Tim Cook (Seat B - Alaska Resident)
tim cook
f/v dead red
(907) 727-5293
Tim Cook’s Candidate Statement
EX-VESSEL PRICE is the issue that most impacts Members.
The collapse of Ex-Vessel prices in Bristol Bay has caused significant financial distress for fishermen. Worse, if Ex-Vessel prices stagnate, then the economic engine that drives Bristol Bay will be imperiled. There will be a devastating impact on fishermen; an exodus of support infrastructure (suppliers, mechanics, welders, net shops, etc.); local governments will not have the tax revenue to move forward with fish-related infrastructure; and fishing families will be put into financial jeopardy.
At this point, above all else, BBRSDA must be resolute on increasing Ex-Vessel Price. I promise that if elected, every decision, every project, and every investment BBRSDA makes, will be laser focused to increase EX-VESSEL Price, and to maximize the financial return to S03T Drift Permit Holders.
Call or Text me anytime 907.727.5293
TIM COOK
tcook@acsalaska.net
Tim Cook’s Responses to Candidate Questionnaire
Why do you want to be a BBRSDA board member?
BBRSDA was formed to maximize the value of the fishery for its members. The best way to accomplish this is to focus on the issue that most impacts Members: EX-VESSEL PRICE.
If elected, I promise that above all else, every decision, every project, and every investment BBRSDA makes, will be laser focused to increase EX-VESSEL Price, and maximize the financial return to S03T Drift Permit Holders.
What do you think is the most important mission for the BBRSDA and why?
The most important issue is Ex-vessel Price. Ex-vessel price is the single largest factor in maximizing financial return to Permit Holders.
In your view, what are three priorities the BBRSDA should focus on (within the legal limits referred to above) and why?
The three highest priorities are: EX-VESSEL PRICE, EX-VESSEL PRICE, and EX-VESSEL PRICE!
A. EX-VESSEL PRICE. Ex-vessel price should be the central priority of BBRSDA, because it has become the single largest factor influencing the financial return to Permit Holders.
B. COLLABARATION. By working with other like-minded entities, BBRSDA can work to reverse the threat of more processor consolidation in the Bay, and increase price competition.
C. GLOBAL MARKETING. BBRSDA should team with ASMI to promote Sockeye Salmon worldwide. Asian demand for premium high-value seafood is huge. ASMI has the expertise and the ability to promote Alaska Sockeye to those markets. This will expand markets, increase retail price, and enlarge total demand.
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?
Make no mistake, the economic engine driving Bristol Bay is fishermen, and the over-riding issue is obtaining a fair and equitable ex-vessel price.
Rather than attempting to take on projects that may be laudable, but deliver little financial return to Members, the Strategic Plan must prioritize programs that focus on the issue that most impacts Members: ex-vessel price.
To be blunt, if ex-vessel prices stagnate, then the economic engine that drives the Bay will diminish. There will be an exodus of support infrastructure (suppliers, mechanics, welders, net shops, etc.); local governments will not have the tax revenue to move forward with critical fisheries infrastructure projects; and fishing families will be put in financial jeopardy.
The Strategic Plan must PRIORITIZE PROGRAMS THAT ELEVATE EX-VESSEL PRICES which provide real financial benefits to Drift Permit Holders.
Please explain your position on the Pebble Mine project.
Any large-scale open Pit Mine located in the watershed, whether Pebble or another mining development, is antithetical to the long-term future of the Bristol Bay fishery.
Is there another issue that you would like to respond to?
BBRSDA is not a Social Welfare organization, not a Fraternal organization, not a Religious Organization, not a Benevolent Association, and not a Union.
BBRSDA is a 501(c)6 Trade Organization. Its stated purpose is:
“TO MAXIMIZE THE VALUE OF THE BRISTOL BAY FISHERY
FOR THE BENEFIT OF ITS MEMBERS…”
In 2023, fisherman were paid the lowest price in Bristol Bay history. This must change or the fishery will be facing collapse.
I promise that if elected, every decision, every project, and every investment BBRSDA makes, will be laser focused on obtaining a fair and equitable ex-vessel price for our members.
Tim Cook