Alaska Commercial Fishermen Survey Launches: Online Survey Responses Due May 1

JUNEAU, AK – Seafood directly employs more workers than any other private sector industry in Alaska, and is the foundation of many rural communities (McDowell 2020).   To ensure fishermen’s voices are heard in the response to and mitigation of COVID-19 related impacts, today SalmonState is kicking off an online fisherman’s survey. The organization is seeking to hear directly from Alaska’s commercial fishermen about the challenges and opportunities faced by independent fishermen, families, and communities. The survey seeks input and guidance from fishermen as the seafood industry adapts to COVID-19 in the 2020 season. 

SalmonState will share results from the survey with decision makers  to help them make quality, informed fisheries-related decisions in the coming months.  Go here to fill out the survey. 

“Collecting statewide responses provides fishermen the opportunity to share their unique perspectives in light of the global pandemic and upcoming summer salmon, dungeness, and halibut seasons.  It’s our hope that the data we collect will be a valuable resource for everyone, but especially for decision makers at all levels, as they navigate their response to the current crisis,” said commercial fisherman and SalmonState Commercial Fishing Program Manager Sommers Cole. 

“Without teams of lobbyists and lawyers, independent fishing operations could be overlooked in the complexities of stimulus aid packages and disbursements in the coming months.  People are facing unprecedented levels of uncertainty and anything to help amplify the voices of Alaska’s fishermen will be a benefit to the fleet, Alaska’s economy, and the response/recovery process,” said commercial fisherman and SalmonState Communications Advisor Tyson Fick.