Alaska’s Boards of Fisheries and Game are holding a series of meetings in January to discuss COVID-19 related issues and options for scheduling regulatory board meetings for the rest of their 2020-2021 meeting cycle.
Both boards acted earlier in the current meeting cycle to postpone regulatory meetings with the intent of reevaluating health issues.
A special committee meeting of the two boards is set for Jan. 19, with a comment deadline of Jan. 15. The session is informational only, with no action to be taken. A second special meeting of the Alaska Board of Fisheries is set for Jan. 25, with a comment deadline of Jan. 20.
Public comments by the announced deadlines are encouraged to help the boards in their discussions and decision making.
All meetings are to be held via Zoom and open to the public for viewing or listening via the Internet. Meeting materials, the audio stream link and comment submission process for the fisheries meetings are available at www.boardoffisheries.adfg.alaska.gov;
For more information about these meetings contact Kristy Tibbles at 907-465-6098 or email her at kristy.tibbles@alaska.gov or Glenn Haight at 907-465-6095 or glenn.haight@alaska.gov.
Other upcoming virtual commercial fisheries meetings of interest include the 97th session of the International Pacific Halibut Commission’s 97th session, Jan. 25 and Jan. 26-29, and the February web conference of the North Pacific Fishery Management Council, Feb. 5 and Feb. 8-12.
The IPHC last week had intended to have a special session to look at potential modifications to existing management plans, but due to various connectivity issues has deferred that item to be discussed by the IPHC on the morning of Jan. 26. The IPHC recognized the work of its Management Strategy Advisory Board to that issue and said it would provide further direction during its 97th session. Meeting documents for the annual meeting of the IPHC are online at https://www.iphc.int/uploads/pdf/am/am097/iphc-2021-am097-00.pdf.
A guide to the February meeting of the NPFMC is online at https://www.npfmc.org/upcoming-council-meetings/, including the agendas for the council, its Advisory Panel and Scientific and Statistical Committee, and options for providing testimony for each online,
Wednesday, January 13, 2021
Wednesday, January 6, 2021
GAPP Promotes Super Bowl Sunday Surimi Treats
on the Food Network
Food Network star Nancy Fuller has teamed up with surimi seafood brand Louis Kemp Crab Delights to create surimi recipes for football fans nationwide to chow down on Feb. 3, during Super Bowl 2021, at Tampa Bay, Florida. The recipes will be advertised on www.foodnetwork.com beginning on January 13th.
Chef Fuller said she will share her favorite game day recipes for Crab Cake Bites and Buffalo Crab Dip, made with Louis Kemp Crab Delights, which are made from wild Alaska Pollock. “These quick and easy crave-able recipes are sure to not make you crabby, even if your favorite team loses,” quipped Fuller.
The presentation is the latest effort of the Association of Genuine Alaska Pollock Producers to promote the versatile whitefish, this time as a trendy, sustainable snack for sports fans.
GAPP’s North American Partnership Program is also aligning with the launch of Louis Kemp’s new “buy online” feature on their website.
Louis Kemp Crab Delights are sold nationally at retailers ranging from Walmart, Kroger and Albertsons and Safeway to Target and Meijer stores.
GAPP is dedicated to marketing of once-frozen Pollock products, harvested and processed in Alaska, to whitefish markets worldwide with a focus on Europe, North America and Japan.
Chef Fuller said she will share her favorite game day recipes for Crab Cake Bites and Buffalo Crab Dip, made with Louis Kemp Crab Delights, which are made from wild Alaska Pollock. “These quick and easy crave-able recipes are sure to not make you crabby, even if your favorite team loses,” quipped Fuller.
The presentation is the latest effort of the Association of Genuine Alaska Pollock Producers to promote the versatile whitefish, this time as a trendy, sustainable snack for sports fans.
GAPP’s North American Partnership Program is also aligning with the launch of Louis Kemp’s new “buy online” feature on their website.
Louis Kemp Crab Delights are sold nationally at retailers ranging from Walmart, Kroger and Albertsons and Safeway to Target and Meijer stores.
GAPP is dedicated to marketing of once-frozen Pollock products, harvested and processed in Alaska, to whitefish markets worldwide with a focus on Europe, North America and Japan.
New Peter Pan Emerges as US Owned, Vertically Integrated Seafood Company
Peter Pan Seafoods has a new lease on life, emerging with a new name and new owners effective Jan. 1 as New Peter Pan. The sale was finalized on Dec. 31.
The vertically integrated seafood company with deep Alaska roots is now the property of an ownership group comprised of Rodger May of Northwest Fish, the Na’-Nuk Investment Fund LP, managed by McKinley Capital Management LLC, and the RRG Global Partners Fund, managed by RRG Capital Management LLC.
“My partners and I want to show the world that Alaska offers world-class sustainable seafood investment opportunities that result in benefits to the state of Alaska, our fishing families and coastal communities,” said Rob Gillam, chief executive officer and chief investment officer of McKinley Capital, in Anchorage. “Grounded in Alaska, acting globally,” he said. “That’s one of our core values.”
Gillam said that despite the struggles of 2020 that consumer demand for wild, natural and sustainable Alaska seafood remains high. “As markets begin to reopen and rebound, New Peter Pan is positioned to harness the brand strength of Alaska seafood as we transform the company and begin to create a new legacy,” he said. May, the founder of Northwest Fish, one of the fastest growing seafood companies in North America, will join New Peter Pan as president and chief growth officer. May said he sees the combining of Northwest Fish and Peter Pan assets as a means to provide more markets for the combined companies’ products and greater opportunity throughout the entire supply chain.
Ari Swiller, co-founder of RRG Capital Management, said the new owners are passionate about supporting local fishing communities and providing healthy, sustainable seafood to the world while preserving ocean ecosystems. “We believe that sustainably managed, vertically integrated seafood companies are attractive investments and create environmental and social benefits,” he said. “By focusing New Peter Pan on its customer and fleet services, we’re confident we can create tremendous value for our customers and our stakeholders.”
New Peter Pan will continue to operate facilities in Dillingham, King Cove Port Moller and Valdez, with a commitment to continuing operations with little disruption, the new owners said.
The core of its mission, they said, is a devotion to customers and stakeholders, and a desire to be a global supplier of top quality, responsibly sourced seafood.
The vertically integrated seafood company with deep Alaska roots is now the property of an ownership group comprised of Rodger May of Northwest Fish, the Na’-Nuk Investment Fund LP, managed by McKinley Capital Management LLC, and the RRG Global Partners Fund, managed by RRG Capital Management LLC.
“My partners and I want to show the world that Alaska offers world-class sustainable seafood investment opportunities that result in benefits to the state of Alaska, our fishing families and coastal communities,” said Rob Gillam, chief executive officer and chief investment officer of McKinley Capital, in Anchorage. “Grounded in Alaska, acting globally,” he said. “That’s one of our core values.”
Gillam said that despite the struggles of 2020 that consumer demand for wild, natural and sustainable Alaska seafood remains high. “As markets begin to reopen and rebound, New Peter Pan is positioned to harness the brand strength of Alaska seafood as we transform the company and begin to create a new legacy,” he said. May, the founder of Northwest Fish, one of the fastest growing seafood companies in North America, will join New Peter Pan as president and chief growth officer. May said he sees the combining of Northwest Fish and Peter Pan assets as a means to provide more markets for the combined companies’ products and greater opportunity throughout the entire supply chain.
Ari Swiller, co-founder of RRG Capital Management, said the new owners are passionate about supporting local fishing communities and providing healthy, sustainable seafood to the world while preserving ocean ecosystems. “We believe that sustainably managed, vertically integrated seafood companies are attractive investments and create environmental and social benefits,” he said. “By focusing New Peter Pan on its customer and fleet services, we’re confident we can create tremendous value for our customers and our stakeholders.”
New Peter Pan will continue to operate facilities in Dillingham, King Cove Port Moller and Valdez, with a commitment to continuing operations with little disruption, the new owners said.
The core of its mission, they said, is a devotion to customers and stakeholders, and a desire to be a global supplier of top quality, responsibly sourced seafood.
Young Fishermen’s Development Act is Now Law
The Young Fishermen’s Development Act, approved by Congress in late December, was signed into law on Tuesday, Jan. 5, and hailed for giving new support to young fishermen facing lack of support as they try to gain a foothold in the seafood industry.
“Our legislation is about supporting the livelihoods of fishing communities across the nation by making the next generation aware of the opportunities available in the commercial fishing industry,” said Rep. Don Young, R-Alaska.
Other backers of the legislation, including Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, both R-Alaska, and Sen. Edward Markley, D-Mass, also hailed legislation, which will support regional training opportunities and apprenticeship programs.
Marissa Wilson, executive director of the Alaska Marine Conservation Council, noted that until now federal programs for young American harvesters have been limited to those who farm and ranch. With fewer young people are choosing to harvest food for a living, investment is needed for young food producers nationwide, she said.
A robust study on the “graying of the fleet” showed that the issue in Alaskan communities is not a lack of interest in the lifestyle, but the amount of resources and knowledge it takes to run a profitable fishing business in the 21st century is formidable, she said. “Investing in opportunities for young fishermen to hone their skills will benefit our local food systems, communities and oceans,” she said. “The grassroots nature of the implementation of this program ensures this.”
Young fishermen seeking entry into the industry in recent years have had to meet new challenges and higher barriers to entry. In some regions commercial fisheries have seen an increase by 10 years or more in the average participant’s age over the previous generation of fishermen, and rural communities have lost 30 percent of local permit holders. Some studies have also suggested that this “graying of the fleet” has led to an increase in financial capital and risk needed to enter into the industry. This legislation, modeled after the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program, creates the first federal program dedicated to training, educating and assisting the next generation of commercial fishermen.
“Our legislation is about supporting the livelihoods of fishing communities across the nation by making the next generation aware of the opportunities available in the commercial fishing industry,” said Rep. Don Young, R-Alaska.
Other backers of the legislation, including Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, both R-Alaska, and Sen. Edward Markley, D-Mass, also hailed legislation, which will support regional training opportunities and apprenticeship programs.
Marissa Wilson, executive director of the Alaska Marine Conservation Council, noted that until now federal programs for young American harvesters have been limited to those who farm and ranch. With fewer young people are choosing to harvest food for a living, investment is needed for young food producers nationwide, she said.
A robust study on the “graying of the fleet” showed that the issue in Alaskan communities is not a lack of interest in the lifestyle, but the amount of resources and knowledge it takes to run a profitable fishing business in the 21st century is formidable, she said. “Investing in opportunities for young fishermen to hone their skills will benefit our local food systems, communities and oceans,” she said. “The grassroots nature of the implementation of this program ensures this.”
Young fishermen seeking entry into the industry in recent years have had to meet new challenges and higher barriers to entry. In some regions commercial fisheries have seen an increase by 10 years or more in the average participant’s age over the previous generation of fishermen, and rural communities have lost 30 percent of local permit holders. Some studies have also suggested that this “graying of the fleet” has led to an increase in financial capital and risk needed to enter into the industry. This legislation, modeled after the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program, creates the first federal program dedicated to training, educating and assisting the next generation of commercial fishermen.
Modernizing of O’Hara Corp.’s Factory Trawler Alaska Spirit is a Work in Progress
O’Hara Corporation’s 210-foot factory trawler Alaska Spirit is slated for upgrades in 2021 for the galley and mess area, the latest stage of a complete vessel overhaul to improve habitability, efficiency and optimize vessel performance.
For the multi-year project that began in 2017, O’Hara selected Elliot Bay Design Group, which has already completed some major renovations during the vessel’s normal down time, EBDG officials said. That way no fishing seasons for Atka mackerel, Pacific Ocean perch, yellowfin sole, rock sole, Pollock, Pacific cod and more have been missed as renovation continues.
Upgrades to date have included new generator and hydraulic engines, a new factory, conversion of underutilized aft tanks to stores, replacement of pilot house port lights with windows, habitability upgrades and a complete rethinking of the trawl deck. EBDG provided engineering support for much of this work, and the U.S. Coast Guard has provided oversight in accordance with the Alternate Compliance and Safety Agreement. For habitability, O’Hara has refurbished crew quarters, including upgrades to staterooms, laundry, showering and toilet spaces. Accommodation improvements will continue in 2021.
Renovation to date also includes the addition of silencers to exhaust lines of all diesel engines, substantially reducing onboard noise pollution.
O’Hara has also replaced burtoning gear with a knuckle boom crane. New trawl winches are being installed this year and an equipment room is being constructed around the crane pedestal. Next year the existing trawl machine located at the forward end of the trawl deck will be replaced with a pair of net reels and a new Gilson gantry. The base of the gantry and reel foundations are being incorporated into an enlarged changing room for the deck crew. EBDG spokespersons said that to date they have scanned nearly the entire vessel, offering effective visual aids for the owner’s planning and modeling.
The Alaska Spirit was built by Halter Marine Services in 1974 as an offshore supply vessel for the Gulf of Mexico. In 1989, she was converted at Murakami Shipyard in Japan to a head and gut fishing trawler for use in territorial U.S. waters of the Bering Sea, and there her work continues.
For the multi-year project that began in 2017, O’Hara selected Elliot Bay Design Group, which has already completed some major renovations during the vessel’s normal down time, EBDG officials said. That way no fishing seasons for Atka mackerel, Pacific Ocean perch, yellowfin sole, rock sole, Pollock, Pacific cod and more have been missed as renovation continues.
Upgrades to date have included new generator and hydraulic engines, a new factory, conversion of underutilized aft tanks to stores, replacement of pilot house port lights with windows, habitability upgrades and a complete rethinking of the trawl deck. EBDG provided engineering support for much of this work, and the U.S. Coast Guard has provided oversight in accordance with the Alternate Compliance and Safety Agreement. For habitability, O’Hara has refurbished crew quarters, including upgrades to staterooms, laundry, showering and toilet spaces. Accommodation improvements will continue in 2021.
Renovation to date also includes the addition of silencers to exhaust lines of all diesel engines, substantially reducing onboard noise pollution.
O’Hara has also replaced burtoning gear with a knuckle boom crane. New trawl winches are being installed this year and an equipment room is being constructed around the crane pedestal. Next year the existing trawl machine located at the forward end of the trawl deck will be replaced with a pair of net reels and a new Gilson gantry. The base of the gantry and reel foundations are being incorporated into an enlarged changing room for the deck crew. EBDG spokespersons said that to date they have scanned nearly the entire vessel, offering effective visual aids for the owner’s planning and modeling.
The Alaska Spirit was built by Halter Marine Services in 1974 as an offshore supply vessel for the Gulf of Mexico. In 1989, she was converted at Murakami Shipyard in Japan to a head and gut fishing trawler for use in territorial U.S. waters of the Bering Sea, and there her work continues.
Seattle’s Hockema Group Posts Name, Management Changes for 2021
A naval architecture, marine and electrical engineering firm with offices in Seattle and Bend, Oregon has announced name and management changes now in place.
Hockema Whalen Myers Associates Inc., now the Hockema Group, announced this week that after 42 years in the marine industry and 23 years of managing the firm he founded in 1997 that Hal Hockema is stepping down from daily management to serve as chairman of the company. His emphasis will be on design quality assurance and to serve as an advisor to the Hockema Group management team, the announcement said.
John Myers is the new president and managing principal, with Michael Minnig as vice president and senior principal, and Craig Pomeroy as principal naval architect. Julie Hockema has also stepped back to a 20 hour a week commitment and will continue as business manager and bookkeeper. Shannon Potter, who has 20 years of contract management experience, has joined the firm as administrative manager. Michael Whalen, who retired in 2020, will also stay with Hockema Group as senior principal.
Hockema Group offers a variety of engineering and consulting services in addition to its traditional naval architecture and marine engineering disciplines. The firm provides services for tugs, barges, commercial fishing vessels, dredgers, cargo vessels, workboats, passenger vessels and government/military service vessels.
Hockema Whalen Myers Associates Inc., now the Hockema Group, announced this week that after 42 years in the marine industry and 23 years of managing the firm he founded in 1997 that Hal Hockema is stepping down from daily management to serve as chairman of the company. His emphasis will be on design quality assurance and to serve as an advisor to the Hockema Group management team, the announcement said.
John Myers is the new president and managing principal, with Michael Minnig as vice president and senior principal, and Craig Pomeroy as principal naval architect. Julie Hockema has also stepped back to a 20 hour a week commitment and will continue as business manager and bookkeeper. Shannon Potter, who has 20 years of contract management experience, has joined the firm as administrative manager. Michael Whalen, who retired in 2020, will also stay with Hockema Group as senior principal.
Hockema Group offers a variety of engineering and consulting services in addition to its traditional naval architecture and marine engineering disciplines. The firm provides services for tugs, barges, commercial fishing vessels, dredgers, cargo vessels, workboats, passenger vessels and government/military service vessels.
Charting a New Course
We made it! A new year – good riddance 2020! I know the storm is not over yet, but with the promise of the new vaccines, I think we can see the dark clouds lifting on the horizon. I recognize that I am the eternal optimist, but I have a good feeling 2021 is going to end up as a much improved version of its older brother.
I have a number of New Year rituals. Of course there is the standard post-holiday diet, cleaning off all the paper that had accumulated on my desk all year, and taking some time to reflect on what we accomplished. Then it’s on to the new plans. As the saying goes “if you don’t know where you are going, any road will take you there”. Or for us mariners, that would be “any course will take you there”. No prudent mariner would leave port without a plan of where they were going and the route they were taking to get there. Each year is a new voyage for me – or three actually – one for my personal life, family life and business life. I set my goals for each of these three areas, and then chart my course on how to achieve those goals. I don’t always complete every voyage (especially when a global pandemic gets tossed in the way), but I always make progress, and get a chance to try again next year!
Whatever your new year rituals are, I wish all of you safe journeys and best wishes for a successful 2021!
You can reach Dave Abrams at dave@maritimepublishing.com
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