Docklines May 2011
Docklines June 2011
Docklines July 2011
Docklines August 2011
(The links below will take you to the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute website in new browser tabs.)
Fisheries Conservation Network Brochure
Fisheries Conservation Network presentation (PDF)
Sales of 
seafood support the Fishery Conservation
Network in creating cleaner and lower impact fisheries by combining
sound science with fishermen’s knowledge of marine habitats.
Here’s how:
Employing state-of-the-art information sharing systems, fishermen participating in the Fishery Conservation Network are generating three dimensional bathymetric maps identifying areas of sensitive high relief terrain and “bycatch hotspots”— areas with high abundance of non-target species to be avoided. This shared conservation commitment by fishermen will control bycatch and continually improve best fishing practices. Mentoring young fishermen facilitates the transfer of sustainable practices across generations.
By actively participating in the latest research, Network fishermen work together to protect marine mammal populations while maintaining viable coastal fisheries. Working with scientists, fishermen record acoustic data from sperm whales preying on longline hooked fish to assess the amount of depredation. Quantifying depredation strengthens the fishery assessment process and ensures harvest limits accurately reflect abundance.
New fishing gear and techniques will also be developed and used by Network fishermen to improve species selectivity and reduce interactions with marine mammals.
The carbon footprint of seafood is already lower than many alternatives
and Network fishermen are committed to reducing it even more. Community-based seafood
processing plants that package and ship products direct from the fishermen
are powered by southeast Alaska’s abundant hydro-electric power. With over 100 inches of
rainfall per year, hydro-power in the region is renewable, sustainable and carbon free.
The Network is also assisting fishermen in evaluating ways to reduce their fuel use and
carbon footprint. These include re-powering with newer, fuel efficient engines, adding fuel
flow meters to provide detailed information on fuel consumption and increasing the
efficiency of vessel movement through the water with varied bow designs. As becomes the brand of choice for thoughtful consumers, its direct benefits to conservation,
communities and fishermen will grow.
This uniquely potent blend of sustainable purpose and products is setting a new standard that will ensure higher quality seafood and healthier oceans–real results worth paying for!
Walt Pasternak sits easy in the captain’s seat in the wheelhouse of the Christi-Rob. And he should, he’s been fishing since the mid-70s, first as a handtroller out of a sailboat and several boats later, this troller/longliner. He’s been attracted to the fishing lifestyle from the beginning – loves the adventure, the independence, experiencing the ocean – all of it. Pasternak’s deckhand since 1999, Jeff Farvor, says, “It just gets inside you; it’s fulfilling. You get to do all those things that a lot of people just dream about, including providing all that food to the public.”
Asked what extra care they take of their fish, Walt replied, “We treat each one personal, like we’re going to eat that one.” Wife Megan adds, “We treat it like our own.” Their insulated fish hold has chilling plates which keep the ice good and cold so fish can be delivered fresh. When they fish black cod, they’re only out 2 days, halibut – 3-4 days and salmon – 1-5 days.
This caring is also seen in the importance they place on protecting the natural resources. Farvor commented that “commitment to stewardship is essential in this industry.” These three Alaskans don’t stop there. They’re all involved in the community of Sitka, especially in protecting commercial fishers’ interests.
They’re passionate about their home and their work. Farvor says this is the best place on the planet, he couldn’t imagine living anywhere else. “I live in Alaska because I fish here, there should be that level of commitment.”
F/V Christi-Rob (293kb PDF file)
