Fisheries Management
Alaska serves as the gold standard
Alaska pioneered applying successful, science-based sustainable fisheries management practices.
Now Alaska serves as a worldwide leader and sets the gold standard for fisheries management. State, federal and international management programs share the goal of sustainability; each has a legal mandate to prevent overfishing or harm to ecosystems and communities. The Alaska seafood industry is committed to the future health and resiliency of fish populations and the surrounding marine ecosystem for generations to come through transparent, collaborative, careful, science-based and strict resource management.
State
Federal
International
Ecosystem-based Management
Each season, scientists determine the optimal harvest levels for the health of individual species and the entire ecosystem. Fisheries managers in Alaska are on the forefront of implementing adaptive management tools in response to climate driven ecosystem change. This precautionary and adaptive approach is a cornerstone of sustainable fisheries management and allows the ecosystem and seafood species to continue to replenish year after year.
Regulation and Enforcement
Regulations, surveys and scientific data are ways that the State of Alaska enforces the legal mandate set forth at statehood.
Scientific Data
Every aspect of fishing in Alaska is based on the latest scientific data
This data is tracked and managed by a joint effort among state, federal and international bodies. View their sites below, or learn more from the ASMI sustainability white paper.
Allowable Catch
Alaska sets harvests to prioritize the stability of the marine ecosystems.
Managers conduct annual test fisheries or ‘surveys’ and use the data to determine the “total available” population, identify the “allowable catch” and set a lower “actual catch” limit. This precautionary approach takes considers the surrounding ecosystem and changing environmental conditions to support the sustainability of wild populations in Alaska’s waters.
Regulations
All fisheries in Alaska are regulated.
Subsistence – harvesting or possessing seafood by a resident of Alaska for subsistence, or noncommercial, customary and traditional uses
Personal – the harvesting or possessing of seafood by a resident of Alaska for personal use and not for sale or barter
Sport – fishing for personal use and not for sale or barter
Commercial – harvesting seafood for commercial, non-personal or subsistence uses
Did you know?
ALASKA HAS NEVER HAD A SPECIES OF COMMERCIALLY HARVESTED SEAFOOD ON THE ENDANGERED SPECIES LIST.
By monitoring stocks closely, and fishing responsibly, Alaska ensures its seafood can be enjoyed for generations to come.
