Future
BBDA needs your help more than ever before, both financially and in volunteering when you can. Please help by
completing the enclosed membership and mailing a check today. And don’t forget to ask others to do their part too by
joining and volunteering too.
If someone has some proficiency at website design, we are working on the creation of a new website at www.BBDA.
org and could use some help putting it together. Contact Barney Johnson at JohnsonMarineSurveys@yahoo.com .
BBDA Fleet Insurance Group
For Questions, details, and quotes call Knut Landboe at (800) 221-2527
Alaska Dept. of Fish & Game
Boards support Section
PO Box 115525
Juneau, Alaska 99811-5525
Re: Proposals 392, 393 and 394 at the 03/17/06 meeting
Dear Mr. Chairman, Members of the Board of Fish,
I am for proposals 392, 394 and if 392 is enacted, for 393.
Proposal 392: The Management of the Naknek/Kvichak District has not achieved the allocation goals mandated by
the Board of Fish in January 1998. The setnet allocation of 16% has been overshot every year since 2000 by as much
as 123% above their allocated amount. Even during the last two years after the Board gave explicit instruction on how
the N/K allocation should be accounted for in-river the setnet gear group still received 19% above their allocated
amount both years and escapement was overshot in 2005 by 37%. The Driftnet fleet is greatly hampered, while in-
river, by the need to avoid the setnet gear that remains anchored in the water during driftnet only openings. This
interference occurs primarily in the highly productive beach fishing areas. This proposal gives Management a new
tool that can be used when allocation between gear groups is out of balance and/or when there is difficulty controlling
over escapement. The Naknek/Kvichak Setnetters fishing in the Alagnak River have already shown that they are
capable of removing all setnet gear at the end of every period. This proposal asks that the setnet gear be removed
only when needed to achieve mandated allocation or restrict escapement.
Proposal 393: Proposal 393 asks the Board to move the Driftnet portion of the fishery outside boundary upstream by
1000 feet in order to allow a barge company to anchor it’s barge in a deep water location without interference from the
Naknek R. Special Harvest Area driftnet fleet. The N/K Management has been unable to implement the
Naknek/Kvichak District’s allocation and escapement goals with the boundary in it’s current location and existing
tools. Without implementing proposal 392 these control problems would become somewhat worsened by the
passage of 393. If both 392 and 393 were implemented simultaneously all issues dealing with allocation, over
escapement and the needs of the Barge company could be resolved efficiently. So, I am conditionally in favor of 393.
Proposal 394: It seems likely that the Kvichak River’s sockeye run will need to be protected for some time to come. It
also appears likely that the Alagnak River will be producing a large surplus of sockeye that should be harvested. In
2004 the setnet commercial fishery was allowed to fish in the Alagnak River for the first time. There are several
reasons that both gear types should be given an opportunity to participate in this harvest. In addition, I believe all fish
harvested in the Alagnak River should be counted in the Naknek/Kvichak allocation percentages. The following
bullets explain why the driftnet fleet should be included in this fishery.
The Alagnak R. is part of the N/K District as described in 5 AAC 06.200 (b)
The N/K District allocation plan states that the harvested sockeye shall be allocated 16% Setnet and 84%
Driftnet as stated in 5 AAC 06.364 (b) (1) & (2).
The sockeye being harvested in the Alagnak River are the same fish in the same District that are normally
harvested in the Naknek and Kvichak Sections and are normally subject to the N/K allocation plan.
One of the guiding principals of the Bristol Bay Allocation and Management plan is that consideration will be
given to the historical uses by the commercial gear groups. (5 AAC 06.355 (c) (7)
The Setnet gear group was able to harvest only a tiny fraction of the run in 2005, leading to a gross over
escapement in the Alagnak.
The capabilities of the driftnet fleet make it more capable of harvesting, chilling and taking to possibly distant
tenders the large amounts of sockeye that are available in this river.
Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
X____________________________________ F/V___________________
Q. Why Should I spend Good Money on Dues to a Fishing Organization?
A. Because it is Smart Business!!!
In this age of almost unbelievably rapid changes which are slamming our business from all sides, you need to
constantly protect yourself and the value of your investment in the fishing business.
How best to accomplish this?
We believe that having an in-depth knowledge of current conditions and of potential future changes is something
which is essential for every fisherman.
Spending the time and money to stay on top of everything isn’t practical, possible or economic for an individual
fisherman. By combining your resources with other fisherman you can not only know what’s going on—but by working
together we can reduce negative impacts and often influence events to the much greater benefit of ourselves and our
industry. Bristol Bay Driftnetters’ Association works hard to assist Bay drift permit holders and boat owners. Paying
your dues is smart business! And it is still only 68¢ a day for a full BBDA membership. Because, only with your dues
can we carry on to help create the most constructive outcomes! We are involved with many agencies, organizations,
publications events and issues in regards to improving our fishery. Some include:
Alaska Board of Fish
Alaska Congressional Delegation
Alaskan Marine Safety Education
Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute
Alaska State Legislature
Alaska Department of Fish and Game Alaska
Bristol Bay Alliance
Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission
Fish Expo/ Pacific Marine Expo
National Fisheries Institute
National Marine Fisheries Service
North Pacific Marine Science Foundation
North Pacific Fishing Vessel Owners
Office of the Governor
State Chamber of Commerce
United Fishermen of Alaska
U.S. Coast Guard
|
