The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced that PSF, Inc., formerly known as Peter Pan Seafood, has paid a $750,000 penalty for violating state and federal Clean Water Act permit requirements. These violations relate to seafood processing waste discharge limits designed to protect the marine environment. The violations occurred…
Articles Posted in Maritime Economy
Alaska Salmon Fishery 2024 Reports Sharp Declines in Catch and Value
Alaska’s commercial salmon fishery experienced significant setbacks in 2024, with double-digit declines in both catch numbers and market value. According to preliminary figures released by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G), just over 101 million salmon were harvested across the state. This represents a 56% decrease compared to…
King Cove’s Fishing Legacy and Future
The Pacific Marine Expo has been held in Seattle for more than 50 years, and the 2024 Expo (which ran from November 20th to the 22nd at Lumen Field Event Center) did not disappoint. One of the featured sessions focused on King Cove, Alaska, and the history surrounding this beautiful…
Balancing Economics and Environmental Sustainability after Pollock Trawling Bycatch Incident
The recent bycatch incident involving the Alaskan pollock trawl fishery has cast a spotlight on the challenges of balancing economic survival for fishermen and coastal communities with environmental sustainability. Following a significant bycatch of Chinook salmon, the pollock fishing season was closed early, leading to economic hardships that have prompted debate…
Commercial Fishing and Expanded Functionality for Vessels
Commercial fishing is currently facing a range of challenges that include overfishing, climate change, illegal fishing that is depleting stocks, regulatory changes, and economic changes that include higher fuel prices, equipment costs, and labor costs. In response, commercial fishermen are increasingly pivoting to adapt. Fishermen are also investing in advanced…
American Seafoods Opens $150K Grant Program for Western Alaska
American Seafoods Group, the largest at-sea processor of wild Alaska pollock and hake in the United States, has reintroduced its grant program under a new name: The American Seafoods Community Partnership Program. Based in Seattle, Washington, the company recently announced the relaunch, indicating a significant expansion in its support of…
Salmon Advocates Alarmed after Yukon River Cyanide Spill
Salmon advocates are expressing grave concerns after a recent cyanide spill at Victoria Gold’s Eagle Mine, fearing that the pollution, which has not been fully contained, could harm the Yukon River’s already struggling salmon populations. Following a major equipment failure at Victoria Gold’s Eagle Mine, the Government of Yukon has…
Bristol Bay Sockeye Season Sees Citation Spike
Commercial fishing citations are on the rise this Bristol Bay sockeye season. As the sockeye run begins, Alaska State Troopers from all over gather to patrol and ensure that commercial fishers are following all rules and regulations. With so many regulations in place, some waters are closed at certain times…
Disaster Relief Applications Due August 24th
Federal disaster relief is coming to help many commercial fishing permit-holders. The Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission (PSMFC) will be administering the payments of three federal awards. For more information, you can visit their current disasters page. Permit-holders and processors need to submit their applications to the PSMFC in Portland,…
Silver Bay Seafoods will acquire Trident Seafoods False Pass Facilities
On Friday, June 7th, 2024, Trident Seafoods and Silver Bay Seafoods announced that Silver Bay is set to acquire Trident Seafoods False Pass processing facility and fuel business on the Alaska Peninsula. This is Silver Bay’s second big move in a region where they already have a presence processing salmon.…