Fish Radio
Kodiak fishermen share biggest challenges
January 4, 2016
Kodiak harbor
Credit: juneautek.com
This is Fish Radio. I’m Laine Welch – What are some of the biggest challenges in fishing? You’ll hear from Kodiak after this —
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Competition from imports, the costs of entering a fishery and prices are just a few of the issues that make fishing challenging today. Fish Radio asked Kodiak’s fisherman – What do you think are some of the biggest challenges in the fishing industry today?
“I think finding crew from the younger generation. I was the only person in my highschool that was or wanted to be a fisherman.”
“I think it’s who you ask. Being a younger person and a young up and coming fisherman it’s to expensive and permits, quota, and boats these days. They just don’t make it as easy as they use to. I think if they would make some more opportunities for younger fisherman who are trying to get into the business, that would be a big help.”
“The biggest challenge is being able to put together enough money to get into the fishery and be competitive now because these boats are so expensive. Years ago you could get a little boat for a hundred to one hundred and fifty and start fishing. So for guys that want to get started in it, it’s tough.”
“I’d say maintaining a competitive edge against foreign imports. Getting fish where it is affordable for the normal person. Fish now nationally is a luxury. You talk to people in the mid west and fish is the holy grail. And it wasn’t like that fifty years ago. Fish was a staple.
“ The biggest challenges? Just keep the markets up and make sure that there is a decent price and have good quality fish.”
“Well to try and make everybody happy, the processors and the fisherman. Trying to get them a good price where they can afford to fish, and the processors can afford to keep their doors open. And hopefully everybody continues to work together and sees both side as it evolves.”
“Well the coastal communities are not the vibrant, economically prosperous communities there were prior to limited entries, IFQ’s and rationalization . Whatever the solution is we need to provide a way for the young people in these communities to integrate into the fisheries and make a living.”
“ Increased regulation. I don’t know if it will be an issue but it’s kind of a reality of the direction a lot of the fisheries are going in.”
“ The competition between nets, long lining, and pots. Everybody’s got to make money and everybody’s got to make a living.”
“Politics. It takes away from the fun of fishing and makes it a job.”
Fish Radio is also brought to you by Ocean Beauty Seafoods. Ocean Beauty has contributed over 10 million meals to the U.S. Food Bank network, and is committed to ending hunger in America. www.oceanbeauty.com In Kodiak, I’m Laine Welch.
