Kodiak’s largest tanner crab fishing operation in almost 40 years will open this Sunday. However, the fleet is already closed. The fishermen say they won’t fish for the low prices offered by local canneries. This is the latest twist in a season of winter fishing that has been already affected by strikes and closures.
When negotiations began earlier this month, Kodiak’s processors offered $2.50 per kilogram for tanners. Kevin Abena, the secretary and treasurer of the Kodiak Crab Alliance Cooperative represents approximately 120 permit holders in this fishery. He stated that since then, the prices of all Kodiak canneries have not changed from their initial price.
“We have not been given any information to consider. Abena stated that $2.50 was not the amount we will consider.
The record-breaking $8 per pound was set last year by fishermen. Although the tanner crab fishing industry was shut down in 2021, prices for tanner crabs were higher than $4 in 2020.
The Kodiak fishery’s 2015 harvest is 5.8 million pounds, which is the highest since 1986. This is more than five times last year’s quota. The Westward Region has 7.3 million tanners, which includes the fisheries in Chignik or the South Peninsula.
The state Department of Fish and Game estimated that the Kodiak region was worth more than $1.2 million last year.
This year’s large quota means that more boats will participate. Last year, 87 vessels fished to tanners. As of Friday morning, 109 vessels had been registered for this year. This includes some Bering Sea crabbers whose seasons were canceled due to the crashing snow crab or king crab populations.
Abena reports that some west coast processors have been offering tanner crabs for as low as $4 per pound. This doesn’t help local fishermen, as most can’t travel out to the chain. It doesn’t benefit the community either, as it collects municipal taxes from seafood landings.
He said, “This is a collective deal.” “Everyone in the fleet has spent a lot on getting ready for this fishery, everyone has invested money.”
Abena refused to call it a striking, but the actions are similar to those in another fishery earlier in the year. After striking, Bering Sea fishermen were able to raise the price per pound of Pacific cod.
Abena said that the whole fleet, including the fishermen from Chignik and South District, is waiting for better prices from local processors.
He said, “The feeling is strong and special. It’s difficult to gather a diverse group such as we have on board. Everyone has their own things and wants to continue after crab. Some boats go cod fishing while others drag for pollock. Some men will go right into black cod fishing or halibut fishing.”
Pacific Seafoods did not respond to a phone call Friday morning. Other processors, such as Trident, Ocean Beauty, and Alaska Pacific Seafoods could not be reached.
The cooperative will meet with permit holders on Saturday. Abena stated that if they receive the correct price, Monday January 16 would be the earliest they could go fishing – one day after the opening.
