ASMI and BBRSDA Celebrate Season Kickoff with Fishermen in Naknek
The Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI) partnered with Bristol Bay Regional Seafood Development Association (BBRSDA) to host a season kickoff event in Naknek in Bristol Bay.
Fishermen, crew, and industry members were invited to enjoy pizza, drinks, and hear about the newest resources and activities from BBRSDA and ASMI staff.
Kicking off the Season
Two events were scheduled in Dillingham and Naknek this June. A flight cancellation forced the Dillingham event to be cancelled – but ASMI and BBRSDA have plans to visit soon.
The Naknek event saw over 100 fishermen attend. Energy was high as final preparations to be on the water were underway – a clear testament to the care it takes to ensure a quality harvest that is paramount in Alaska fisheries.
“These events are designed to engage the fleet”, Greg Smith, ASMI Communications Director said. “ASMI has been taking a concentrated approach to meet with fishermen as close to home as possible – we want to make it easy and rewarding for fishermen to engage with us”.
BBRSDA and ASMI shared resources and answered questions from fishermen – and wished the fleet a safe and productive fishing season, and thanked them for catching the best seafood on the planet.
Events like this are an important opportunity for BBRSDA and ASMI to connect directly with the fleet.
Visits to Boatyards
BBRSDA and ASMI also paid visits directly to boatyards. Staff were able to catchup with fisherman directly from their decks.
“We’ve been doing boatyard visits for years,” Lilani Dunn, Executive Director of BBRSDA said. “For the Bristol Bay fleet, the boatyard is like their backyard, really an extension of their home.
Fishing doesn’t just happen on the water – a ton of prep has to happen before a boat ever hits the ocean. We are always glad to visit everyone, wish them well, and hear how we can best support them before they get out on the water.”
Boatyard visits provide ASMI and BBRSDA a genuine meeting opportunity with the fleet. No pomp or fluff – just Xtratuffs and eager ears to listen, and a few extra hands to help with last minute painting and gear hauling.
BBRSDA and ASMI
The BBRSDA works to maximize the value of the Bristol Bay fishery through strategies focused on marketing, quality, sustainability, and outreach.
ASMI is proud to be a longtime partner with BBRSDA and to share a common mission.
