Forrest Bowers
ADF&G Deputy Director, Division of Commercial Fisheries
“Alaska establishes commercial fishery harvest levels based on annual estimates of sustained yield and regulates fisheries so that these levels are not exceeded.”
How did you get started in the fishing and seafood industry?
I started my first job with Alaska Department of Fish & Game 30 years ago as a seasonal technician. Today, as deputy director for the Division of Commercial Fisheries, I coordinate statewide fishery management for commercial fisheries. I work with area management biologists and staff to ensure they have tools needed to effectively manage fisheries for sustained yield.
How has responsible fisheries management had a positive impact on what you do?
ADF&G uses a tremendous variety of tools to monitor and assess fisheries including field survey techniques, advanced molecular genetics tools, and computer modeling.
This data is then used to set harvest levels to ensure that future production is not jeopardized and that fisheries will be sustainable well into the future. Alaska’s management program is flexible and can react quickly to unexpected changes in abundance or productivity which makes Alaska’s fisheries resilient in a changing environment. Alaska establishes commercial fishery harvest levels based on annual estimates of sustained yield and regulates fisheries so that these levels are not exceeded.
This is one of many examples of why Alaska’s fisheries management is considered among the very best in the world, but it is also complex. I work with fishermen and seafood processors to help them understand and comply with commercial fishing regulations and fishery management decisions. I help fishermen and seafood processors navigate permitting and regulatory questions.
Is there anything else you would like Alaskans or anyone who enjoys Alaska Seafood to know about what you do?
Commercial fisheries are a critical part of Alaska’s economy especially in rural and coastal Alaska. As a lifelong resident of coastal Alaska I value the contributions commercial fishing makes to these communities.
Alaska seafood is harvested from pristine habitat by people who care about ensuring seafood consumers have the best product available.
I am frequently contacted by consumers who are looking to buy Alaska seafood or have questions about seafood they are considering purchasing. I always like to tell them the same thing: Alaska seafood is always a great choice and is fun to cook!
