In spite of great effort by the fleet, Sablefish harvest went much slower than last year, further enhanced by whale predation. Plus bait and fuel expenses mounted while fish prices dropped. Jim pulled through though with some “Hail Mary” sets that actually produced before the season closed (an accomplishment we doubted was going to happen).

We considered this the Providential counter-balance at work proving we are not in control and providing a faithful reminder of our vulnerability and personal humility. Praying for wisdom and new insights was high on the list this month.

The Kruzof geared up for its long trip from home to Southeast Alaska to harvest Sablefish quota from West Yakutat, Southeast Alaska and in State fisheries in Chatham and Clarence Straits. Rhonda joined the Kruzof in August. Given the calm and sunny weather her break from the office was welcomed and akin to a cruise for her.

The Kruzof geared up for its long trip from home to Southeast Alaska to harvest Sablefish quota from West Yakutat, Southeast Alaska and in State fisheries in Chatham and Clarence Straits. Rhonda joined the Kruzof in August. Given the calm and sunny weather her break from the office was welcomed and akin to a cruise for her.

May was a month of travel and prepping for the next fishing trip. Our travels took us to Minnesota and South Dakota to visit our elder Halibut quota holders. Jim really liked checking out the big farm tractors as we drove from one state to the next. Then we went to West Virginia to attend a nephews wedding and visit sister Beth’s Farmer’s Market where some of our fish is sold. While there we were also invited to speak with some High School honors students about how our fisheries are managed in Alaska. We shared the types of fish and fishing methods that occur around our state coupled with management practices and policy challenges that affect what we do and how we operate.

By month end the insurance bill has arrived and needs to be paid, coupled with a large order of bait and gear. Yes, its time to get away from the dock and re-visit the fishing grounds.

The snow continued to dump in our area, which made it difficult to leave the home front for any length of time. This winter season provided nearly a record snow fall for Seward.

Around mid to late March the Kruzof landed some Frozen @ Sea Alaska Cod from Prince William Sound. Although season was short-lived at only 6 days long, we had time to accumulate a container load of H&G Cod, but landed it when the market was full and interested buyers were dropping out. Consequently prices were not the best and the product spent some time in cold storage before being sold.

We coined this period the “meeting season” , however it is ongoing and often exhausting. Jim and I shared our presence and/or comments at the following meetings; International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC)-in Anchorage, North Pacific Fishery Management Council (NPFMC) in Seattle, Alaska Young Fishermen’s Summit (AYFS) in Juneau, Board of Fisheries (BOF)- in Ketchikan, and Chatham Strait Stock Status review meeting in Sitka. All contained issues of interest pertaining to our business.

The most notable and encouraging meeting for us was attending the AYFS. This is the 4th Summit put on by the Alaska Sea Grant program. Being held in Juneau for the first time seemed at first challenging, but proved exceptional. Aspiring young fishermen from all all over the State convened to learn more on how to be professional fishermen as they were provided information and training in the areas of Science, Marketing, Fisheries Business & Risk Management, and the Fisheries Policy process. The Summit culminated with connecting attendees with their area legislators, and having the opportunity to testify on certain fisheries legislation that was of their interest. It was a packed agenda, but perfectly practical. Jim and I were glad to help with mentoring and guidance as seasoned fishery participants. We look forward to seeing the next generation of fishermen running their businesses successfully and having a strong voice in future fisheries policy.