2019 Processors Survey Released

Northern Economics Inc. produces this annual processor survey for BBRSDA gathering prior season information from Bristol Bay processors capturing data on finished product forms, chilled product volumes and quality impact, ice production capacity, and respondents’ opinions of trends and priorities within the fishery.

Read the new 2019 Processors Survey Report here.

BBRSDA Position on Testing & Quarantine

** COVID-19 FLEET ADVISORY #04: BBRSDA Position on Testing & Quarantine **
April 21, 2020

The Bristol Bay Regional Seafood Development Association’s (BBRSDA) Board of Directors formally adopted the following statement of support at meeting on April 20, 2020:

“The BBRSDA supports the idea of COVID-19 testing and quarantine of fishermen prior to their arrival in Bristol Bay for the 2020 salmon season, and affirms its continued support for acknowledged best practices for protecting the health of all stakeholders.”

The health and safety of fishermen, processing workers, support personnel, and local residents is a paramount concern for the BBRSDA. These goals and the best practices aimed at meeting them are fully consistent with BBRSDA’s mission of increasing the value of the fishery for fishermen. Bristol Bay sockeye salmon has become a premium product, and as such the demand for it is a function of not just fish quality but the real and perceived impact of the fishery. A tragedy—particularly one that is aggravated by poor compliance on the part of the fleet in regards to best practices—could significantly damage demand for the fishery’s products. Second, the Bristol Bay salmon fishery is subject to oversight, regulation, and taxation by state and local government. Again, failure to support reasonable and feasible best practices on the part of the fleet could create a situation of costly animosity between industry, government, and local residents.

With appropriate safeguards, we are confident there will be a 2020 season, and the BBRSDA encourages the use of best available practices for the protection of public and industry health. With this being a very fluid situation, stakeholder leadership is in a state of close communication regarding what options are both available and feasible.     

The Bristol Bay salmon fishery works best when its stakeholders work together to overcome challenges as best as possible. All stakeholders share in its rewards, and its risks during the current pandemic. Supporting the highest level of workable safety protocols is not just the correct thing to do from a moral/human perspective, it is also the most fiscally responsible option to meet the mission of the BBRSDA and our fleet.

Sincerely,

Fritz Johnson
BBRSDA Board President

*See past COVID-19 Fleet Advisories and other updates/info on our COVID-19 page. (link).

EPA Case is Dismissed

Late last year, BBRSDA joined several other organizations to file a lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency for withdrawing proposed protections for Bristol Bay. Last week, U.S. District Court Judge Sharon Gleason dismissed the case, and in so doing determined that the EPA’s action is not one that can be challenged in court (click here to see the motion). This does not change the facts already established in the scientific and public record, which make clear that the Bristol Bay fishery is threatened by the development of the Pebble Mine.

Leadership from the plaintiffs echoed the sentiment that they will not relent in their pursuit of safeguards for Bristol Bay’s pristine environment or in their opposition of the Pebble Mine project. BBRSDA Executive Director Andy Wink on Judge Gleason’s ruling, “Despite this decision, our mission is unchanged: protecting and promoting the Bristol Bay fishery. The Bristol Bay Watershed Assessment made it clear that this fishery needs the highest level of protection, and we will do everything we can to ensure the salmon continue returning for future generations.”

BBRSDA and other members of the Bristol Bay Defense Alliance have issued the following statement regarding this legal matter.

COVID-19 Economic Relief Information

Our COVID-19 Fleet Team has been researching economic relief options available to commercial fishermen. Please click on this link for information about economic relief programs. This “Guidance” document will be updated on our COVID-19 website as more information about programs and economic relief options becomes available. Feel free to email any questions or comments about economic relief options to covid19team@bbrsda.com.