Ok, just to set the record straight - I was not complaining about quotas or fisheries management in general. Both are vitally necessary. I’ll be the first to admit that fisherman…just like loggers or anybody else who is in the business of exploiting a natural resource, would fish themselves right out of business if given the chance. They’d catch the last fish or cut down the last tree. I worked the pollock boom of the late 80’s thru the 90’s on big factory trawlers, first on deck and then in the wheelhouse. That’s the school where I got [I]my[/I] license. After that I went longlining for cod for about 7 years, on the factory longliner fleet. In 2007 I went trawling again on that big bottom dragger. Its the biggest bottom trawler out there, and was owned for a while by a large multinational religious group. If you know the fleet, you can figure it out.
What my complaints were regarding is things like this: Fisheries regulators caving under threats of litigation by environmental groups because NMFS doesn’t doesn’t want to spend money to fight a lawsuit. They have shut us out of vast areas of the Aleutians because the Stellar sea lions in the Aleutians are on the endangered list. This is what the greenies want.
Now, the people actually doing the research on the sea lions say they aren’t sure why they are so scarce these days, but they’re pretty sure it’s not due to overfishing. They think it might be partly due to changing sea conditions and a lower abundance of forage fish like herring… but a very likely cause, they say, is whale predation. That’s right, killer whales are scarfing the pups. If you’ve ever tried to longline for blackcod or turbot in the Aleutians, or anywhere in the Bering Sea for that matter…you realize how many of those things there are. I’ve spent weeks out there trying to catch a meager blackcod quota, and never managed to get away from the whales. Longline for turbot…impossible. They’ll pick the fish off the line like grapes. Every single fish. I’ve had 50 whales at a time around the boat. So the researchers say that the whales are doing the damage, and fisherman pay the price. Never mind the fact that sea lions have fins and can swim, and populations in other areas of the state have increased.
We won’t even get into the whole issue of coral beds, and that actor Ted Danson and his band of rich, misguided idiots that hired a bunch of lawyers and went after us. Once again, NMFS caved, and we lost a bunch of ground. These decisions aren’t based on science or research. They are made in reaction to legal threats by these “environmental” special interest groups… who’s [I]real[/I] motivation is the contributions ($$$$$$) they gain due to the publicity they generate. (The bastards aren’t out to save the world…they’re after the cash. Same as all these people crowing about climate change and trying to get that “carbon credit” scheme going.)
That’s what I have a problem with. If fisheries management decisions were rational, necessary and science based…then I’m totally on board.
[QUOTE=Goatherder;43590]Its the biggest bottom trawler out there, and was owned for a while by a large multinational religious group. If you know the fleet, you can figure it out.[/QUOTE]
I know the boat but can’t remember the name. It’s owners are legendary in Alaska for maltreatment of crew…I know exactly why you want to get out!
[QUOTE=c.captain;43595]I know the boat but can’t remember the name. It’s owners are legendary in Alaska for maltreatment of crew…I know exactly why you want to get out![/QUOTE]
Built in 1968 along with a sistership as the first US factory trawlers. Both are still fishing, and one belongs to the big Norske fishing company. The other, that I worked on, is now owned by one of the former members of the cult. They treat their crew members fairly well, and I had no complaints…other than they gave my job back to the guy who had it before me, when they tied up the boat he was running. Seniority. Also, they have no problem putting money back into their boats; which is in stark contrast to almost all other companies operating out of Dutch these days. I have alot of respect for these owners. They seem committed to doing things right.
If I had my way, I would still be there. Best crew I’ve ever sailed with, best owner I’ve ever worked for, and the boat was like a great big toy for somebody that enjoys dragging a net around thru the rocks and chasing fish. Close to a million dollars worth of electronics in the wheelhouse and on the net. A fish factory that can process over 100 tons of finished product a day of just about anything we targeted. 80 people on board. Of course, it wasn’t always easy to keep the factory fed and make sure all those 80 people made money to keep their rent paid…but that’s part of what made it such a challenging, engaging job. We did pretty well, and one of the last trips I made, we filled the hold (700 tons frozen) in 4.5 days fishing time.
Ok, yours was not owned by the famous Korean reverend? I am thinking of another vessel or perhaps the company controlled by the Japanese with their dock in Captain’s Bay? To be honest, I’ve been out of the game up north for 15 years already and only miss the trips to and from Seattle when we followed the coast all the way round. Now I hear that most of the companies make their captains go straight across Gulf no matter the time of year.
I do know the two trawlers though. Failed in the Atlantic but pioneered the US flagged factory trawler industry in Alaska. Was yours the ex ROYAL SEA?
I thought the “Arctic Trawler” was the first factory trawler up in Alaska. It first sailed the Atlantic, I think from Norway, had a US midsection put in her to qualify for US fisheries and went to Alaska in the late 70’s early 80’s. I think a guy by the name of John Schwan (sp) was one of the first guys in the venture.
[QUOTE=Boatahaulic;43617]I thought the “Arctic Trawler” was the first factory trawler up in Alaska. It first sailed the Atlantic, I think from Norway, had a US midsection put in her to qualify for US fisheries and went to Alaska in the late 70’s early 80’s. I think a guy by the name of John Schwan (sp) was one of the first guys in the venture.[/QUOTE]
This one used to be the Arctic Trawler. Previously owned by the Korean rev…but then acquired cheaply by disenchanted former (I think) members of that organization and turned around. First class operation now, with a whole lot of quota.
The Jap company you referred to…and I worked for them too for a bit, is still around and kicking but all their boats are old, clapped out, and just about done. So is the management. And the authorities are after them in a big way. Anything they can do to shut them down. But they have LOTS of quota…so who knows.
The Royal Sea was the first dragger I worked on deck back in 1988. Now owned by American (Norway) Seafoods…but that outfit is not doing well either. They were top-notch back in the day, but the pollock down-turn, coupled with area closures and plummeting fish prices has hit them really hard. Royal Sea - aka Katie Ann, only fishes a couple months per year.
Even Glacier Fish…probably about the best run company up there - sold off their longline quota and now the boats are for sale. Low cod prices and high fuel prices. More trouble than its worth.
Well, its GMDSS class in Seattle at PMI on Monday. $1920 and two weeks. All so I’ll be “qualified” to push a red button if something bad happens. What a joke.
The GMDSS class at Merts was only 1600. Merts is the maritime branch of Clatsop Community College in Astoria Oregon. Good Fire School as well, along with license prep etc.
Well, I’m dragging up this old thread as once again I’m on the hunt for gainful employment. Since I’ve last posted on this thread I have upgraded my license to 1600 Master/Oceans from 1600 Mate NC. Did GMDSS & Celestial (obviously) but did not do ARPA. I’m wanting to work someplace warm…or at least not frigid. I’ve been talking to Chouest and other offshore companies but nobody seems to be hiring. Talked to a few towing companies as well, but everybody wants a towing endorsement. I’d be willing to sail as AB or even a cook if I could get a towing endorsement out of the deal. Also I’d really like to sail international, if possible. I have NOT signed up as yet w/ any recruiting agencies that charge for their svcs…although I have registered with and talked to both Oceanwide & C-Mar. Nice people…but have nothing for me.
The ways in Seattle Asian Escorts which proper parking Seattle Asian Escort maneuvers can be done have been stressed here nicely Seattle Escorts and I will Seattle Escort only add a few important notes. First, it’s possible to practice with cones or some other kind of simulation. In advanced driving courses we found this method highly useful. Another important note is to use your mirrors!
Search this forum for TOAR. You will get an eye full. This has been described ad nauseum. Look in: maritime topics; the tug and towing, and training and licensing section.
Interesting thread. There was a young man here at the house the other day asking about the situation with the trawling fleet in Alaska. He is looking to cadet ship this summer, [B]anybody have any up to date info/ advice?[/B]
FWIW I was on a vessel then called the Snowbird. I was mate there in Dec of 86 we were alongside the possessor All Alaskan.transferring “product” on the north side of St.Paul Island when it got too rough, we cut loose and anchored on the other side of the island. Later that night the All Alaskan went aground. We lost one of our anchors that night.
We often discharged our cargo just below the Trident Seafood dock on the Ballard Ship Canal.
Hey I will answer the question asked. It is easy to work gom get a company list start with the A’s and go from there. best thing is to get started with towboats. I have worked east coast, gom, great lakes . The companys with the small shitty boats pay the most money, thats what it is about anyhow. unless you are still in the glory hunting stage of your career. The hardest thing to get used to is the boat crews work so hard at keeping from doing there jobs. If you are a good worker the companys love you.
I use to think we all were like a small family, but as jobs get tight our brotherhood goes out the door. Ive been looking for work to upgrade my license for three months now day and nite. I like you have grown tried of the long Alaska winter. I guess just keep sending in apps and hope one day its on the top when they need someone. Good luck my fellow sailor and Alaskan friend.