Fishermen’s Blog Log
2010 Season

Model of Kruzof built by Randy Holmberg

January-February – Jim and the crew arrived in Seward from Seattle on January 15th after a long repair and maintenance stint in Washington. Such included a paint job, reefer repairs, upgrades in the galley, and a big switcharoo in the captain’s stateroom (all things starboard went port and all things port went starboard), allowing for a larger bunk and more storage space.

The Kruzof started fishing/freezing January 21st in Central Gulf for Pacific Cod, however to the chagrin of operations it closed five days later. Then it was decision time, Eastern Gulf or the state water fishery in Prince Wm Sound to continue fishing and load the boat. It was the latter. Delivery time came in mid February. Then it was break time until the halibut opening.

March - The IPHC set the Halibut opening early this year, March 6th. It was blowing, cold, and icing conditions. The trip proved fruitful with prices high due to low inventories. After the first opening the prices dropped like a rock. Rather than going on another halibut trip, we contemplated a sablefish trip. The market for sablefish was also quite good due to low inventories and improved demand in the domestic and European markets in addition to the Asian markets. Weather didn’t cooperate with the plan, and because the fish come in small in the spring, it was decided to finally take an extended vacation from fishing.

Pacific Cod Roe, one of the many ancillary products of Pacific cod that has marketability.

April - In March, Jim was honored to be nominated by the Governor’s office to serve on the North Pacific Management Council. While being greatly encouraged by his peers, Jim is struggling already over the time it will take from his more comfortable profession as a fisherman and boat operator. And then there is all that sitting. However he’s told the chairs are comfortable.

(See Jim's nomination letter for a seat on the North Pacific Fisheries Management Council from Governor Parnell-- We'll know in June if folks in Washington formally appoint him.)

Industry support letters for Jim's appointment to the North Pacific Fisheries Management Council

• Seafood Processors Cooperative
• Halibut Coalition
• Petersburg Vessel Owners Association
• Alaska Longline Fishermen's Association
  

If confirmed he will attend his first meeting in October after some initial briefing on council processes. Industry and State officials selected Jim based presumably on the fact that more fishermen with less company/political interest should be welcomed to serve. Jim attended the April Council meetings to touch base with folks and familiarize himself on what he could possibly see him (or not see) himself doing. His main concern is if he can actually make a difference in formulating fisheries policy in Alaska while remaining principled and not having to get too political.

Jim and I ended the month with a trip to the Isles of Hawaii- Kauai and Oahu. On Kauai we found favor at a local fish market near Rice street, and on Oahu we visited Pier 38 where fishermen's fish go on the auction block. We compared notes with local fishermen, a local NMFS agent and Sean Martin who serves on the West Pacific Management Council. Unfortunately we forgot our camera so the post card will have to serve as proof of our trip.