Prowler Fisheries LLC has announced a combined management agreement with Seattle-based Blue North Fisheries, to help streamline efficiencies and optimize day-to-day operations for both companies.
This relationship represents a big step in operational innovation in our industry,” said Kenny Down, president and chief executive officer of Blue North.
This agreement allows for the autonomy of each group while combining management under one roof in a strong structure, stronger than could ever be accomplished separately.”
“Our agreement will enhance both companies’ strength and market agility,” said Larry Cotter, Prowler Fisheries LLC’s managing partner and chief executive officer of the Aleutian Pribilof Island Community Development Association. “We believe the benefits will be far reaching. Vessel crews will see a continued focus on quality and efficiency, an increased presence in Dutch Harbor Alaska, and great support from the Seattle Blue North team. Further, the agreement allows efficiencies to be shared by Blue North and Prowler in everything from insurance, fuel and groceries to repairs, compliance and documentation.”
Under the agreement, Blue North Fisheries will manage Prowler Fisheries’ five hook-and-line catcher processors currently operating in the Bering Sea, Aleutian Islands and Gulf of Alaska. The fleet includes the F/V Arctic Prowler, F/V Prowler, F/V Ocean Prowler, F/V Bering Prowler, and F/V Gulf Prowler. Blue North Trading, a fully-owned subsidiary of Blue North, will market and sell all of the frozen-at-sea products produced by the Prowler vessels starting with this year’s B season.
Prowler Fisheries will also close its Seattle office of Alaska Longline Co., the operation that currently manages its Prowler vessels.
Many current Alaska Longline employees will be retained by Blue North, the companies said. Cotter will remain the managing partner of Prowler Fisheries, bringing his oversight to the new management group.
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