Andy Wink is familiar to many as he has been at the helm of the organization as Executive Director of BBRSDA for 5 years but we realized it had been a long time since Andy had a proper introduction or the chance for us to get to know him a little better.

(SENA) provides a one-of-a-kind marketplace for reaching seafood buyers and processors in the U.S. and North American market

From Togiak/Nushagak Area Management Biologist Tim Sands

This program, called “Expanding RSW Service Capacity in Bristol Bay,” is designed to support existing RSW technicians to hire and train apprentices to help perform more maintenance and repairs to RSW systems of Bristol Bay drift boats. Grants up to $15,000 available for RSW companies to take on apprentices for the 2022 season.

The new product features an attractive window highlighting sockeye’s ruby-red color, prominent identification of the Bristol Bay origin, and a QR code which connects consumers to fishermen by bringing them to our Know Your Fisherman webpage.

Electronic ballots have been sent out to BBRSDA members for the 2023 Board of Directors election. Click “Read More” below for additional details.

The Bristol Bay Choice Award winner, Thunder’s Catch Smoked Salmon Chowder also takes the Peoples’ Choice award in Juneau.

The Alaska Board of Fisheries (BOF) will meet March 10-14, 2023 in Anchorage at the Egan Civic & Convention Center. Changes to Nushagak Salmon Management Plans are on the agenda, with an eye towards conserving Chinook salmon which were labeled as a stock of concern this fall after a string of poor returns.

Three members have been nominated and qualified as Board Seat Candidates. Learn more about the candidates and see their responses to a questionnaire.

BBRSDA & Bristol Bay processors have received some guidance on the 32' enforcement issue from Alaska Wildlife Troopers (AWT). Please see the AWT letter linked here.

02.08.2023 Sockeye Market Update video from BBRSDA Executive Director Andy Wink

Ideas for encouraging the stores and restaurants in your area to feature Bristol Bay sockeye salmon.

BBRSDA supported the Port Moller test fishery through two important projects in 2022.

In a landmark decision, EPA Finalizes Clean Water Act protections for the world’s greatest salmon fishery responding to decades of Tribal and fishing industrys’ requests.

Two board seats will be up for election in 2023

Despite the down-tick in exports during November 2022, export figures from July-November are still strong, with export volume up 28% and value up 27% compared to the same period in 2021.

Up to $30,000 to graduate student research to progress the science and understanding the Bristol Bay salmon fishery. The deadline for proposals is 5 p.m. AKST on January 13, 2023

Located in the heart of Bristol Bay in the northeastern end of Iliamna Lake, the easements protect critical habitat for millions of wild salmon and maintain subsistence uses, traditional activities and cultural resources important to the Pedro Bay Corporation and its Alaska Native shareholders.

A great article from YETI on Bristol Bay salmon, the fishermen who live to catch them and work to protect our favorite place on earth. Photo by Travis Rummel.