Kodiak trawlers that fish the Gulf of Alaska and the Bering Sea know the difference between racing for fish and a rationalized fishery.

The American Fisheries Act, though not perfect, did several things: First, it ended the race between offshore factory trawlers and catcher boats delivering to Dutch Harbor, Akutan, King Cove and Sand Point. Second, the shore-based trawlers and the above communities have a reasonable handle on what to expect for a season (for example, the number of pounds to process and the number of days of operation). This allows everyone to plan — from the workers on the plant floor to the observer companies.

In this mode of fishing, weather and breakdowns are no longer a driving force; and working 24/7 to fix a major problem to leave port into the jaws of bad weather is a thing of the past in the Bering Sea for factory trawlers and catcher boats. This also has increased productivity and cooperation between boats fishing and the plants.

Kodiak is still racing for fish between offshore factory trawlers and factory longliners. This has continually brought processing to a screeching halt, idling the plants, boats and workers for weeks until the next race (quarter) begins.

Trawlers and longliners in the Gulf, shore-based and factory ships, would benefit knowing that the race was over, making the fishery safer and increasing the value to the nation of the fish produced. Catching fish in a race and shoving them into the supply pipeline and flooding the market in short bursts has keep our prices low for many species and slowed market development for other fish.

Higher prices to the boat means more money for my crew and more money spent in Kodiak. Even the factory ships under less pressure might find Kodiak more convenient for shipping and repairs.

Rationalization of the Gulf of Alaska for the trawl sector will help Kodiak in the future by keeping this fleet healthy. It also ensures the wellbeing of the processing plants in Kodiak that buy fish from all the other gear groups and fisheries.