Myth Buster: Who are Alaska’s commercial fishermen?
There are many myths and misconceptions surrounding commercial fishing in Alaska. In our new Myth Buster series we will be busting those myths and showing what it really means to be #FishingForAlaska.
Myth:
Commercial fishermen come into Alaska from out of state, take our fish, and leave.
Fact:
The majority of Alaska’s commercial fishermen live in Alaska year round. 71% of commercial fishing permits are held by Alaska residents.
They are earning money to take care of their Alaskan families. After a good fishing season a fisherman may build a new house or buy a new car here in Alaska. The money they earned fishing is spent at Alaskan businesses such as lumber suppliers, hardware stores, and car dealerships.
One such business is Western-Auto Marine in Juneau, AK. Owner, John Weedman, says they sell “thousands of rubber gloves, rain gear sets, and boots to gillnetters every year.” Western-Auto Marine, like many Alaskan owned businesses, sponsors local events in Juneau such as high school sports teams and local nonprofit fundraisers. These community building events would not be possible without the Alaskan commercial fishermen who spend their hard earned money at Western-Auto Marine and other local Alaskan businesses.
Fishermen do not just buy supplies for fishing. They buy supplies for living. They support drug stores, grocery stores, and movie theaters. They buy from local restaurants and breweries. Their children attend Alaskan public schools. They have dreams of helping Alaskans when they grow up.