June 21, 2023 — As the owner of a commercial fishing boat and sport fishing lodge, it’s easy for me to recognize the importance of the seafood industry for my fellow Alaskans, from sustaining jobs and local economies to embodying cultural connections and a way of life. I know the importance of healthy and sustainable fish populations, science-based management, and healthy ocean ecosystems. Without these, my businesses would fail to thrive — and I know many commercial fishermen and lodge owners across the state who depend on exactly the same factors for their own businesses. Too often sport fishermen and commercial fishermen find themselves pitted against each other in conversations about our state’s wild stocks — when in reality, we all make up the broader community that benefits from Alaska’s seafood industry.
I first started commercial fishing in 1979 on the south end of Kodiak with my mother, uncle and grandparents. I was immediately hooked on fishing. I would sport fish every chance that I got a break from commercial fishing. Fishing taught me the value of hard work as well as educated me on taking care of this valuable resource. My children have learned those same values as they have grown up commercial fishing and working at our lodge. I now have two grandchildren that were born in the last year; I hope to see them have similar experiences and gain the same values and appreciation for this wonderful resource.