Crew Contracts
Crew contracts are required by law. A signed crew contract is a legal document that minimizes risk for both the skipper and the crewmember by spelling out what duties are expected, how shares and expenses are divided and other details that could otherwise lead to conflict. A key component is disclosure of pre-existing medical conditions, which could be important to the skipper in defending against an injury claim. A crew contract should include information on the crewmember that includes social security number, winter address and health insurance information. Many captains have an established crew contract they use but here are some examples for anyone needing it.
- Alaska Sea Grant has created a draft crew contract to get you started
- For more information on wages and laws for deckhands, view these FAQs from AK Department of Labor
Commercial Fishing Crew Member License
Anyone who helps with the commercial harvest of salmon in Alaska, needs to have a crew member license. If you are an Alaska resident, the cost is $60. If you are an out of state resident, it costs $252. You should have a printed copy with you along with your photo ID onboard the fishing vessel with you.
Come Prepared
Knots
Quality Handling
Packing List
Ask you captain if there is certain gear they recommend and make sure you know which supplies you are responsible for bringing and what is supplied for the crew.
Come Informed
Learn about the fishery and unique ecology of Bristol Bay in the beautiful film from University of Washington Alaska Salmon Program
Alaska SeaGrant Resources
AK Young Fisherman’s Summit
Since 2007, the Alaska Young Fishermen’s Summit (AYFS) has helped new entrants master the business side of commercial fishing. Held every two years in Anchorage or Juneau, this intensive three-day program offers expert training in business management, policy, and global markets. It’s a fast-paced networking hub designed to turn aspiring fishermen of all ages into industry leaders.
Fish Biz
Financial and business tools for Alaska commercial seafood harvesters brought to you by the Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program.
Crew Safety & Health
Commercial fishing is really hard work, it is hard on your body and can it can be a mental challenge as well to work long hours in a small space with a crew that you may have just met. Managing your physical and mental health is key to a successful season. Working on the water is also dangerous, Alaska Marine Safety Education Association (AMSEA) is the leader in marine safety. They have many resources on safety skills, from man overboard drills to injury prevention.
Safety Checklists
Checklist for Coast Guard Compliance
- Immersion suits – one per person – name of vessel or owner of suit clearly marked, approved personal marker light and retro tape
- Life Ring Buoy – 24” orange with 60’ line, vessel name and retro tape
- Visual Distress Signals – inside 3 miles: 3 handheld or 3 parachute flares
- Fire extinguishers – Two B-I’s or one B-II
- Navigation Lights
- Day-shape – two black cones apex to apex
- Sound producing device
- Marine sanitation device – required if the vessel has an installed toilet
- Placards – injury placard: oil pollution placard; MARPOL (Garbage) placard
- Alcohol test kit for each crew member
- Survival craft required for vessels with more than 3 persons. Vessels with less than 5 persons may be exempt, but exemption letter must be on board
If you travel with your boat from outside of Bristol Bay, there may be additional requirements for your vessel.
Best Practices Safety Checklist
- First Aid Kit
- Ditch Bag (waterproof kayak bag with handheld VHF, handheld EPIRB, flares, small first aid kit)
- Man Overboard Sling and man overboard retrieval system (Game Hoist, self-locking, 4:1 reduction, 500-lb maximum lift, just $30)
- Deck-hose extension with quick-connect for dewatering (long enough to reach into your fo’c’sle as well as your lazarette. Also, can be used to assist in dewatering of other vessels)
- Water-activated PFDs for ALL crew to wear during unloading, rough weather, and while on the bow tying up and anchoring.
- Damage Control Kit (wooden plugs, inner-tube rubber in 1-inch rolls and sheets, splash zone)
- Check all running lights, deck lights, engine room
- Have waterproof flashlights with fresh batteries stored in key locations ready for use (engine room, fo’c’sle, lazarette)
- Test ALL alarms (bilge high water, smoke, carbon monoxide, etc.)
- Inspect anchor gear Replace worn anchor rode, wire shackles with SS wire
- Maintenance on all water-tight deck hatches (grease rubber seals and mechanical opening/closing handles)
- Drill Instructor Card/Current First Aid Card
- Current Renewal of life raft (if applicable)
- EPIRB if required (current registration/battery)
- Carbon monoxide detectors in living areas
- Smoke detectors in living area, engine room
Important In-Season Safety Reminders
- Develop and maintain a culture of safety. Making Safety a habit should be the ultimate goal of everyone on the boat. Remember: Good Habits are Bad to Break.
- USCG required Drill Instruction by qualified instructor every 30 days (man overboard, fire, flooding, grounding, mayday)
- Develop communication protocols for deck. Example: Skipper: “Set!” Crew: “Setting!” EVERY command should be verbally acknowledged by crew loud enough to be heard by skipper. Call/Response method of communication minimizes confusion, increases efficiency, and allows for a vessel to operate with consistency that leads to increased safety. This is the same communication used in our military…. it just works!
- Review safety protocols for ALL deck activities (delivering, anchoring, tying up, balling off, running the net, retrieving the ball, etc.)
Examples:- PFDs required for ALL crew while unloading, anyone going to the bow for any reason wears a PFD.
- One crew ONLY gives commands to crane operator while unloading.
Alaska Marine Safety Education Association
www.amsea.org | (907) 747-3287
AMSEA has many resources online including an extensive video library and offers classes in different locations.
Look for a class near you, BBRSDA works with SeaGrant and AMSEA to host drill conductor classes in Bristol Bay in the spring ahead of the fishing season.
Crew Business Tax Strategy
In alignment with BBRSDA’s mission of increasing the value of the Bristol Bay fishery for fishermen, this program is intended to provide tools to help fishermen save money through tax strategy. Navigating small business taxes isn’t easy, especially for commercial fishing businesses. It may be most daunting to new fishermen but there are things to learn throughout the different phases of your career as well.
Crew are paid as independent contractors. This means there are no withholdings from your crew share for federal/state income taxes and Social Security. It is your responsibility to file federal and state tax returns and pay the taxes you owe. Depending on total yearly income and your deductions and exemptions, the amount you have to pay in taxes could be from one-quarter to one-third of your gross income. Here is some more information about taxes for fishing boat deckhands.
Recorded Presentations
Fishing Tax Planning Presentation with Moss Adams Accounting Consulting and Wealth Management – Session #2
Recorded 2/24/22
Description: Cameron Russell, Tax Manager and Bristol Bay Fisherman and Nick Frank, CPA and Partner at Moss Adams present important tax information that could save your fishing business money in the short and long term. The presentation will cover the tax implications of: deductions, depreciation, S-Corp action items, capital construction fund (CCF) and the sale of fishing business. Here is a list of questions from participants and answers from Moss Adams: Q and A
NOTE on PASSWORD: The recorded presentation is intended for BBRSDA members and we are not permitted to make it available to the general public. Our solution is a password, which was emailed to the permit holders we have email addresses for on 12/13/21, please look in your inbox for that or email frances@bbrsda.com or call (907) 677-2371 for the password. Thank you for your patience with this process, we apologize for the extra step.
Email frances@bbrsda.com for the password or call (907) 677-2371. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Fishing Tax Planning Presentation with Moss Adams Accounting Consulting and Wealth Management – Session #1
Recorded 12/ 8/2021
Description: Join Cameron Russell, Tax Manager and Bristol Bay Fisherman and Nick Frank, CPA and Partner at Moss Adams for important tax information that could save your fishing business money in the short and long term. The presentation will cover the tax implications of different business entity types, retirement planning opportunities and a look at new & proposed tax laws and regulations.
Navigating the video-
0:00 Intro and December update on NOAA CARES Fisheries Act
4:00 Beginning of Moss Adams presentation.
Email frances@bbrsda.com for the password or call (907) 677-2371. We apologize for the inconvenience.
SURVEY: After watching the presentation, please take a moment to share your feedback and additional questions: LINK
About the presenters
Nick Frank has practiced public accounting since 2003. He specializes in providing tax services for entities in the manufacturing industry, with an emphasis on food and beverage companies.
Most of Nick’s time is spent helping companies and their owners improve their tax situation to help them achieve their cash flow and business goals. He’s also well versed in family transition planning, mergers and acquisitions, state and international issues, defending IRS Exams, and various industry-specific tax credits.
nick.frank@mossadams.com | (253) 284-5306
Cameron Russell has been in public accounting since 2017, where his main area of focus has been on assisting food and beverage companies with tax services and tax planning. Cameron is well versed in industry specific tax credits and incentives within the seafood space. Cameron’s passion for the seafood industry does not end with tax consulting, as he has also spent the last decade as a commercial fisherman. Each summer, Cameron spends four to six weeks in Bristol Bay as the Captain on the F/V Arete. His knowledge and experience has proven to be an additional asset on seafood related engagements and he is active in the Northwest Fisheries Association.
cameron.russell@mossadams.com | (253) 284-5246
Articles
Read Up on the following topics in these articles courtesy of Alaska Young Fishermen’s Network written by Robert Seid.
Robert Seid is a financial advisor and Partner at Blue Summit Wealth Management, an independent wealth advisory firm in San Diego, CA. He also captains an Alaska commercial fishing vessel in Bristol Bay. His experience in both industries provides him the perspective to share financial guidance specifically geared for commercial fishermen. To learn more about how Robert and Blue Summit can help you and your operation succeed, please visit www.bluesummitwealth.com or email him at robert@bluesummitwealth.com.
Robert started in the Bristol Bay fishery in 2011 as a green crew member, walking the yards to find his first opportunity. His love for nature and adventure found a home in Bristol Bay and, after his first year on the water, he was hooked. He has returned every year since and purchased his own vessel in 2019. As a skipper, his dedication to commercial fishing has only continued to grow.
Fishbiz Project
Financial and business tools for Alaska commercial seaood harvesters brought to you by the Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program.
A wealth of resources, spreadsheets, publications, planning tools, podcasts and other resources for fishermen in different phases of their commercial fishing careers.
Tax Professionals
This is a list of tax professionals with experience working with commercial fishing businesses. This list came recommended by members of the fleet but has not been officially vetted by BBRSDA.
Cameron Russell | Moss Adams
cameron.russell@mossadams.com
Greater Seattle Area
(253) 284-5246
Eric Conner, CPA | My Tax Man Inc.
36456 St. Andrews Rd.
Kenai, AK 99611
(907) 283-6242
Alan Acheson, CPA
Everett, WA
(425) 252-8698
Rhonda Wayner, Principal | Arctic Terns Professional Svcs
13801 Venus Way
Anchorage, AK 99515
(907) 865-6953
John Clonan | Pinnacle Tax
35202 Kenai Spur Hwy #3
Soldotna, AK 99669
(907) 262-4600
Mark Reed, CPA, CMA, MS Tax | Williams & Nulle
www.wncpa.com
Mt. Vernon, WA
(360) 336-6611
Hingston & Associates
www.pdhfish.com
20700 44th Ave. W Ste 210
Lynnwood, WA 98036
(206) 285-2777
Chris Flinn | Flinn Accounting, LLC
927 15th St.
Bellingham, WA 98225
(360) 676-0858
Landon Carpenter, CPA
601 Montgomery St. Suite 1959
San Francisco, CA 94111
(415) 986-4990
Market & Fishery Value Data
Public Sources of Salmon Market Data
-
Commercial Operator’s Annual Reports (COAR)
See all summarized COAR data at the bottom of the page - Commercial Salmon Fishery Exvessel Prices -by area and species – ADFG
- Alaska Salmon Fishery Wholesale Prices – ADFG
- Bristol Bay Area Annual Management Reports -ADFG
- Fisheries Statistics & Data – ADFG
- Run Summary – Bristol Bay Commercial Fisheries – ADFG
- Preliminary Inseason Estimates – Seasonal Totals Bristol Bay Management Area – ADFG
- NOAA Foreign Fishery Trade Data – monthly and annual reports available – NOAA
- Alaska Salmon Price & Production Report – (Alaska Department of Revenue)
- Market Information – Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI)
More links listed at the bottom of this page…
BBRSDA-Compiled Tables & Data
Click on PDF links below to open tables of data. Items are updated as data becomes available.
- McKinley Research Group Analysis of Bristol Bay sockeye salmon economic data available through March 2025
- McKinley Research Group Analysis of Bristol Bay sockeye salmon economic data available through May 2024
- Bristol Bay Ex-Vessel Price & Fleet Services Report: PDF (Data through July 2023. Published in September 2023)
- Bristol Bay Sockeye Scorecard (Harvesting & Processing Sector Value): PDF (updated March 2023)
- U.S. Sockeye Export Data: PDF (data thru September 2023, updated November 2023)
- Retail Promotional Sockeye Pricing & Analysis – PDF (updated December 2023)
- Average Ex-Vessel and First Wholesale Prices & Value: PDF – CHART (chart updated November 2022)
- Inflation-Adjusted Ex-Vessel Values & Prices: PDF (October 2022)
- Global Sockeye Salmon Supply: PDF (preliminary data through 2023, updated October 2023)
For the Bristol Bay fleet: for market conditions specific to the processor you sell your fish to, reach out to the respective contact listed here:
Alaska General Seafoods
Simon Stookey, Fleet Manager
BB Cell- 907 439-4200
Lower 48- 208 874-7707
Copper River Seafoods
Mark Hansen, COO
mhansen@crsalaska.com
(206) 465-4512
E&E Foods
Marty Jacques, Fleet Manager
Seattle- 907-740-3032
Naknek- 907-740-3032
Leader Creek Fisheries
Treven Sayce, Fleet Manager
BB Cell – 907-469-5777
Lower 48 – 206-947-7394
North Pacific Seafoods Inc.
Justin Simpson, Fleet Manager
Lower 48 # 206-804-1086
BB Cell # 907-469-5925
OBI Seafoods:
Dave Bendinger, Bristol Bay Fleet
dave.bendinger@obiseafoods.com
Peter Pan:
Travis Roenfanz, VP of Operations
travisr@ppsf.com
Silver Bay:
Angela Styczynski, Bristol Bay Fleet Manager,
Angela.Styczynski@silverbayseafoods.com
Trident:
Tirey Cordrey
Fleet Manager
tcordrey@tridentseafoods.com
831-402-2922
907-572-6060
Luke Forrestor
Bristol Bay, Director of Operations
lforrestor@tridentseafoods.com
425-985-0307
907-439-4264
The video below is an update of market conditions for Bristol Bay sockeye salmon (recorded April 11, 2023)
Watch the video below to learn how Bristol Bay fishermen can use and interpret market data
Market Analysis, Commentary & Other Links
ADF&G 2025 Bristol Bay Forecast – LINK
UW Alaska Salmon Programs’ 2025 Bristol Bay Forecast – LINK
ADF&G 2024 Bristol Bay Season Summary – LINK
Seminar Video: Changes in size of salmon returning to Alaska rivers and how to interpret these patterns – by Dr. Daniel Schindler – LINK
Other Links to Data & Info
Port Moller Test Fishery & BBFC Info – LINK
CFEC Permit Values & Earnings by Permit/Residency – LINK
NMFS Foreign Trade Data – LINK
UFA Community Fish Facts – LINK
Tradex Foods 3-Minute Market Insights – LINK
Tradex Foods Live Offer Board – LINK
Permit & Boat Brokers – LINK
AK-DOLWD Seafood Industry Info – LINK
KDLG Bristol Bay Fisheries Report – LINK
PSPA Blog & Daily News Updates – LINK
Alaska Fish Radio – LINK
KMXT Alaska Fisheries Report – LINK
This list is not necessarily complete; to add your company please email Becky at becky@bbrsda.com
Capt’n Jack’s Tide and Current Almanac
ALASKA
Anchorage:
B&J Sporting Goods……………………………………………………907-274-6113
Anchorage LFS Marine & Outdoor……………………..…….888-279-3025
Dillingham:
Alaska Net & Supply……………………………………………………907-842-2601
LFS DIllingham……………………………………………………………..907-842-5376
Homer:
LFS Homer / Kachemak Gear Shed…………………….…….907-235-8612
Kodiak:
Seattle Marine …………………………………………………………….907-486-5752
Naknek:
Naknek Marine Center (LFS Naknek)………………………..907-246-4490
SEAMAR – Naknek……………………………………………………….907-246-4230
CALIFORNIA:
Captain’s Nautical (Online Only)………………………captainsnautical.com
WASHINGTON
Seattle:
Seattle Marine & Fishing Supply Co..…………………..…….800-426-2783
LFS Marine..…………………..…………………………..………………….206-789-8110
Bellingham:
LFS Marine & Outdoor……………………………………………….800-426-8860
Seattle Marine …………………………………………………………….360-734-2400
Marine Equipment & Supplies
Kinematics Marine Equipment…………………………………….(360) 659-5415
Sea-Mar (Naknek)………………………………………….…………….(907) 246-4230
LFS Marine Supplies (Naknek)………………………….……….(907) 246-4490
LFS Marine Supplies (Dillingham)…………………….…….….(907) 842-5376
NAPA Auto & Marine (Naknek)…………………….……..……..(907) 246-6272
Propeller and Shaft Repair
Bristol Bay Supply (Naknek)………………………………………..(907) 246-4229
Custom Fabrications and Boat Repairs
Maritime Fabrication (Naknek)……………..………….………..(907) 246-6644
Alfa Aluminum Fabrications (Naknek)…………….………..(907) 246-4489
B & C Fiberglass (Dillingham)…………………………….….…..(907) 842-4767
Hydraulic Installation
Mike Holmes (Naknek)………………………………………………(907) 246-4475
Hydraulic Sales & Service
Ryan Hydraulic Service, Inc.……………………………………..(310) 625-2400
Hydraulic Winches, Pilot Valves, Directional Control Valves | Sales & Service
www.ryanhyd.com
Aluminum and Steel Distributors
Alaska Steel Co (Anchorage)…………….…………….………800-770-0969
Fiberglass Construction and Repair
Maritime Fabrication (Naknek)…………………….………………………………………………………(907) 246-6644
Bilkin Fabrication (Dillingham)……………………………………………………………………………….(907) 842-1285
B & C Fiberglass (Dillingham & Naknek)………………….………………(907) 842-4767, (907) 843-1266
Fish-hold Insulation
B & C Fiberglass (Dillingham & Naknek)………………….………………(907) 842-4767, (907) 843-1266
Welding
Kinematics Marine Equipment………………………………………(360) 659-5415
Bristol Bay Welding (Naknek)……………………….….…………..(907) 246-8690
Chuck’s Welding Wagon (Naknek)…………………….………..(907) 246-3666
Pleier Welding (Dillingham)……………………………………….……(907) 842-1975
Fishy Fabrications LLC (Naknek)…………………………………….(907) 469-1135
RSW System Suppliers
Integrated Marine Systems (Seattle)……………….…..……800-562-1945
Pacific West Refrigeration (Sechelt, BC)……………….….866-885-3499
RSW Services
Marine Refrigeration Solutions……………..(360) 774-6467 and (907) 843-3830
rswstartup.com
First Class Refrigeration (Dillingham)…………….…………………………..(907)-843-1161
Integrated Marine Systems (IMS) …………………………………………….…..……800-562-1945
Central Peninsula Refrigeration (Naknek)……………………………… (907) 262-3252
Custom Slush Bags and Brailer Bags
Seattle Tarp (Seattle)………………………………………………(206) 285-2819
Nomar (Homer)……………………………………………….………(800)-478-8364
Bristol Bay Brailer (Naknek).………………………………….(907) 469-0782
Ice Equipment
North Star Ice Equipment (Seattle)………………………..(206) 763-7300
Shipping Services & Freight
Alaska Marine Lines (Naknek)……………………..…..…..…(907) 246-6667
Alaska Marine Lines (Seattle)…………………….….……..….(800)-826-8346
TOTE Maritime Alaska………………………………………………(907) 227-4458
Marine Surveyors
SD Marine Surveyors (Naknek)……………………..…..….…(907) 439-2609, (619)-642-8741
North Point Marine Surveyors LLC ………………………….(907) 414-7526
Naknek / King Salmon area – available for surveys year round.
northpointmarinesurveyors@gmail.com
Tax & Accounting Services
Cameron Russell | Moss Adams
cameron.russell@mossadams.com
Greater Seattle Area………………………………………………….(253) 284-5246
Eric Conner, CPA | My Tax Man Inc.
36456 St. Andrews Rd.
Kenai, AK 99611…………………………………………………………..(907) 283-6242
Alan Acheson, CPA
Everett, WA………………………………………………………………….(425) 252-8698
Rhonda Wayner, Principal | Arctic Terns Professional Svcs
13801 Venus Way
Anchorage, AK 99515………………………………………………..(907) 865-6953
John Clonan | Pinnacle Tax
35202 Kenai Spur Hwy #3
Soldotna, AK 99669…………………………………………………..(907) 262-4600
Mark Reed, CPA, CMA, MS Tax | Williams & Nulle
www.wncpa.com
Mt. Vernon, WA……………………………………………………………(360) 336-6611
Hingston & Associates
www.pdhfish.com
20700 44th Ave. W Ste 210
Lynnwood, WA 98036……………………………………………….(206) 285-2777
Chris Flinn | Flinn Accounting, LLC
927 15th St.
Bellingham, WA 98225………………………………………………(360) 676-0858
Landon Carpenter, CPA
601 Montgomery St. Suite 1959
San Francisco, CA 94111……………………………………………..(415) 986-4990