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Matt Dewitte (Seat E - non-Alaska Resident)

Matt Dewitte’s Candidate Statement

Dear Bristol Bay Fishermen,

My name is Matt DeWitte, and I have a profound appreciation for our Bristol Bay fishing community. I began my Bristol Bay fishing career in 2005 on the F/V Matchpoint as a deckhand. Over the years, I've developed a deep understanding of our region and am committed to protecting its environment, stewarding our resources, and maximizing the value of our sockeye.

I have been serving as a temporary board member for a vacant seat since October 2023. After the 2023 season, I was frustrated by the prices and wanted to understand the root cause and contribute to a solution. This led me to become more involved with the BBRSDA, and I am confident in the "new direction" they have recently implemented and the capacity of the staff.

As a board member, I am committed to representing all permit holders and ensuring that our capital is invested in projects that yield equitable results for everyone. We have many challenges ahead, including the threat of Pebble Mine and the need to continuously improve the quality of our harvested fish.

I support an agenda of marketing the advantages of farmed vs. wild fish. I don't believe the old mantra of promoting any salmon is good for all salmon; the presence of farmed fish is absolutely impacting our sales.

At the end of the day, I believe our industry has the most healthy, sustainable, and nutrient-dense product in the world. We have the best people and the best story. I am committed to focusing on the positives and ensuring that our efforts and story are recognized by consumers.

Thank you for considering my candidacy. I am eager to serve our community and work collaboratively with all stakeholders to ensure a prosperous future for Bristol Bay.

Sincerely,

Matt DeWitte
mattjdewitte@gmail.com
360-631-7030

Matt Dewitte’s Responses to Candidate Questionnaire

1. Why do you want to be a BBRSDA board member?

   During my time filling in for the vacant seat, I have seen firsthand the potential for growth and success within the RSDA. I am passionate about improving market conditions to support better prices for our fishermen's catch. I am also dedicated to recruiting new generational sockeye consumers and promoting the long-term success of our industry.
   
   

2. What do you think is the most important mission for the BBRSDA and why?

   In my opinion, sustainability is the most critical long-term mission. The Pebble Mine poses a constant threat to our fishery, and our current trajectory of supporting test fisheries and collaborating with the scientific community is vital. I believe that expanding these efforts is essential. Our investment in this mission sector is yielding positive results for the fishery.

   
   

3. In your view, what are three priorities the BBRSDA should focus on (within the legal limits referred to above) and why?

   My current assessment of priorities differs from the long-term perspective. I believe that our market is struggling due to economic conditions and competition from other product forms such as farmed salmon. Despite this, I am confident that we have a superior product with a compelling story that consumers may not be fully aware of. Our marketing aims to highlight that our industry is environmentally friendly and sustainable, with no negative side effects. As the world develops, people are prioritizing what they put in their bodies, and we need to be at the forefront of this movement to acquire a larger market share. My second priority ranking is quality. Attracting more consumers is directly related to the quality of the product we provide. Quality is not a one-way street; we need to promote quality at the grounds, in the processor, and in the retail sectors. I advocate for exploring quality programs such as the 'skin pack' to enhance product presentation and appeal in the retail sector. Lastly, I would prioritize sustainability. While the current threat of the Pebble Corporation is low compared to previous years, we do have new issues that require further investment, particularly relating to 'stocks of concern.' It is crucial that we continue to invest in sustainable practices to ensure the long-term viability of our industry.

   
   

4. The BBRSDA's Strategic Plan lists specific strategies for maximizing the value of the Bristol Bay salmon fishery.  Do you believe those strategies are an effective guide for accomplishing that goal, and if not, how should they be modified?

   I believe that the current plan is strategically adequate to achieve the goals of our organization. I fully support the current agenda and am committed to assisting with any necessary amendments as market conditions change. I also understand that not all plans are perfect, and I am not afraid to admit when something does not work. I am dedicated to learning from these experiences and continuously improving the effectiveness of our organization.

   
   

5. Please explain your position on the Pebble Mine project.

   I do not support the pebble mine. I feel like my position is well documented in the previous responses.

   
   

6. Is there another issue that you would like to respond to?

   Thank you for considering my candidacy and taking the time to read my responses. Thank you for your support. Regarding other issues, I believe our industry has seen very little investment in innovation over the past 30 years. This is understandable given the short duration of the season and the challenges we face. Our low prices are market-driven, but our industry would be more insulated if we were collectively more efficient. I am not pointing fingers at any particular sector; inefficiencies can be found from boats to processors. As the market improves, I hope we can have conversations with our processor partners on how to improve the efficiency of our business. Rising shipping costs, cold storage, and labor costs are among the issues we are facing. The more collaboration between fishermen and processors to address these issues, the more insulated our industry will become over the long term. This will not only benefit fishermen and processors but will also make the industry more viable for all.