Pacific Marine Expo BBRSDA Member Meeting Agenda

• Here is the agenda for the BBRSDA member meeting to be held at Pacific Marine Expo. We hope to see you there! Thursday, November 19, 2015 – 8–10 a.m.  

2016 Bristol Bay Sockeye Salmon Forecast

• A total of 46.55 million sockeye salmon (range 36.67–56.44 million) are expected to return to Bristol Bay in 2016. This prediction is 15% greater than the previous 10-year mean of total runs and 41% greater than the long-term mean of 32.94 million. Read More >> 

Important Notice to Our Members

• Recently there have been inaccurate assertions in the media and elsewhere that imply a 180-degree shift in Bristol Bay Regional Seafood Development Association’s (BBRSDA’s) opposition to the proposed Pebble project, asserting that a change in our board of directors’ leadership now “signals [BBRSDA’s] support for Pebble mine.” Nothing could be further from the truth. Read More >> 

President Obama Declares Bristol Bay, Alaska “One of the Most Important Natural Resources that the United States Has”

• September 8, 2015. Bristol Bay’s fishermen thank President Obama for visiting “salmon country” Dillingham, AK – As part of his three-day Alaska tour, President Obama flew to Dillingham on Wednesday September 2nd to see firsthand the world’s largest sockeye salmon fishery and a local economy and subsistence lifestyle dependent upon sustainable and healthy salmon runs. Read More >> 

Get involved in your fishery’s future!

• August 26, 2015. Despite lower than anticipated ex-vessel prices, we hope you and your crew had a safe and successful fishing season. Given our current market climate, your ideas, your voice and your involvement are imperative. Read More >>

Board elects new officers and thanks departing members

• June 8, 2015. At its meeting on Saturday the 6th in Dillingham, the board elected Buck Gibbons to be the BBRSDA’s new president, Lange Solberg as the organization’s new secretary-treasurer, and Larry Christensen to continue in his role as vice-president. Read More >> 

Spring 2015 Sockeye Market Analysis

• June 6, 2015. The McDowell Group has completed its Spring 2015 Sockeye Market Analysis, and it is available here for download. A comprehensive look at historical trends, current market conditions and global competition, it contains a wealth of information that our members will find interesting. Read More >> 

BBRSDA Marketing Update: Summer 2015

• June 4, 2015. The fleet is preparing to launch, so it’s time for an update before everyone starts fishing. Please check out what we’ve been working on, and have a great season!   Consumer Videos Building from fisherman/filmmaker Elijah Lawson’s documentary, In the Same Boat... Read More >>

Judge allows Pebble case against EPA to continue

• June 4, 2015. By Elwood Brehmer, Alaska Journal of Commerce Pebble Limited Partnership’s lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency will continue as a federal judge Thursday morning denied the agency’s motion to dismiss. Read More >> 

Processor Survey Looks Back at 2014 – and Forward to This Season

• May 29, 2015. The Bristol Bay Regional Seafood Development Association (BBRSDA) contracted with Northern Economics, Inc. to conduct a survey of processors who operated in the 2014 Bristol Bay salmon fishery. Read More >>

Board Welcomes New Members

• May 21, 2015. The BBRSDA board has appointed Peter (Pete) Andrew, Jr. to fill the Seat A (Alaska Resident) position. Born and raised in New Stuyahok, Pete is a 40-season veteran of our fishery. In addition, he served as mayor of New Stuyahok, was for many years a director of the local electric and telephone utility, and serves... Read More >> 

Annual member meeting to be held June 6th in Dillingham

• May 7, 2015. Hope to see you at the annual membership meeting of the BBRSDA, which will be held Saturday, June 6th, from 1-4 PM at the Dillingham Elementary School gym. This is the meeting that alternates between Naknek and Dillingham each year. Read More >> 

2015 Board of Directors Election Results

• April 26, 2015. The following results were reported to the BBRSDA yesterday, April 23rd, by Thomas Head & Greisen, PC, Inspector of Elections. Total eligible ballots received:  533 VOTES Seat A Alexander Smith: 236 Abe Williams: 281 Total votes cast Seat A: 517 Seat E Warren “Buck” Gibbons: 353 David Harsilla: 172 Total votes cast Seat E: 525...Read More >> 

Alaska Salmon Producers Decide to Rejoin MSC; All Bristol Bay Sockeye to be MSC Certified

• April 13, 2015. SEAFOODNEWS.COM by John Sackton  10:31 PM April 10, 2015 Virtually all of Alaska’s abundant wild salmon will be harvested under MSC certification as well as the existing RFM certification this summer.  Read More >> 

Recruitment for executive director position

• April 11, 2015. The Bristol Bay Regional Seafood Development Association (BBRSDA) is recruiting for an executive director. The job description is attached. Applications for this position will be reviewed by the BBRSDA’s Board of Directors. Depending on the timing of this recruitment, the BBRSDA board may consider hiring an interim director, whose duties will be to work closely...Read More >> 

Sue Aspelund Announces Retirement; Will Take New Role During Transition

• April 3, 2015. BBRSDA board president Fritz Johnson announced today that Sue Aspelund is resigning her position as the association’s executive director effective May 15, 2015. Aspelund will continue as BBRSDA’s fiscal officer through the end of July in order to ensure a smooth transition as a new executive director is brought on board. Read More >> 

BBRSDA Board Resignation Accepted; Board Member Recruitment Announced

• March 25, 2015. It is with sincere regret that we announce that founding member and BBRSDA President, Robert Heyano, has tendered his resignation from BBRSDA’s Board of Directors. Without Robert’s foresight and diligence, there would likely be no BBRSDA today. Read More >> 

Notice to Members: Regarding directions in ballot mailing

• March 13, 2015. It has come to our attention that your permit number was inadvertently not printed on the outside of the election ballot envelope as described in fine print on the back of ballot envelope #2 (“Your Permit No. is above your name on the 9×12 envelope you received”.). Please disregard that statement...Read More >>

Board Candidate Statements & Questionnaire Responses

• February 26, 2015. Four Bristol Bay fishermen have put themselves forward as candidates in our current election cycle. In the Seat B (Alaska Resident) election, the candidates are Alexander Smith and Abe Williams. In the Seat E (Non-Alaska Resident) election, Buck Gibbons and David Harsila are the candidates. Read More >> 

March board and industry meetings to be held in Anchorage

• February 25, 2015. The BBRSDA will convene a Bristol Bay Industry meeting on March 5, 2015 in Anchorage at the Courtyard Marriott. The board will meet March 5-6 at the same location. Although space is limited, members are welcome and encouraged to attend. Read More >> 

Second Member Survey Regarding Buyback

• February 24, 2015. We have mailed a postcard survey to members regarding next steps on a potential buyback process, but first, here is a quick recap of steps taken to date: Fall 2013: Members surveyed and asked if the BBRSDA should contract for a study to learn more about potential buyback of drift permits. 81% responded in the...Read More >> 

Post should have taken a deeper look at EPA, Bristol Bay and Pebble

• February 19, 2015. The story the Alaska Dispatch News reprinted, “Internal memos spur accusations of bias as EPA moves to block Pebble Mine,” (Feb. 16) from the Washington Post’s recent story on the proposed Pebble Mine in Alaska’s Bristol Bay region doesn’t just omit some key facts — it fails to report the most relevant facts in telling the whole...Read More >> 

On Bristol Bay: Reality TV Versus Reality

• February 5, 2015. Truths and clarifications about Alaska’s Bristol Bay salmon fishery In January, Discovery/Animal Planet debuted a new “reality TV” show that follows five of the 1,747 Bristol Bay salmon permit holders that fished during the 2014 season. The Bristol Bay Regional Seafood Development Association (BBRSDA), which represents all the Bay’s salmon driftnet fishermen, would like to...Read More >> 

 Board Meeting, February 17-18

• January 30, 2015. The Board of Directors will meet in Seattle on February 17-18 at the Mayflower Park Hotel. Please click through to view the agenda, and email us at info@bbrsda.com if you have any questions! The Mayflower Park is located at 4th & Olive, in downtown Seattle. Read More >> 

BBRSDA: Anti-Clean Water Act Legislation Threatens Bristol Bay Fishing Economy, Helps Pebble Mine

• January 22, 2015. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: JANUARY 22, 2015 Anti-Clean Water Act Legislation Threatens Bristol Bay Fishing Economy, Helps Pebble Mine Legislation introduced by Lower-48 senators would scale back Clean Water Act provisions, jeopardize Bristol Bay salmon industry DILLINGHAM, AK – In a move that prioritizes the Pebble Mine over the world’s largest and most valuable sockeye salmon...Read More >>

The Breach: Taking our Message Nationwide

• January 21, 2015. The BBRSDA is partnering with the documentary film, The Breach, on its national tour to educate Americans about Bristol Bay’s amazing sustainable sockeye salmon fishery and to encourage people to eat and enjoy wild Bristol Bay Sockeye. Winner of Best International Feature Documentary at the 2014 Galway Film Festival, The Breach follows filmmaker Mark Titus...Read More >> 

Board welcomes Lange Solberg

• January 16, 2015. During an executive session teleconference on January 5th, BBRSDA board members unanimously selected Lange Solberg to serve in the Seat D position most recently held by Matt Luck. During that meeting the board considered letters from four S03T permit holders who expressed interest in serving out the Seat D term, which is reserved for members...Read More >> 

Bristol Bay Regional Seafood Development Association statement regarding protections for Bristol Bay from offshore oil and gas drilling

• December 17, 2014. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 17, 2014 Contact: Katherine Carscallen, Sustainability Director, BBRSDA, (907) 843-2006 Bristol Bay, AK — Yesterday, President Obama took action authorized by the Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act to protect Bristol Bay from all future oil and gas drilling. Read More >>

President Obama announces permanent protections for Bristol Bay from offshore oil and gas exploration and production

• December 16, 2014. Today, President Obama announced an early Christmas present for Bristol Bay fishermen – permanent protection for the Bay from offshore oil and gas exploration. The President made the announcement via thethe video linked here. Simultaneously, the White House published a post on the White House blog titled “5 Things You Need to Know About...Read More >> 

BBRSDA Board Resignation Accepted; Board Member Recruitment Announced

• December 10, 2014. December 10, 2014 It is with regret that BBRSDA accepts the resignation of Matt Luck from our board of directors. We sincerely thank Matt for his years of service to the Bristol Bay drift fleet. He performed with diligence and dedication to the fishery, and his experience and passion will be missed. Read More >> 

Open Letter from Seafood Industry Leaders to Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell

• December 9, 2014. To download the following letter with original signatures, please click here: 7-14 Seafood industry letter to Sec. Jewell (PDF) For additional background on this issue, please see this article by BBRSDA Executive Director Sue Aspelund: Bristol Bay fishery needs protection from oil and gas leasing...Read More >> 

Bristol Bay fishery needs protection from oil and gas drilling

• December 9, 2014. Sue Aspelund – December 4, 2014 – Reprinted from Alaska Dispatch Alaskans know that Bristol Bay is all about wild salmon. For thousands of years the people of Bristol Bay have thrived on this bounty and for more than 130 years, it has supported a major sustainable commercial fishery that supplies the world. Bristol Bay...Read More >> 

2015 Approved Projects

• December 8, 2014. Here is a PDF describing the projects approved for funding in the 2015 cycle: 2015 BBRSDA Projects Reflecting the strategic priorities of the BBRSDA, they include projects in the areas of Marketing, Quality, Research and Sustainability. If you have comments, questions or suggestions regarding these projects, please let us know, at input@bbrsda.com. Read More >> 

Pebble’s collusion lawsuit draws criticism while causing delays

• November 25, 2014. Judge issues injunction on Pebble’s 156-page lawsuit despite overwhelming Alaskan support for stopping Pebble   Dillingham, AK – This morning, District Court Judge H. Russell Holland ordered a temporary delay of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Water Act process to protect Bristol Bay, and directed the Pebble Limited Partnership (PLP) to rewrite its complaint against...Read More >> 

Fall 2014 Sockeye Market Analysis & Video

• November 17, 2014. Fall 2014 Sockeye Market Analysis (PDF) Video Presentation of the Report The BBRSDA is tasked with increasing the value of Bristol Bay sockeye and has contracted with McDowell Group, Inc. to produce bi-annual sockeye market reports. Read More >> 

ADF&G and FRI Bristol Bay Sockeye Salmon Forecasts

• November 13, 2014.  ADF&G released the 2015 Bristol Bay Sockeye Salmon Forecast today, and you may download it right here: ADF&G Bristol Bay 2015 Forecast Spoiler alert: It’s big. November 14 – FRI released their forecast today, coming in just under 50 million total return, and it is available for download as well...Read More >> 

Change in the BBRSDA 2015 Project Selection Process

• October 27, 2014. At its recent board meeting, the BBRSDA board made the decision not to utilize its usual Call for Proposals process. As BBRSDA matures as an organization and seeks to invest in projects that specifically support its Five-year Strategic Plan, 2013–2018, it will utilize the expertise within its committees to seek projects that...Read More >> 

Report to the Fleet: Possible Design and Economic Outcomes of a Permit Buyback Program in the Bristol Bay Salmon Drift Gillnet Fishery

• October 22, 2014. October 2014 Bristol Bay Buyback Economic Report October 23, 2014 Dear BBRSDA members: A year ago, 81% of the Bristol Bay salmon drift permit holders who responded to a survey sent out by the Bristol Bay Regional Seafood Development Association (BBRSDA) said they would like to learn more about a potential buyback...Read More >> 

November Board Meeting Agenda

• October 9, 2014. The next board meeting takes place November 22-23 in Seattle, at the Mayflower Park Hotel. The agenda is now available on our Board Meeting Agendas page. Members are always welcome to attend board meetings! Read More >> 

Bristol Bay Sockeye Makes Debut at International Food Bloggers Conference

• September 9, 2014. Alaska fishermen bring their salmon – and stories – to IFBC in Seattle Seattle, WA – Bristol Bay, Alaska’s sockeye salmon is not just any other salmon. With a brilliant red color, fresh flavor, and health benefits that top the charts, Bristol Bay sockeye is a favorite of seafood lovers around the world. Read More >> 

Bristol Bay commercial fishermen thank EPA for moving to protect global salmon marketplace

• Today the U.S. EPA released its proposed determination in the Clean Water Act 404(c) process, issuing draft protections for the Bristol Bay watershed related to the proposed Pebble Mine. DILLINGHAM, AK – As Bristol Bay’s commercial fishermen are pulling their nets for the final time at the close of another historic sockeye salmon season...Read More >> 

“In The Same Boat” – Short Documentary

• July 16, 2014. In the Same Boat, the short documentary film funded by the BBRSDAis now available for streaming online. Created by Elijah Lawson of the F/V Potential, the film “is all about raising awareness and promoting Bristol Bay as a standard for fisheries around the world.” The film played at this year’s Seattle International Film Festival...Read More >>

Point of Sale Materials for Direct Marketers and Retailers

• July 11, 2014. The BBRSDA has been working hard to bring point-of-sales displays to direct-marketers and grocery stores across the country, and we’re proud to show you what has been done so far. Here’s a taste of what we currently have available for Bristol Bay fishermen who direct-market their catch.  Just email info@bbrsda.com to discuss your needs. Posters Big, colorful...Read More >>  

Fukushima Update June/July 2014

• June 29, 2014. A handful of our members have expressed concern about consumer perceptions related to the Fukushima nuclear plant explosion and released radiation in the Pacific. In order to anticipate and respond to any widely held concerns about Fukushima radiation that may arise, the BBRSDA is actively tracking developments among testing agencies, consulting closely with ASMI...Read More >> 

Compass: Bristol Bay tribes stand ground against Pebble

• June 27, 2014. By Robert Heyano–  June 26, 2014 As Bristol Bay has prepared for the new fishing season, the cloud of uncertainty continues to loom over us as the battle to protect our fish and way of life from large-scale mines like Pebble drags on into its second decade. In the past few weeks, we have...Read More >> 

Video: Spring 2014 Sockeye Market Report

• June 24, 2014. Here is the state of play in the global sockeye market as we head into the 2014 season. This video captures current supply and demand dynamics in key markets and shows how demand for various product forms of Bristol Bay fish ebb and flow both geographically and demographically. It also examines current competition from farmed...Read More >> 

Poll Finds 62% Alaskan Voters Oppose Development of Pebble Mine

• June 19, 2014. A recent survey finds that polling numbers remain strong in opposition across Alaska to the proposed Pebble Mine. KDLG’s Luke Brummer has the story. Read More >> 

BBRSDA Updates Fishermen on the Fight to Stop the Pebble Mine

• June 19, 2014. Here is an excellent KDLG update on Pebble as the salmon season kicks off. There’s lots here, including from Kat Carscallen, Lisa Murkowski and others. Great reporting, as always, from our friends at KDLG! Read More >> 

‘Regulatory Certainty Act’ Would Eliminate Certainty for Bristol Bay’s Salmon Industry

• June 13, 2014. Yesterday, Rep. Bob Gibbs (R-OH) and Nick Rahall (D-WV) introduced H.R. 4854, The Regulatory Certainty Act of 2014, which seeks to prevent the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from exercising its 404(c) authority under the Clean Water Act (CWA) to proactively protect our watershed and provide certainty for Alaska’s most valuable salmon...Read More >> 

Sockeye Market Analysis: Spring 2014

• June 12, 2014. The BBRSDA is tasked with increasing the value of Bristol Bay sockeye salmon, and has contracted with McDowell Group, Inc. to produce bi-annual sockeye market reports for Bristol Bay fishermen, fishery managers, processors, supply chain participants and other fishery stakeholders. Read More >> 

New Link for Port Moller Results

•  June 10, 2014. This season, the Port Moller team will be posting all their data and interpretations online, rather than simply distributing files via email. In order to avoid duplication of effort, the BBRSDA will not re-post that information to our website, but will refer visitors instead to the Port Moller team website. Read More >> 

2014 Approved Projects

• June 8, 2014. Here is a recently updated listing of the Projects and Concepts currently funded by the BBRSDA: 2014 Approved Projects. Read More >> 

Statement Regarding Pebble’s EPA Lawsuit

• May 22, 2014. Today, the Pebble Limited Partnership filed a lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency. Here is news coverage of that development. Statement from the Bristol Bay Regional Seafood Development Association, May 22, 2014   Today’s lawsuit from the Pebble Limited Partnership (PLP) comes as no surprise. Read More >> 

Bristol Bay Sockeye featured at Cooking For Solutions Gala

• May 21, 2014. This last Friday, Bristol Bay Sockeye was featured at the Cooking For Solutions Gala at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Tataki Sushi & Sake Bar in San Francisco prepared Bristol Bay Salmon appetizers for over 2,800 guests at the Gala. Read More >> 

Download our latest newsletter

• May 19, 2014. The Summer 2014 edition of our newsletter will be landing in mailboxes in just a few days, but you can also download it right here: BBRSDA Newsletter, Summer 2014. Read More >> 

Port Moller Results

• May 12, 2014. This season, the Port Moller team will be posting all their data and interpretations online, rather than simply distributing files via email. In order to avoid duplication of effort, the BBRSDA will not re-post that information to our website, but will refer visitors instead to the Port Moller team website.  Read More >> 

BBRSDA statement regarding Pebble Limited Partnership’s Submission to EPA

• April 30, 2014. Katherine Carscallen, Sustainability Director for the Bristol Bay Regional Seafood Development Association, issued the following statement today after the Pebble Limited Partnership’s release of information regarding the EPA’s initiation of the section 404(c) process under the Clean Water Act. Read More >> 

Christensen elected to board

• April 22, 2014. The 2014 BBRSDA board election is complete and the votes counted. In Seat C, incumbent board member Fritz Johnson ran unopposed and retained his seat. In Seat F, incumbent John Fairbanks received 143 votes and challenger Larry Kenneth Christensen received 207. Read More >> 

Senate Bill to remove Clean Water Act authority to protect Bristol Bay gains momentum with Senator Murkowski’s support; impact on Bristol Bay salmon markets unclear

• April 9, 2014. Recently, Senators David Vitter (LA) and Joe Manchin (VA) introduced Senate Bill 2156, the “Regulatory Fairness Act,” which would prohibit the Environmental Protection Agency from finishing its current Clean Water Act process to protect Bristol Bay from the proposed Pebble Mine. Read More >> 

In another blow to Pebble Mine, Rio Tinto pulls out

• April 7, 2014. The global mining firm Rio Tinto announced Monday that it will divest its 19 percent stake in the controversial Pebble Mine project in Alaska, donating its shares to two state charities. The decision is the latest blow to the proposed gold, copper and molybdenum mine, which is under federal scrutiny for how it could affect...Read More >> 

Sue Aspelund Takes the Helm as Executive Director 

• April 2, 2014. NOTICE TO OUR MEMBERS The following is a news release distributed this morning by the BBRSDA, announcing the hiring of Sue Aspelund as our new executive director. Sue looks forward to introducing herself to the fleet in our next newsletter, and will of course be available to you anytime, at sue@bbrsda.com. Read More >> 

Bristol Bay 2014 Outlook for Commercial Salmon Fishing

• March 28, 2014. ADF&G has released the 2014 Outlook, and you can download it here. Bristol Bay 2014 Outlook. Read More >> 

Bristol Bay Fishermen Oppose Legislation to Gut Clean Water Act

• March 27, 2014. Proposed legislation could imperil thousands of Alaskan jobs Monday, Senators Joe Manchin (WV) and David Vitter (LA) introduced legislation that would eliminate the EPA’s ability to protect Bristol Bay from mines like Pebble by curtailing the agency’s clear authority under section 404(c)...Read More >> 

Correction

• March 25, 2014. BBRSDA members who are completing their election ballots are notified that an inadvertent error made at the print shop resulted in a misspelling on the yellow ballot card. The name Larry Keneth Christensen should have been spelled Larry Kenneth Christensen. Read More >> 

Bob Waldrop Resigns as BBRSDA Executive Director

• March 15, 2014. Robert Heyano, President of the Board of Directors of the Bristol Bay Regional Seafood Development Association, announced today that the board has accepted the resignation of its executive director, Bob Waldrop, who has served in that capacity since inception of the association. The board wishes Bob well in his next endeavors. Read More >> 

Candidate Q & As

• March 3, 2014. Just one board position is contested this year, the Open-Residency seat currently held by John Fairbanks. Larry Christensen is making a bid for that position. As part of our longstanding election process, each candidate has been asked to respond to an identical questionnaire concerning their views. Read More >> 

March Board Meeting in Anchorage

• March 3, 2014. Board Meeting – Draft Agenda March 6-7, 2014 Millennium Hotel, Anchorage, AK Thursday – March 6, 2014 Call to Order Financial Committee Report Marketing Committee Report Sustainability Committee Report Noon Lunch Quality Committee Report Recess Friday – March 7, 2014 Department of Public Safety Old Business Noon Lunch Executive Session Board Member comments Adjourn...Read More >> 

Sockeye Market Analysis by McDowell Group, January 2014

• February 25, 2014. Bristol Bay Fishermen Narrow the Sockeye Price Gap Remote location and run timing remain challenges for legendary fishery According to a study just released by the Bristol Bay Regional Seafood Development Association Board of Directors, Bristol Bay’s salmon driftnet fishermen are improving their product quality...Read More >> 

February Board Meeting

• February 14, 2014. The BBRSDA board will meet February 21-22 in Seattle. This meeting is open to all S03T permit-holders as well as interested members of the public. The Seattle location is intended to save on organizational travel and lodging costs. Board meetings begin at 8:30 AM and generally run until 5 PM. Read More >> 

Candidate Statements and Election Update

• February 13, 2014. This year’s board election features one contested position, Seat F,  an Open Residency position. Larry Christensen is challenging incumbent John Fairbanks for Seat F. The other term that rolls over this year is Seat C, the Alaska Resident position held by Fritz Johnson. Read More >> 

EPA releases Bristol Bay Assessment describing potential impacts to salmon and water from copper, gold mining

• January 15, 2014. The BBRSDA will have more to say about this in the days and weeks to come, but we wanted to notify our members quickly about this important development. This assessment is absolutely clear and unimpeachable – mining in critical salmon habitat will severely impact salmon – and with it the salmon industry. Read More >> 

Our View on House Bill 77

• January 10, 2014. The Bristol Bay Regional Seafood Development Association (BBRSDA) would like to express its concern about elements of HB 77.  Our organization and our fleet have put millions into improving the quality of our products, to ensure better marketability. We have also dedicated huge amounts of time and resources into science to better understand and manage...Read More >> 

January Board Meeting Agenda

• January 6, 2014. The board of the BBRSDA will meet January 10-11, 2014, at the Mayflower Park Hotel, Seattle, WA. BBRSDA members are welcome and encouraged to attend. Here is the draft agenda. If you have any questions, please email info@bbrsda.com. Friday – January 10, 2014 8:30a Call to Order Establishment of Quorum Introduction of guests and request...Read More >> 

Call for Nominations and Notice of Election for the BBRSDA Board of Directors

• January 5, 2014. The following notice will be mailed to all BBRSDA members in the next several days. A downloadable PDF of this notice is found at the bottom of this page. Informational: Incumbent board members John Fairbanks and Fritz Johnson have indicated to BBRSDA staff that they do plan to run for re-election. Read More >> 

2014 Projects & Concepts – Submitted Proposals

• December 30, 2013.  The BBRSDA has received 26 Project submissions for its 2014 funding cycle, in addition to 13 Concept submissions. As described elsewhere on this site and in our newsletters and Bristol Bay Waypoints, Project submissions are received from persons or entities who propose to carry out their proposals themselves (and/or in partnership with other parties). Read More >> 

Winter Board Meetings

• December 17, 2013. The BBRSDA board will hold meetings on January 10-11, and February 21-22 in Seattle. These meetings are open to all S03T permit-holders as well as interested members of the public. The Seattle location is intended to save on organizational travel and lodging costs. Board meetings begin at 8:30 AM and generally run until 5 PM. Read More >> 

BBRSDA Project Reports

• December 15, 2013. One of the primary activities of the BBRSDA is funding (actually co-funding, in most cases) projects designed to strengthen our fishery. Across a broad range of disciplines – economic research, quality-improvement, fisheries science and marketing, among others – these cost-share programs are where most of our members’ annual 1% assessment goes. Every year, our grant-making...Read More >> 

2014 Bristol Bay Forecast

• December 3, 2013. The revised 2014 Bristol Bay sockeye salmon forecast and harvest projection are provided below. This document supersedes the forecast released on 18 November, 2013. Following the release of the original forecast, ADFG discovered a database error that prompted a re-evaluation. This most recent forecast is approximately 620 thousand fish less than the initial release. Read More >> 

Alaska Young Fishermen’s Summit December 10-12

• December 3, 2013. The Alaska Young Fishermen’s Summit will be held in Anchorage, December 10-12.  Created by the Alaska Sea Grant Marine Advisory Program, the summit provides information and opportunities for fishermen under 40 and/or in the business for less than five years. What do participants get out of attending? a chance to meet, socialize with, and talk...Read More >> 

November Board Meeting & Agenda

• November 15, 2013. BBRSDA’s November board meeting will be held in Seattle, starting at 3:00 PM on Friday the 22nd, and continuing all day Saturday the 23rd. Location is the Mayflower Park Hotel, at 4th & Olive. Members are welcome and encouraged to attend. Agenda Friday – November 22, 2013 3:00pCall to Order Establishment of Quorum Introduction....Read More >> 

BBRSDA Invites Proposals for Funding

• October 31, 2013. Every year, the BBRSDA funds (or co-funds) a variety of projects that benefit the Bristol Bay salmon fishery and advance one or more of our strategic objectives. The board is soliciting two kinds of submissions for the 2014 cycle. 2014 Project Solicitation Guidelines Project Proposals are submitted by permit-holders, municipalities, non-governmental organizations, private companies, research...Read More >> 

BBRSDA President Robert Heyano Named 2013 Highliner

• October 30, 2013. Congratulations, Robert! We are proud to report that BBRSDA President Robert Heyano has been named 2013 Highliner of the Year, by National Fisherman magazine. Although its name might lead some to assume that Highliner recognition is only about production numbers, the award criteria is broader than that. National Fisherman and its sponsoring partner Furuno have...Read More >> 

Tim Bristol and Bob Waldrop: Congressional hearing on Pebble Mine only serves to delay lasting safeguards for Bristol Bay’s people and valuable fishery

• October 10, 2013. ANCHORAGE, AK – Tim Bristol, Alaska Program Director for Trout Unlimited, and Bob Waldrop, Executive Director of the Bristol Bay Regional Seafood Development Association, made the following statement after today’s House Natural Resources – Energy and Mineral Resources Subcommittee – hearing entitled: EPA vs. American Mining Jobs: The Obama Administration’s Regulatory Assault on the Economy....Read More >> 

Anglo-American withdraws from Pebble Mine project

• September 16, 2013. Monday, September 16th Anglo American, one of the key backers of the controversial Pebble mine in Alaska’s Bristol Bay region, announced Monday that it is withdrawing from the Pebble Partnership, and will take a $300 million hit for doing so. Read More >> 

Commercial Fishermen for Bristol Bay Overwhelmed By National Support for Protecting World-Class Fishery

• September 13, 2013. EPA Public Comment Period generates nearly 900,000 total comments, with nearly ¾ calling for the long term protection of Bristol Bay ANCHORAGE, AK – Commercial Fishermen for Bristol Bay thanks the over 650,000 people who expressed their support for protecting Bristol Bay from harmful mining development in the most recent public comment period for EPA’s...Read More >> 

Why seafood branding matters

• July 29, 2013. To our members: At the BBRSDA, we have made a conscious decision over the years to not become a news-delivery service. With the proliferation of fishing industry and seafood-related news sources available in print and online, as well as the customizable news-feed options available to Internet users, we think the time and energy we would...Read More >> 

Rep. Rick Larsen sends President a strong letter of support for fishing families

• June 8, 2013. Representative Rick Larsen represents the 2nd District, which includes Bellingham and the surrounding areas of Northwest Washington, home to many Bristol Bay fishing families. Over the past several months, 2nd District residents and Bay fishermen including John Fairbanks, Buck Gibbons, Dave Hansen – and other Bay-related business owners...Read More >> 

Fishermen meet with Governor Inslee, push economic message

• June 6, 2013. Bristol Bay drifters Ben Blakey and John Fairbanks met with Governor Jay Inslee of Washington on June 1st. The mission of the meeting was to educate the governor on the wide-ranging economic benefits that our fishery has on the economy of Washington – and indeed on all West Coast states. Read More >> 

ISER report concludes that Bristol Bay salmon industry is a job-creating powerhouse

• May 8, 2013. On behalf of all our members, the BBRSDA recently contracted with the University of Alaska’s Institute of Social and Economic Research (ISER) to examine the overall economic impact of the Bristol Bay salmon fishery. That report is now complete, and the story it tells is the story of a job-creating powerhouse, not just for Alaska...Read More >> 

EPA deals blow to Alaska mine project

• April 27, 2013. A proposed mine near Alaska’s coast that’s garnered Capitol Hill attention would harm a habitat that houses nearly half the world’s sockeye salmon, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said Friday. The EPA’s revised draft assessment of the Pebble Mine project’s potential impact on the aquatic ecosystem in Bristol Bay, Alaska...Read More >> 

EPA releases watershed assessment – public comment period now open – and they need to hear from commercial fishermen

• April 26, 2013. The EPA has released its second draft watershed assessment, and the public comment period is now open on this document that will help determine the future of the Bristol Bay fishery. We are attaching here the Executive Summary of the assessment, and recommend that our members and other interested stakeholders read it...Read More >> 

BBRSDA Opposes Frankenfish

• March 7, 2013. In February, the BBRSDA provided formal public comment to the Food & Drug Administration concerning the AquAdvantage® salmon, better known as Frankenfish. We joined with hundreds of other organizations and added your voice to the national debate over genetically engineered salmon. Read More >> 

2012 Processor Survey

• February 27, 2013. The 2012 Processor Survey is complete, and as usual, it contains a wealth of information about the Bristol Bay fishery. Here’s a brief excerpt from the Introduction. Last year the study found the Bristol Bay drift net fleet chilled 53 percent of its harvest, marking the first year the fleet chilled more than 50 percent...Read More >> 

Short List of FY ’14 Grant Proposals

• February 20, 2013. We are making available the “Short List” of 13 projects for our fiscal year 2014 grant funding cycle process (please see pdf link below).  The BBRSDA’s FY ’14 begins on July 1st, 2013. (Note: This list began with 14 projects; we have since – on March 26th – removed one film proposal, bringing the total...Read More >> 

February and March Board Meetings

• February 4, 2013. Two upcoming board meetings will be held in Anchorage, the first on February 24-25, and the second on March 7-8. Both meetings will commence at 8:30 AM at the Millenium Hotel. The main order of business at the February meeting will be the final discussion and evaluation of short-listed funding proposals for the upcoming BBRSDA...Read More >> 

Wild Salmon Company brings Bristol Bay to North Carolina

• January 22, 2013. Heidi Dunlap is generating press in Asheville, North Carolina, for Bristol Bay and for her direct-marketing operation.  For most people, summertime is filled with relaxing beach vacations and sips of lemonade in the shade. But for Heidi Dunlap and Steve Maher of Asheville’s Wild Salmon Co., it’s the busiest time of year...Read More >> 

Call for Nominations & Notice of Elections

• January 19, 2013. CALL FOR NOMINATIONS and NOTICE OF ELECTION for the Bristol Bay RSDA BOARD OF DIRECTOR...Read More >> 

BBRSDA 5-Year Strategic Plan draft – your inputs welcome

• December 4, 2012. The board of the BBRSDA recently carried out a comprehensive review of its 5-Year Strategic Plan, and is welcoming comments and suggestions from members on how to refine or improve the plan. As board member Matt Marinkovich put it in our recent newsletter, a strategic plan “is like a well-laid keel for a boat, keeping...Read More >> 

Katherine Carscallen appointed to board

• November 29, 2012. At their meeting on November 26th, and following careful review of all nominees, the board unanimously appointed Katherine Carscallen (F/V Sea Hawk) to fill the Alaska-resident board seat recently vacated by Chris McDowell. Katherine, born and raised in the Bristol Bay region, has 15 years experience fishing in the Bay. Read More >> 

The BBRSDA is soliciting project proposals and “project concepts” for potential funding

• November 28, 2012. The Bristol Bay RSDA is soliciting two kinds of submissions for the 2013 grant-funding cycle: PROJECT PROPOSALS Project proposals are welcomed from permit-holders, municipalities, non-governmental organizations, private companies, research institutions or state and local agencies that are in a position to carry out the project they are proposing. Read More >> 

Anglo American’s CEO steps down

• October 29, 2012. Cynthia Carroll, CEO of mining giant Anglo American has stepped down after 6 years at the head of the company. Lackluster profits and mismanagement of their mine sites around the world precipitated her departure, leaving growing doubt about the company’s future and their 50% stake in the Pebble Partnership. Read More >> 

Bristol Bay fisherman writes a letter to the Wall Street Journal

• October 29, 2012. EPA is Right on Pebble Mine Project Written by: John Fairbanks PUBLISHED: October 29, 2012 Read full article at The Wall Street Journal Critical detail is lacking in the letter of Oct. 20 from the Alaska Miners Association’s Deantha Crockett. The Pebble project mine’s hundreds of jobs pale in comparison to the 14,000 current jobs...Read More >> 

Latest shot fired in the battle over Pebble Mine

• October 26, 2012. By Margaret Bauman Published: October 26, 2012 Visit full article at www.thecordovatimes.com An initiative application filed Oct. 22 with the state of Alaska seeks to amend state statutes to require legislative approval for development of large-scale metallic sulfide mines within the Bristol Bay Fisheries Refuge. Read More >> 

Responding to the Wall Street Journal editorial on EPA and Bristol Bay

• October 11, 2012. Editorial by Bob Waldrop, BBRSDA The Wall Street Journal recently wrote an op-ed called “The EPA’s Pebble Beaching,” which called into question the EPA’s watershed assessment of Bristol Bay and its ability to create common sense restrictions which protect our fishery and fishing jobs. I wrote a letter in response, and while they say they...Read More >> 

Fishermen’s Fall Festival

• September 20, 2012. This September, the BBRSDA will held a booth at the Fishermen’s Fall Festival, located at the Seattle Fishermen’s Memorial. The booth focused on educating families by distributing information about our Bristol Bay fishery – from the values and importance of choosing wild Bristol Bay salmon, to educating on the product of a sustainable...Read More >> 

Addressing Concerns from Grocery Chains & Seafood Buyers on Pebble

• September 18, 2012. Running in the Anchorage Daily News, a Thank-You ad from Commercial Fishermen for Bristol Bay highlights the concern that major seafood buyers from across the U.S. and abroad expressed about the Alaska seafood brand losing value if Pebble mine is developed. Read More >> 

Editorial: A chunk of change

• September 14, 2012. A chunk of change Yesterday, the Commerce Department issued federal disaster declarations for two disparate fisheries — Alaska king salmon and Northeast groundfish. What is it about a disaster declaration that garners huge headlines? And yet, the fact that small-boat fishermen are going out of business every day in the Northeast and slowly but surely...Read More >> 

Board Member writes on Pebble and Bristol Bay for The Bellingham Herald

• September 4, 2012. BBRSDA board member and 25-year Bristol Bay fisherman John Fairbanks writes an opinion piece for The Bellingham Herald. Read below. Mine restriction would save Bristol Bay salmon Written by: John Fairbanks Published: September 1, 2012 Read full article at THE BELLINGHAM HERALD   Last month I returned from my 25th season fishing in...Read More >> 

Recent coverage – and our response – in The Hill

• August 17, 2012. Executive Director Bob Waldrop responds to a story from The Hill’s Energy & Environment Blog titled, “Industry, GOP fear power-grab by EPA in Alaska mine decision.” Read Bob’s letter to the editor here. Read More >> 

National Support for our Commercial Fishing Jobs

• July 26, 2012. Throughout the season we were busy on national outreach efforts to drive public comments to the EPA regarding their draft watershed assessment. That effort culminated on July 23rd, the final day of the public comment period. The tally? 200,000 public comments, 98% of which voiced support for the EPA and for our 100% renewable...Read More >> 

Bristol Bay Sockeye on Facebook

• April 6, 2012. We recently developd “Version 1″ of our Bristol Bay Salmon Facebook page. Have a look and give it a “Like.” We also have a Facebook app in development, which will give people more ways to learn about the place you fish and how to find the fish you catch! Read More >> 

EPA releases watershed assessment update

• February 18, 2012. You may download the PDF below. This two-pager backgrounds the reader on the assessment – the hows, whys and whens. It also describes the key components of the assessment and how they are organized. It provides contact information for major players and specifies key dates and milestones between now and November, 2012, including the opportunities...Read More >> 

Processor’s association issues position paper on Pebble Mine

• November 21, 2011. From the PSPA’s position paper: PSPA is an industry trade association that has been in active existence since 1914. In all those years, the Association has not taken a position in opposition to any specific development project or category of projects of other natural resource industries. Doing so now is not a decision our Association...Read More >> 

Bristol Bay Commercial Fishermen Seek National Support to Protect Salmon and Jobs

• November 9, 2011. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 9, 2011 Contacts: Bob Waldrop, Executive Director, Bristol Bay Regional Seafood Development Association – bdrop@msn.com – (907) 770-6339 and Scott Coughlin, Fieldwork Communications – scott@fieldworkcommunications.com – (206) 228-4141 Bristol Bay Commercial Fishermen Seek National Support to Protect Salmon and Jobs Focus is on EPA process and a crucial federal permit needed...Read More >> 

Fall Newsletter now available

• October 3, 2011. November 3, 2011 It will be landing in mailboxes over the next few days, but you can download it here in a PDF. In this issue: Expo meeting agenda and information Board member steps down, replacement appointed BBRSDA Project Report available How to submit a grant concept for possible funding Marketing program gathers momentum...Read More >> 

Survey: Bristol Bay fishermen strongly opposed to Pebble Mine

• August 16, 2011. Survey of Bristol Bay commercial fishermen; 85% oppose Pebble – 4% support it. A recent poll of commercial fishermen of Bristol Bay finds strong opposition the proposed Pebble mine and deep concerns about its possible impacts: 85% of Bristol Bay commercial fishermen oppose Pebble; 4% support it and 11% are neutral or undecided. Read More >> 

BBRSDA works to prevent Frankenfish funding

• July 16, 2011. On July 15th, fifteen members of Congress sent a letter to the Commissioner of the Food and Drug Administration, urging cessation of the flawed approval process for the genetically engineered (GE) salmon known as Frankenfish. The BBRSDA assisted in drafting of the letter, and contributed language concerning the environmental and socio-economic risks that proliferation of...Read More >> 

BBRSDA 2008 Processor Survey Report

• November 5, 2008. The BB-RSDA both sponsors and distributes top-notch research reports and publications that benefit all Bristol Bay stakeholders – our members, industry leaders, biologists and policymakers. Here is the BBRSDA 2008 Processor Survey Report. BBRSDA 2008 Processor Survey Report Following each of the last three seasons, the BBRSDA has contracted with Northern Economics to survey Bristol...Read More >>