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In the summer of 2005, a group of Bristol Bay fishermen applied to the State of Alaska to establish a Regional Seafood Development Association, or RSDA. Following a review, the state approved that application and your RSDA was launched.
BB-RSDA is the only organization specifically mandated to:
- advance the quality and market-success of your catch;
- address fishery-related infrastructure requirements in the Bristol Bay region; and
- create research and education programs to ensure long-term success of the world's greatest salmon fishery.
In carrying out this mission, we are confident we can increase fish values and the size of settlement checks. But like any stakeholder organization, we're only as good as our members. The BB-RSDA is here to help navigate, but you have the wheel!
To learn more about your RSDA, please note the links in the left nav bar of this page, and check out the FAQs below.
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| Photo by Chris Miller |
In 2006, drift permit-holders in Bristol Bay approved a 1% assessment on their harvests to support the BB-RSDA, and thereby assured the organization a baseline level of funding tied to their own fishing income. This is the same rate, by the way, that Bristol Bay permit-holders paid ASMI until 2005.
As a harvester-supported non-profit, we are eligible to receive state and federal grants, and may qualify for non-governmental grants as well. Over time, it is our objective to acquire the majority of our operational funds from grants, and free up assessment funds for mission-driven projects.
A member-elected board manages and directs the BB-RSDA, and an executive director works with the board to carry out its policies. Under our bylaws, the elected board may also appoint up to three ex-officio members to represent non-assessment-paying entities that have a substantial interest in the fishery. Notices of elections for board positions are communicated to all members via email updates and newsletters.
A note on accountability: Our bylaws require independent annual financial audits, and full disclosure of all activities. If permit holders feel the RSDA is not working, they can vote to rescind the assessment by applying the same process and state oversight that was used to create the organization.
You're already in. By state law, every drift permit holder operating in Bristol Bay is a member in good standing of this vital stakeholder organization. As we say around here – if you run a boat in Bristol Bay, we're part of your crew.
In order to maintain parity, state law requires that gear groups wishing to join an RSDA must opt to support it at the 1% rate. Bristol Bay setnetters rejected the 1% assessment in 2006, and are not represented on the Board at this time. Under our bylaws, however, the BB-RSDA is an inclusive organization, and we welcome input from everyone who lives or works in the Bristol Bay region. To quote from the bylaws: “In implementing its statutory obligations, the (BB-RSDA) shall not distinguish between participating fishing districts, gear types, permit classes, or member residency in conducting its activities.”
By state law, the BB-RSDA (like RSDAs in other ADF&G management areas of the state) are mission-directed to market and promote the region's seafood, seek improvements to the area's fishery-related infrastructure, and work to raise product quality. We also conduct market and industry research, seek and award funding grants, and carry out educational and product development activities.
Unlike ASMI, we are solely focused on improving the market value of Bristol Bay sockeye. Ours is the most valuable salmon fishery in Alaska, and it is 98% sockeye by value. In 2004, the last year Bay fishermen “paid into” ASMI, their assessment generated about $750,000. That money was pooled with funds from other regions, then used to promote multiple seafood species statewide. Under the BB-RSDA structure, our members determine how their assessment will be spent, and they can direct it towards more than just marketing. But whatever projects they allocate it to, they know that virtually all of their 1% assessment is dedicated to improving the market value of just one product – theirs. That's the bottom line.
By law, we are not able to engage in administrative, regulatory or legislative lobbying, or engage in fish price negotiations on behalf of our members.
Since the BB-RSDA was established, almost $2 million has been generated through the 1% assessment. Here is a breakout of the annual assessment amounts:
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Season Year
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Bay-Wide Ex-Vessel Value
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BB-RSDA Assessment
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2006
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$88.6 million
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$886,545
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2007
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$99.8 million
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$998,000
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2008
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$110 million
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$1,100,000 (anticipated)
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Assessment funds are being used to advance the strategies and objectives found in the BB-RSDA Strategic Plan, which the board developed and presented to the membership in 2007. The Strategic Plan is available here.
Generally speaking, the BB-RSDA is pursuing its objectives by providing grants to fund projects around the Bay. We widely communicate grant solicitations, and intend to continually broaden our communications efforts. To find out how you can propose projects for funding, and to stay abreast of projects that are underway, please visit our Strategies & Projects page.
The board has approved a three-step system for soliciting, evaluating and awarding grants. The system is straightforward, broad and fair – and focuses on advancing our key strategic directions. Foundations and large non-profits use similar systems to efficiently generate and process project grants with a minimum of ponderous formality. To learn more please download our four-page Request for Letters of Interest.
We are the only stakeholder group mission-focused on increasing the market value of Bristol Bay sockeye.
We have a highly talented, all-vounteer, member-elected board and our executive director is one of Alaska's leading seafood industry experts.
But finally, support us because we believe in the Bay. By working together -- and considering the volume of fish that Bristol Bay permit-holders put in the hold every year -- we're confident that we can make steady gains in quality and increase the value of your catch. If you believe that too, we ask for your support.
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