Association of Genuine Alaska Pollock Producers Statement on Passing of Leslie Hughes

 

SEATTLE, Wash.— The Wild Alaska Pollock industry and the members, associate members and staff at the Association of Genuine Alaska Pollock Producers (GAPP) join our colleagues in the seafood industry in expressing our deepest sympathy at the loss of Leslie Hughes, formerly of North Pacific Fishing Vessel Owners’ Association (NPFVOA). Leslie had faithfully, passionately and lovingly served the fishing community, including the Wild Alaska Pollock fishermen and crew, working to ensure their safety at sea.

“I was fortunate to work alongside my friend and colleague Leslie Hughes during my tenure as President of NPFVOA. Leslie was the real thing - steady, humble, and relentless about saving lives,” said GAPP Chairman Bob Desautel. “She helped build the Vessel Safety Program from the ground up and never lost sight of the fishermen it served. Her credibility with the Coast Guard and with industry was unmatched because everyone knew her priority was simple and sincere: get people home.”

At NPFVOA, Leslie helped create the first Vessel Safety Manual, which became the operational standard for commercial fishing vessel safety in the United States. When NPFVOA reorganized in 1989–90 to focus entirely on safety, Leslie was appointed Director of the Vessel Safety Program - a role she embraced with uncommon energy, humility, and resolve. Under her guidance, NPFVOA trained more than 37,000 mariners and fostered a culture credited with saving countless lives, especially in Alaska’s unforgiving waters.

Leslie built a rare bond of trust between industry and the U.S. Coast Guard, elevating standards while honoring the realities of life on deck. In recognition of her impact, she received the Coast Guard’s Meritorious Public Service Award twice (1998 and 2001), was named Puget Sound’s Maritime Person of the Year (2006) and received the Jerry Jurkovich Award from NOAA/NMFS for bridging communication between industry and government. She also served 12 years on the Coast Guard’s Commercial Fishing Industry Vessel Safety Advisory Committee.

GAPP sends its heartfelt thoughts and prayers to the entire Hughes family. It is our hope that as they mourn this great loss, they know that Leslie’s legacy will live on in the work she did, the values she instilled in those she leaves behind and that she will forever be known for improving the lives of so many.