October 18, 2013 — The following was released by the Alaska Bering Sea Crabbers:
SEATTLE, Wa. — The Alaska Bering Sea Crabbers (ABSC), a seafood industry trade association representing nearly 70% of the participants in the Bristol Bay Red King crab fishery, is pleased to announce Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) for the 2013/14 season was issued at 3:32 pm (Alaska) on Thursday October 17, 2013. Many vessels began leaving port for the fishing grounds overnight. Vessels that still remain at the docks are expected to depart later today or over the weekend.
The opening of the season is usually October 15. However, despite the fact that the fishery is starting a few days late, we are confident that our customers in Japan and the United States will have our highly coveted Alaskan King Crab available in time for their holiday celebrations.
While the government shutdown was regrettable and the pain it caused the American people unnecessary, ABSC would like to give credit where credit is due. Several Members of Congress truly rose to the occasion to protect the interests of Alaska’s crab fishermen and crab-dependent coastal communities. Senators Murkowski and Begich from Alaska and Senators Cantwell and Murray from Washington State were instrumental in helping their fellow Senators understand the potential impacts of the season delay that came as a result of the shutdown. On the House side Representatives Young, Hastings, and Del Bene also helped educate their colleagues about what was at stake as the shutdown dragged on. We thank them for their work on behalf of their constituents and consumers.
Finally, we would also like to thank Dr. Jim Balsiger and the staff of the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Restricted Access Management (RAM) division in Juneau, Alaska. Once these Federal workers returned to the office, they were able to issue the IFQ within 24 hours. This rapid response helped to minimize the market impacts that likely would have resulted had the season opening been delayed any further. What could have become a marketplace catastrophe will now be nothing more than a late start, similar to that of a weather delay. We applaud the RAM staff for their efforts and truly appreciate the high priority they placed on getting the IFQ issued in a timely manner.
FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Mark Gleason, Executive Director Alaska Bering Sea Crabbers (206) 783-0188