Members and the public are welcome to attend the annual Spring Industry Meeting video conference and hear from BBRSDA, Northern Economics, ADF&G, Bristol Bay Fisheries Collaborative & Port Moller Test Fishery.

The team-member spotlight this month is Frances Bursch. Frances is a life-long Bristol Bay fisherman and joined BBRSDA at the end of the 2020 season.

On April 2nd changes from Dillingham’s updated Emergency Order will go into effect. The switch from EO 1.1 to EO 2.0 changes numerous things while retaining important Covid safeguards.

CDC and Coast Guard FAQs confirm that vessel crewmembers are not required to wear a mask under the following circumstances:

• If they are alone in a room, work area, or private cabin;

• If they are eating or drinking; and

• If they are performing a task for which mask-wearing would create a risk to workplace health, safety, or job duty.

BBRSDA is very excited to have a virtual booth at this year’s ComFish Alaska event (MARCH 30-31). Don’t wait, click “Read More” and register NOW!

As the EPA has recognized, Bristol Bay is one of the nation’s great natural resources, and BBRSDA is writing to encourage the EPA to exercise its authority under Section 404(c) of the Clean Water Act to help protect and preserve it for future generations. The need for EPA leadership to protect Bristol Bay from the ongoing existential threat posed by hard-rock mining in the watershed remains urgent.

New economic analysis of Bristol Bay’s famed salmon runs show that the fishery’s economic benefits exceeded $2.2 billion in 2019, generating more than 15,000 jobs while feeding hundreds of thousands of people. The commercial fishery supplies as much as 57% of the world’s sockeye salmon catch, driving $990 million in economic activity in Alaska alone, and $800 million in induced impacts for the Pacific Northwest.

There are two open Board seats in this year’s election. A total of four members have been nominated and qualified as Board Seat Candidates…

The success of our retail program relies heavily on the expertise of our retail contractor, Mark Jones, of Tallahassee, FL. Though he has been in the game for over 25 years, Mark tends to fly under the radar, so we are pleased to feature him as our BBRSDA Team Member Spotlight for this month.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued the order, Requirement for Persons to Wear Masks while on Transportation Hubs, which requires all persons traveling on all commercial vessels to wear a mask at all times. The Coast Guard has been charged with enforcing the order.

Bristol Bay fishermen are deeply frustrated and confused by the price of fish paid out in 2020. This situation has led Bristol Bay fishermen to ask “what is going on” and “what can be done?” As the largest organization representing Bristol Bay salmon fishermen, we have responded with an attempt to answer these complex questions, as a pragmatic service to our fleet and our mission.

Applications will be available on March 1st on the Pacific States Marine Fisheries Commission website.

Read the full eligibility and payment calculation details in the ‘Final Spend Plan’

Join National Fisherman Thursday 2/18 for a panel discussion that provides the latest scientific data, policy alternatives, and perspectives from commercial fishermen who are stepping up to lead the charge for climate adaptation and solutions.

Despite a wild ride during a global pandemic, the BBRSDA marketing program had an incredibly successful year.

Find the recorded presentations on BBRSDA’s YouTube channel

Washington residents who fish in Bristol Bay and meet the other eligibility requirements are eligible to apply for assistance through the state of Washington.

Seafood Source’s Brian Hagenbuch recently caught up with BBRSDA’s Andy Wink to discuss retail demand for sockeye salmon. The story is available here.

The BBRSDA has begun its 2021 election process for two expiring terms on the organization’s Board of Directors. Click ‘Read More’ or visit https://www.bbrsda.com/elections to learn more.

CFBB and partners will host a VIRTUAL Town Hall to offer updates on the Pebble Mine and discuss our strategy to secure lasting protections for Bristol Bay.

As critical as 2020 was for our need to defend Bristol Bay, 2021 presents the opportunity for us all to pull together and permanently protect Bristol Bay!