Alaska Independent Fishermen’s Marketing Association

A member-funded association commited to the fishermen and the salmon resource
of the Bristol Bay region since 1966 JOIN AIFMA NOW!

New AIFMA Member

"I have looked at your fishermen's price sheet for a couple years. The price sheet is an invaluable service to the fleet. I have recommended to other fishermen that they join as well. Thank you for your work on behalf of the fishery."

News and Updates

2012 Bristol Bay Season Summary from ADF&G

http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/static/home/news/pdfs/newsreleases/cf/226013052.pdf

Carlson Case Settled--Refunds expected in October 2012

http://www.cfec.state.ak.us/mnu_Carlson_Refund.htm

Success: Senate Rejects Amendment to Re-Open Bristol Bay
Offshore Drilling!

Alaska Marine Conservation Council: The U.S. Senate voted on an amendment to the federal transportation bill that would have reinstated the 5-Year OCS Program developed by the Bush Administration, including two sales in the North Aleutian Basin Planning Area (Bristol Bay and southeast Bering Sea). This amendment (called the “Vitter amendment”) would have reversed the ban on leasing in the region until 2017 established by the current administration.

Not only did the Senate overall reject the amendment. Senator Begich and Senator Murkowski from Alaska, Senator Cantwell and Senator Murray from Washington, and Senator Wyden and Senator Merkley from Oregaon all voted against it. Alaskans and fishermen here is how you can thank your Senators.

Carlson Class Action Case: Out-of-state fishermen see windfall vanishing

'Extraordinary' Alaska Supreme Court ruling reverses huge award

JUNEAU EMPIRE, 1/22/12
The Alaska Supreme Court has reversed one of its own earlier decisions and slashed more than $50 million from what would have been a windfall for a group of out-of-state fishermen.
It may save the state that amount immediately, and possibly much more in the future, state officials say.
Read more. . .

Anglo American's Pebble Mine Poses High Risks for Investors

Feb. 22, 2012, 8:00 a.m. EST
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/anglo-americans-pebble-mine-poses-high-risks-for-investors-2012-02-22

Viability of Pebble mine project questioned by Earthworks report as legal, political, and engineering challenges mount.

WASHINGTON, Feb 22, 2012 (BUSINESS WIRE) - An investor advisory released today raises significant questions about the serious risks associated with Anglo American plc's /quotes/zigman/470624 UK:AAL -0.48% Pebble mine project in southwest Alaska. The advisory details the growing list of regulatory, legal, engineering, and political challenges facing the London-based mining giant as it struggles to secure permits for the controversial gold-copper mine planned for the headwaters of the Bristol Bay watershed, the world's biggest wild sockeye salmon fishery.
Read more. . .

Bristol Bay: World’s Largest Sockeye Salmon Run

Bristol Bay is home to the largest sockeye salmon run in the world. Over the last 20 years the sockeye salmon run has averaged an impressive 37 million fish each year. The sockeye harvest value in 2012 was $121 million to fishermen who harvested 20.5 million sockeye. Wild sockeye salmon from Bristol Bay is enjoyed by consumers worldwide. Its firm, red flesh and delicate flavor make it one of the finest fresh, frozen and canned salmon on the market today.

Bristol Bay is located in the Southeast corner of the Bering Sea in Alaska. Bristol Bay sockeye salmon begin their lives in the pristine tributaries and lakes of the region. Here the fingerling salmon spend the first year of their five-year life cycle before migrating out to sea. The sockeye salmon spend four years in the cold and clean waters of the Bering Sea and North Pacific. The sockeye salmon thrive on a plankton diet, and attain one of the highest levels of health-promoting omega-3 fatty acids found in any seafood. Completing their life cycle, the sockeye salmon migrate back to the rivers of their origin.