BBRSDA + Setnetters - we want to hear from you

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Should the Setnet Fleet Join BBRSDA? 
How it works and why we’re asking:

The Bristol Bay Regional Seafood Development Association is a fisherman-funded organization with the mission of increasing the value of the fishery for its members. Currently, the drift fleet pays a 1% tax on the value of their harvest, which funds the organization. There is interest among the setnet fleet in joining the organization, and BBRSDA wants to hear from more setnetters about their interest, questions, and concerns. Keep reading to learn more about what BBRSDA does and how setnetters could benefit. 

What does BBRSDA do?

Marketing                                                              

Markets the Bristol Bay Sockeye Salmon brand to increase the value of the fishery 

Outreach

Communicates important information to members, such as opportunities and market data

Sustainability

Funds research, protects salmon habitat, and supplements fishery management to promote sustainability of the fishery

Quality

Creates and funds innovative quality and operations improvement programs, envisioned and designed by fishermen

What does BBRSDA not do?

BBRSDA has not been involved with the following:

  • allocation issues

  • price negotiation

  • does not buy, own, or sell salmon

What is an RSDA?

RSDAs are a vehicle created by the State of Alaska specifically to promote regional seafood products (Bristol Bay Sockeye Salmon). This is different from the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI), which cannot promote Alaska seafood on a regional basis and is solely focused on statewide seafood marketing.

Are setnetters currently members of the BBRSDA?

No, currently BBRSDA’s membership is just the drift permit holders. However, setnetters are represented on all of our operating committees. BBRSDA is exploring expanding its membership to setnetters in which they would pay a 1% tax on the value of their harvest – the same as the drift fleet.

How can BBRSDA benefit setnetters and their operations?

BBRSDA is committed to the health, viability, sustainability, and profitability of the Bristol Bay fishery. We are united around making our fleets stronger together.

BBRSDA would support the setnet fleet in growing the fishery’s value. In addition, setnetters would shape the organization’s future efforts. Other opportunities are:

  • Setnet operation support and quality improvements designed to bolster the quality of all Bristol Bay salmon.

  • Strategic marketing elevating our vibrant fishery and strengthening our shared marketplace.

  • A platform for the setnet fleet to collaborate with one another and the drift fleet.

If setnetters joined, what would the additional funds be used for?

Additional budget will allow BBRSDA to support setnet-specific projects and initiatives, as well as boost existing programs like marketing and sustainability that benefit all Bristol Bay fishermen. The setnet fleet joining would bring more benefit than just the additional income - the organization and our efforts will be stronger with setnetters’ help shaping the direction of the RSDA and guiding the branding process and strategy.

Who decides if and when setnetters join the BBRSDA? How does the process work?

You decide. Setnetters will choose whether or not to join through a formal election.

RSDAs are governed by Alaska statutes. In order for setnetters to join the BBRSDA, at least 30% of setnet permit holders must vote, and the majority of those votes must be in favor of joining BBRSDA.

How can I learn more about BBRSDA?

Visit the consumer-facing website that represents the Bristol Bay Sockeye Brand: bristolbaysockeye.org

Here are some examples of the benefits the BBRSDA can offer:

● Representation: If the setnet fleet voted to join BBRSDA they would then elect 2 setnet representative board members. BBRSDA also has four operating committees for members to brainstorm ideas, and guide and execute programs: Marketing, Quality Sustainability, and Outreach. Setnetters would have representation on these committees as well. Through the BBRSDA’s existing and tested infrastructure of board-directed professional programs, we can serve as an effective outlet for the setnet fleet’s marketing priorities. While a 1% tax is a commitment, this combined effort is much more cost effective and mutually beneficial than individual campaigns for market and advocacy, which can be cost prohibitive for small groups and independent businesses. Once our salmon leaves our sites and vessels, they’re no longer separated by gear type. Recognizing that we both feed the same supply chain, our marketing story is stronger when it’s representative of and guided by both fleets. 

● Communication: Few setnetters belong to an organization that represents their district and there is no organization that represents the entire setnet fleet. Knowledge-sharing between different beaches and areas can be difficult for setnet fishermen. BBRSDA can serve as this communication channel, helping to unify and amplify the voice of the setnet fleet and the Bristol Bay fleet as a whole. 

● Quality and other Operation Improvements: Beyond overall development of the sockeye salmon market and fishermen’s place in it, BBRSDA can fund projects that directly benefit your operation in the short and long term. Every project starts as an idea from fishermen about how to improve the fishery — from product quality to logistics to salmon habitat protections. Some programs that have benefited both the drift and setnet fleets include: reimbursement for insulated ice bags, an ice machine rebuild for Big Creek fishermen, support for the ice machine in Pilot Point, insulated ice totes in the Nushagak, Egegik and Ugashik, and advocacy for the entire Bristol Bay fishery on fisheries science, Pebble, covid safety and communication. 

What we’ve heard loud and clear is that setnetters want support for their operations and quality of their catch that are tailored to the unique aspects of the setnet fleet. Would it help you to get a grant for skiff upgrades that will help you deliver high quality fish? Would it be helpful to have an outboard mechanic or welder available on your beach? These are just ideas, but they are the kind of setnet-led projects that may be possible through involvement in BBRSDA.

Here's some more information as charts: 

1.) Since BBRSDA was formed in 2006 there have been good and bad years, but overall prices have come up as well as fishermen’s share of the total value of the salmon. The concurrence of record returns and high salmon prices is a testament to BBRSDA’s work growing the market for our product. For more market data visit: bbrsda.com/market-value-info

2.) 91% of BBRSDA’s budget funds projects that support Bristol Bay as a whole, but we need the setnet fleet’s involvement to help direct the work of the organization to serve both fleets. For a detailed list of projects visit: bbrsda.com/funded-projects

Examples of projects that benefit all:

  •  Marketing the Bristol Bay Sockeye Salmon Brand

  •  Anti-Pebble Mine legal & outreach work

  •  Port Moller Test Fishery – science support

  •  Ice making equipment & infrastructure

Examples of drift-specific projects:

  •  RSW Apprentice Training 

  •  Quality survey of drift fleet product

  •  RSW discount program