2025 Wild Alaska Pollock Annual Meeting

Annual Meeting 2025

Theme: Wild Alaska Pollock: Stronger, Together

This year’s event will be focused on showcasing results of cutting-edge research commissioned by the Alaska Pollock industry and discussing activities by the industry to proactively manage and its reputation and build global demand.

The event will run on September 18th from 8:30am – 5:00pm at The W Hotel with an optional breakfast starting at 7:30am and a networking reception to follow the closing session from 5:00pm – 6:30pm.

Register Here

Sponsorship Info

W Hotel Rooming Info

Alaska Airlines Offer:

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.

Annual Meeting Agenda

Theme: Wild Alaska Pollock: Stronger, Together

7:30am – 8:30am: Breakfast

8:30am: Opening Remarks: Craig Morris, GAPP CEO

8:40am: Remarks from our Title Sponsor: Rich Morgan, USI Insurance Services

8:50am: Remarks from Dignitaries

9:00am: Stronger Together: GAPP & APFA Year in Review: Bob Desautel, GAPP Chair; Jim Johnson, APFA Chair  

9:20am: Wild Alaska Pollock Economic & Fishery Update: Ron Rogness, GAPP

9:50am: Importance of the Alaska Pollock Fishery to Alaska Transportation and Fuel Networks: Ron Rogness, GAPP

10:00am: Economic Impact of the Alaska Pollock Fishery: Leah Cuyno, Melissa Errend; Northern Economics

Break—15 minutes [10:30am – 10:45am]

10:50am: Environmental Impact of the Alaska Pollock Fishery; The Industry’s 2nd Life Cycle Assessment: Peter Tyedmers, Michelle Mann, Dalhousie University

11:20am: A New Global Choice: How CSI Is Changing the Seafood Certification Landscape: Mike Kraft, Certified Seafood International

11:40am: Overview of Emerging Markets Program Grants: Craig Morris, GAPP

11:50am: Topline GAPP Partnership Program Results & Announcements: Ron Rogness, GAPP

12:00pm: Brazil & Colombia Market Research Overview: Leonardo Silveira, River Global

12:25: Conclude Morning Session: Bob Desautel, Global Seas; Craig Morris, GAPP

Lunch—60 minutes [12:30pm – 1:30pm]

1:30pm: Welcome back from Lunch & Remarks from Port of Seattle: Craig Morris, GAPP, Port of Seattle Commissioner Ryan Calkins

1:40pm: You’re Gonna Need a Bigger Boat, Changing How Consumers View (and Eat) Seafood: Daryl Gormley, Aquamar

2:10pm: Expanding Collaborative Research to Optimize Fishing Gear for Environmental Performance: Dr. Brad Harris, Alaska Pacific University; Dr. Suresh Sethi, Alaska Pacific University; Moderated by Caitlin Yaeger, At-Sea Processors Association

Break—15 minutes [3:00pm – 3:15pm]

3:15pm: Continuous Improvement in Action: The Evolution of Dynamic Tools for Bycatch Avoidance: Jordan Head*, Bristol Bay Science & Research Institute; Steve Martell, Sea State, Inc.; Justin Johnson*, Captain; Moderated by John Henderschedt  

4:00pm: Protecting our Reputation: Alaska Pollock Fishery Alliance Program Updates: Sam Murphy, GAPP; Heather Handyside, Blueprint; Sarah Eckmann Ward, Blueprint; Kati Capozzi, Alaska Chamber

4:50pm: Presentation of Top Hand Award: Bob Desautel, GAPP Chairman; Craig Morris, GAPP

4:55pm: Closing Remarks, Craig Morris and Bob Desautel, GAPP

5:00pm – 6:30pm: Reception

 

 

Speakers

Melissa Errend

Economist & Project Manager, Northern Economics

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Melissa Errend

Economist & Project Manager, Northern Economics

Melissa Errend is an economist and project manager with Northern Economics, Inc. She has a strong interdisciplinary background spanning marine policy and marine biology and has focused her career at the intersection of these disciplines to solve natural resource management issues, particularly in fisheries. Melissa has worked on both the U.S. West Coast and East Coast groundfish catch share programs. In addition, she is an experienced user of fishery data and is passionate about data science and communication.

Prior to joining Northern Economics, Melissa was staff economist at the New England Fishery Management Council and earlier worked with NOAA Fisheries at the Northeast Fisheries Science Center, Northwest Fisheries Science Center, and the West Coast Regional Office.

Leah Cuyno

Senior Economist, Northern Economics

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Leah Cuyno

Senior Economist, Northern Economics

Leah Cuyno is a senior economist with Northern Economics, Inc. She has a Ph.D. in Agricultural and Applied Economics from Virginia Tech, with a specialization in Environmental Economics. Her work principally focuses on energy, resource development projects, and economic impact assessment. She is well-versed in using both the IMPLAN and REMI models for conducting input-output analysis to estimate direct and indirect effects of industries and investment projects, using economic parameters such as employment, labor income, value of goods and services, and fiscal impacts to state and local governments.

Bob Desautel

GAPP Board of Directors Chairman

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Bob Desautel

GAPP Board of Directors Chairman

Bob Desautel is co-founder, President, and Chief Executive Officer of Global Seas and Nina Fisheries, Inc. In 1994, he co-founded Nina Fisheries, a business that later developed internationally as it extended to Chile and Argentina in 1998. In 2001, Bob co founded Global Seas, a subsidiary of Nina Fisheries, that quickly became one of the West Coast’s premier vessel management companies. Under Bob’s direction, Global Seas’ expanded its business enterprise to the East Coast and ventured into the maritime research field in 2002.

In 1978, while studying business at the University of Nevada, Bob began his career as a deckhand fishing in the North Pacific Ocean and Bering Sea. In 1980, he advanced to the role of Captain and operated various fishing vessels. Bob possesses a United States Coast Guard (issue no.7) Masters 3000 ITC License. In 2002, he retired from the ocean to focus on the expansion of Global Seas.

Bob has served as President and Member of the Board of the North Pacific Fishing Vessel Owners’ Association, advocating safety education for the commercial fishing industry by providing information about USCG requirements, OSHA compliance standards, MARPOL, hands-on training programs, and safety seminars and workshops. In 1993, Bob co-founded United Catcher Boats, served as a Member of the Board and later as Vice President, all the while promoting the organization’s importance to the Bering Sea, Gulf of Alaska and West Coast fisheries. His efforts serving on these Boards, as well as his involvement in other various organizations, have both improved safety and created efficiencies in the commercial fishing and maritime industries.

Currently, Bob is on the board of the directors with the Association of Genuine Alaska Pollock Producers (GAPP) and United Boat Catchers (UBC). His involvement with GAPP and the fishing industry is to promote, elevate and expand Wild Caught Alaskan Pollock’s profile to tablecloth restaurants and grocery stores across North America.

Jim Johnson

President at Glacier Fish Company LLC

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Jim Johnson

President at Glacier Fish Company LLC

Jim Johnson is President, Chief Executive Officer and a partner in Glacier Fish Company (Glacier), which owns and operates two American Fisheries Act catcher processors and Glacier is an owner in and manager of North Star Fishing Company which owns four multi-species ground fish catcher processors including a brand-new state of the art vessel commissioned in 2021. Jim is a board member of Glacier Fish Company and North Star Fishing Company, is board President of the At-Sea Processors Association (APA) and is a board member of the Pacific Whiting Conservation Cooperative. Prior to his current Role at Glacier, Jim served as President of Glacier since 2011 and was Glacier’s Vice President of Corporate Finance and Development starting in 2009. Prior to his career at Glacier, Jim was a Managing Director and regional division head at KeyBanc Capital Markets with a focus on maritime industries and started his career in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania at PNC Capital Markets Metals and Mining Division. Jim has a degree from the University of Rochester studying Mechanical Engineering and Business Administration and a master’s degree from the Joseph M. Katz School of Business at the University of Pittsburgh.

Craig Morris

GAPP CEO

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Craig Morris

GAPP CEO

Dr. Craig Morris is GAPP’s exuberant CEO. He’s been a lifelong passionate advocate and ambassador for the U.S. food and agriculture industry and has dedicated his entire professional career to advancing the interests of various U.S. agricultural commodities. He’s done it all, from pork to beef to poultry and everything in between working for the National Pork Board (NPB), United States Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service and Future Beef Operations, LLC, to name a few. Craig received his Bachelor of Science degree with a distinction in Animal Science from Iowa State University and served as a regent’s graduate fellow while earning his Doctorate in Animal Science from Texas A&M University.

Sam Murphy

GAPP Vice President and APFA Director of Communications

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Sam Murphy

GAPP Vice President and APFA Director of Communications

Sam Murphy is the Vice President at GAPP and the APFA Director of Communications. Sam brings extensive experience in executive communications, brand development, and both internal and external communications. Having worked for organizations including AAA and Alaska Airlines as well as the Rose Bowl and Los Angeles Chargers, he has proven successful in crafting impactful narratives that elevate organizational messaging, position internal leaders as trusted voices, and foster engagement across diverse audiences. In his role with GAPP, Sam is responsible for fishery narrative development and storytelling for the Alaska Pollock Fishery Alliance (APFA) as well as fish-focused communications efforts that grow global demand for Wild Alaska Pollock.

Rich Morgan

USI, Northwest Marine Practice Leader

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Rich Morgan

USI, Northwest Marine Practice Leader

Leonardo Silveira

COO, River Global

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Leonardo Silveira

COO, River Global

Leonardo Silveira is the COO of River Global. He is an expert in Trade and Marketing, with a strong background managing USDA/FAS programs and delivering impactful marketing strategies across Latin America. His experience in crafting comprehensive trade, marketing, events, reporting, and communication strategies has facilitated market penetration for U.S. products in diverse regions. Leonardo’s deep expertise USDA cooperators, including extensive experience in preparing Market Access reports and studies, "translating" cultural and business practices to facilitate access to trade, as well as enabling a data-driven approach that identifies opportunities and navigates market entry barriers - essential for tens of U.S. companies to succeed in Latin America.

Leonardo is an Economist, also bachelor in International Relations and, has an MBA and Strategic Business Management and International Relations. He is fluent in English, Portuguese, and Spanish. 

Daryl Gormley

CEO, Aquamar

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Daryl Gormley

CEO, Aquamar

Daryl Gormley is the CEO of Aquamar.  Aquamar is a seafood processor based in California with a heritage in surimi for California roll, serving as the gateway for the explosive growth of sushi.  Building on that history of innovation, Aquamar is pivoting to curate authentic seafood experiences with convenience solutions to enable consumers and restaurant patrons to eat more seafood.

Prior to Aquamar, Gormley held a series of leadership positions in general management, marketing, sales, manufacturing, distribution, IT, and engineering in the food industry for a wide range of companies including Sara Lee, Kraft, Frito-Lay, Grande Cheese, Weston Foods, and Wismettac Asian Foods.

Gormley believes everyone should have access to healthy food, particularly children.  He knows that teamwork, supported by diversity in an inclusive environment, delivers the best business results.  Gormley’s focus is on addressing unmet market opportunities as the path to creating shareholder value.

Gormley received his bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from the University of Michigan and his MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.

Bradley Harris

Professor of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Alaska Pacific University

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Bradley Harris

Professor of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Alaska Pacific University

Brad Harris is a Professor of Marine and Environmental Sciences at Alaska Pacific University where he directs the Fisheries Aquatic Science & Technology Laboratory. Dr. Harris focuses on multidisciplinary applied research aimed at developing decision support systems for fisheries management. His work spans a wide array of fields including fish and fisheries ecology, fishing operations and conservation engineering and quantitative human dimensions. He serves on the North Pacific Fisheries Management Council’s Scientific and Statistical Committee and several expert working groups advising the International Council for Exploration of the Sea and the Food and Agriculture Organization. Dr. Harris earned a Ph.D. from the University of Massachusetts Graduate School of Marine Sciences. He is from Homer, Alaska and prior to entering academia, he commercially fished for salmon, served as an Alaska Department of Fish & Game research vessel Boat Officer, and as Master of an oil spill response vessel operating in the Beaufort Sea. 

Suresh A. Sethi

Research Faculty in the Fisheries Aquatic Science & Technology Lab at Alaska Pacific University. Director of the Aquatic Research and Environmental Assessment Center, Brooklyn College, City University of New York.

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Suresh A. Sethi

Research Faculty in the Fisheries Aquatic Science & Technology Lab at Alaska Pacific University. Director of the Aquatic Research and Environmental Assessment Center, Brooklyn College, City University of New York.

Suresh A. Sethi is Research Faculty in the Fisheries Aquatic Science & Technology Lab at Alaska Pacific University and serves as Director of the Aquatic Research and Environmental Assessment Center at Brooklyn College, City University of New York. Dr. Sethi works at the interface of ecological, economic, and quantitative sciences to advance solutions to marine and freshwater fisheries sustainability challenges. His collaborative approach to fisheries science encompasses industry cooperators, regulatory agencies, conservation organizations, and academia. Dr. Sethi’s research has contributed to ecosystem management across scales, including global fisheries status assessments, modeling to inform marine spatial planning, and development of risk management strategies for fisheries. Dr. Sethi earned a Ph.D. in fisheries science from the University of Washington. Prior to his work in academia, Dr. Sethi served as the Regional Statistician for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Alaska Region and commercially fished salmon.

Steve Martell

Ph.D.

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Steve Martell

Ph.D.

Dr. Steve Martell brings a rare blend of hands-on fishing experience, world-class science, and real-world problem solving to the stage. After financing his university years by commercial salmon fishing each summer, Steve went on to earn his PhD in Fisheries Science in 2002. His groundbreaking work earned him the prestigious Canada Research Chair in Quantitative Fisheries Science at the University of British Columbia in 2012.

In 2016, after four years with the International Pacific Halibut Commission, Steve joined Sea State Inc., where he partners directly with fishing companies to harness data that reduces bycatch and drives smarter, more sustainable operations. His expertise is trusted at the highest levels—he has served on the Scientific and Statistical Committees for both the North Pacific and Western Pacific Fisheries Management Councils.

Beyond his scientific credentials, Steve is known for his energy, humor, and adventurous spirit. Whether he’s carving through the streets on his one-wheel, pushing limits at CrossFit, or soaring over mountain peaks with a paraglider, Steve brings the same passion and bold perspective to his audiences. His talks leave listeners inspired, informed, and ready to think differently about the challenges—and opportunities—of fisheries and beyond.

Senator Lisa Murkowski

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Senator Lisa Murkowski

Lisa Murkowski, Alaska’s senior U.S. Senator, is a third generation Alaskan proudly serving as the first Alaskan born senator. Murkowski was born in Ketchikan and raised in towns across the state, including Wrangell, Juneau, Fairbanks, and Anchorage. She is married to Verne Martell, and they have two grown sons. Lisa loves spending time in the Alaska outdoors. She’s an avid skier, has hiked on glaciers, enjoys fall duck hunts, and has a pretty impressive King Salmon mounted on her office wall.

Since joining the Senate in 2002, Senator Murkowski has worked tirelessly for Alaskans and earned a reputation in the Senate for her ability to work collaboratively and across the aisle to reach common sense solutions. Murkowski is well-known for her love and dedication to her state, which means putting Alaska first.

A leader on energy and public lands issues, Senator Murkowski recognizes that sound national policy will promote not only job creation and economic growth, but also higher standards of living and greater global stability. She supports the safe and efficient production and use of all forms of domestic energy, as well as research to help develop emerging technologies. Senator Murkowski continues to pursue policies to advance renewable energy, increase energy efficiency, and make America’s energy cleaner, more affordable, and more reliable.

Senator Murkowski has long advocated for the Arctic as a national priority and continues to push the United States to invest in the infrastructure and assets critical to supporting an Arctic strategy. She is leading the charge to recapitalize and expand America’s fleet of icebreakers and has introduced legislation to raise the nation’s presence in the Arctic through two bills that support responsible research and development as well as giving those who live in the region a greater voice on policy and research.

She is a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee (Subcommittees –Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies; Defense; Energy and Water Development; Homeland Security; Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies), Ranking Member of the Interior-Environment Subcommittee, member of Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor & Pensions Committee, and Chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee.

Jordan Head

Executive Director, Bristol Bay Science and Research Institute (BBSRI)

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Jordan Head

Executive Director, Bristol Bay Science and Research Institute (BBSRI)

Jordan Head is the Executive Director of the Bristol Bay Science and Research Institute (BBSRI), where he leads applied fisheries research focused on salmon management, stock assessment, and sustainability. Since stepping into the role in 2023, he has expanded BBSRI’s work beyond Bristol Bay State fisheries to include research in the federal Bering Sea pollock fishery. This includes establishing a genetics lab in Dutch Harbor and launching the first in-season genetic stock identification program for chum salmon bycatch—delivering weekly data that aims to help industry and managers refine bycatch avoidance strategies.

With more than a decade of prior experience at the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Jordan has managed large-scale salmon monitoring projects across the Kuskokwim and Bristol Bay regions and led run forecasting efforts used in the active management of the Bristol Bay salmon fishery. He has presented research to the North Pacific Fishery Management Council, Alaska legislators, and industry groups, consistently emphasizing the role of innovative science in sustaining Alaska’s fisheries.

Jordan lives in Anchorage with his family, remaining active in subsistence traditions across Southwest Alaska.

Heather Handyside

COO of Thompson & Co

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Heather Handyside

COO of Thompson & Co

Heather Handyside is president and COO of Thompson & Co. Public Relations where she oversees agency operations. 

Prior to joining T&C, Heather served as chief communications officer for GCI, Alaska’s largest telecommunications company, where she was responsible for all internal and external messaging for corporate branding, infrastructure, and policy. She also managed the company’s state government affairs program.

Heather also served as press secretary to U.S. Senator Mark Begich, director of Emergency Management for the city of Anchorage, and deputy municipal manager for the Municipality of Anchorage. 

Heather graduated from American University in Washington, D.C.

Heather grew up in Pittsburgh (she’s a big Steelers fan!) and is a 20-year Alaska resident. She lives with her family in Spenard. 

Sarah Erkmann Ward

President of Blueprint Alaska, Thompson & Co.’s Advocacy and Public Affairs Division

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Sarah Erkmann Ward

President of Blueprint Alaska, Thompson & Co.’s Advocacy and Public Affairs Division

Sarah Erkmann Ward is the president of Blueprint Alaska, Thompson & Co.’s advocacy and public affairs division. Sarah founded Blueprint because she was confident a market existed for a firm offering both public affairs and public relations expertise. 

Prior to starting Blueprint Alaska, Sarah worked as the external affairs manager at the Alaska Oil and Gas Association (AOGA). Prior to AOGA, Sarah served as communications director for Anchorage Mayor Dan Sullivan.  Her first job after college was with KTUU as a weekend producer. 

Sarah graduated from the University of Oregon. 

She volunteers her time with the Armed Services YMCA, the Alaska Miners Association, the Alaska Chamber, the Public Relations Society of America's Alaska Chapter, and others. Sarah is accredited in public relations by PRSA, and was named Alaska’s “Communicator of the Year” in 2017.

Sarah lives in Anchorage with her family. 

Ryan Calkins

Commissioner, Port of Seattle

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Ryan Calkins

Commissioner, Port of Seattle

Ryan Calkins was elected to the Port of Seattle Commission in 2017 and re-elected in 2021. Ryan is an Advisor on Offshore Wind and Maritime Infrastructure at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory. For more than a decade, Ryan ran an import and distribution company in Seattle that was recognized for its industry-leading sustainability initiatives. In 2007, he formed Seattle Microfinance Organization, a nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to capital for entrepreneurs with limited economic resources. Ryan began his career in Central and South America, working for disaster relief and human rights nonprofits.

He received his Master of Arts from Yale University in International Relations and his Bachelor of Arts from Willamette University in Religious Studies. Born and raised in Edmonds by a public school teacher and a small business owner, Ryan now lives in Seattle with his wife and three children.

Commissioner Calkins focuses on sustainable economic development at the Port of Seattle, working to ensure that the region's prosperity is shared among all communities. In 2021, Ryan was recognized for his role in launching Maritime High School with the Laschever Marlinspike Award from the Northwest Maritime Center.

Ryan balances current needs with a long-term vision for the Port of Seattle, to ensure that one of our region's most valuable public assets will continue to thrive for generations to come.

Title Sponsor

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors

Supporting Sponsors

Angulas Aguinaga

Blueprint Alaska Advocacy & Strategy

Trans-Ocean Products

IMA Corporation

Alaskan Observers, Inc.

Boyce Food Safety Consulting

Baader