Wild Alaska Pollock Industry Undertakes Two Comprehensive Economic Studies to Measure Fishery Impact

 

The results of the Wild Alaska Pollock industry’s two economic studies, designed specifically to measure the significant financial and infrastructure contributions of the fishery to Alaska, will be unveiled at the upcoming Wild Alaska Pollock Annual Meeting, the Association of Genuine Alaska Pollock Producers (GAPP) announced today. Renowned research firms McKinley Research and Northern Economics undertook two separate studies designed to catalogue and analyze the fishery’s tangible and intangible economic benefits in Alaska early this year and are finalizing their respective reports to share at the September 18 industry gathering at the W Hotel in Seattle.

“We know that the Alaska Pollock fishery is the largest certified sustainable fishery in the world and makes significant contributions to Alaska in terms of jobs, tax revenue, direct and indirect spending and to the infrastructure in communities across the state,” said Craig Morris, GAPP Chief Executive Officer. “Until now, we haven’t been able to measure that impact that’s unique to Alaska Pollock specifically. This data is important for us to be able to better tell our story throughout Alaska and beyond and recognize the fishery as a true part of the fabric of Alaska.”

The study undertaken by Northern Economics was designed to measure the economic impact of the Alaska Pollock fishery to Alaska. The firm also measured the similar impacts of the fishery to Washington State, Oregon, and the greater United States. Results will be broken out, by state and region, and the comprehensive report shared with attendees at the annual conference.

McKinley Research undertook a more unique and nuanced study, designed to measure the impact of a “world without Wild Alaska Pollock” when it comes to infrastructure, particularly the impact that would be felt on freight, shipping, processing plants and other pieces of Alaskan infrastructure if there were not a U.S. Alaska Pollock fishery.

“The Alaska Pollock Fishery Alliance Steering Committee and GAPP Board felt that for too long we have lacked the specificity of our exact contributions in the State of Alaska and those needed to be comprehensively studied,” said Morris. “Draft study results indicate that the impact of the fishery is significant, and I can’t wait to share just how significant our fishery is to Alaska and beyond on September 18.”

The W Hotel in downtown Seattle will play host to the annual meeting for the second consecutive year. The meeting will begin at 8:30 a.m. and conclude at 5:00 p.m., with an evening networking reception to immediately follow. Full registration and discounted lodging information is available here for those wishing to attend the Wild Alaska Pollock Annual Meeting. GAPP's annual meeting is exclusively for those connected to the Wild Alaska Pollock industry, and registration is subject to GAPP approval.

For guests traveling to Seattle for the meeting, meeting attendees can enjoy a 7% discount on Alaska Airlines for flights to and from Seattle. Please reach out to GAPP directly at [email protected] to receive your discount flight code. 

GAPP would like to thank its generous sponsors for this year’s event: USI Insurance Services (Title); Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute, Aquamar, Global Seas, and Port of Seattle (Gold); Beck Pack Systems, Glacier Fish Company, Global Seafood Alliance, Gorton’s Seafood, Marine Stewardship Council, and NORPEL (Silver); Alaska Airlines, APICDA, Highland Refrigeration, Industrial Resources, Inc., Islandsbanki, King & Prince Seafoods, and Restaurant Depot (Bronze); and Angulas Aguinaga and Blueprint Alaska Advocacy & Strategy, IMA Corporation, and Trans-Ocean Products (Supporting). Sponsorships are still available at all levels besides Title. Please reach out to Craig Morris at [email protected] if you are interested in sponsoring this prestigious event.