Articles Posted in Trawlers

Alaska’s trawl fisheries report they are facing critiques from groups that some industry leaders call “radical organizations funded by out-of-state interests.” Often focused on environmental concerns and fishing methods, these groups have sparked a heated debate about the future of Alaska’s most productive fisheries.

Trawling, a method used by most fishery landings in Alaska and across the United States, plays a critical role in Alaska’s coastal communities and the seafood industry. Yet, some activist groups are seeking to ban trawling, threatening not only the livelihoods of thousands but also the availability of wild, healthful, sustainable seafood enjoyed across the country.

A recent article published in the Alaska Beacon offers a defense of the trawl industry. The editorial was written by four seasoned Alaskan fishermen with decades of experience. Sam Wright, a 30-year veteran of Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska fisheries; Dan Carney, a farmer, homesteader, and 43-year Bering Sea survivor; Jason Chandler, a lifelong Kodiak resident; and Kiley Thomson, a 32-year resident of Sand Point, united to address misconceptions and misinformation surrounding Alaska’s fisheries.