On the remote shores of the Bering Sea, communities like Dutch Harbor and Akutan depend on Alaska’s commercial fisheries for economic stability and daily life. More than 700 million pounds of seafood are shipped from the Aleutian Islands each year, supporting a wide range of local jobs including fishermen, plant workers, mechanics, teachers, and small business owners.
Alaska’s economy is closely linked to its fisheries, with species such as salmon, crab, halibut, and Wild Alaska Pollock playing key roles in both the state’s culture and livelihood. In some coastal towns, the number of seafood workers matches the year-round population, making the relationship between community health and ecosystem sustainability critical.
Katherine McGlashan, Executive Director of the Unalaska Visitors Bureau and lifelong Alaska resident, described this interdependence: “I grew up to understand how they protect our waters and our seafood,” McGlashan said. “It’s really important to us as the Unangan culture, because if that sustainability is not controlled, we will not be able to subsist salmon, halibut or any of our seafood. I think things are at a great point where there’s give and take.”
Trident Seafoods stands among Alaska’s top five employers and has been active in the region for more than half a century. The company emphasizes environmental stewardship in its daily operations by considering where and how to fish while working to reduce bycatch every year.
In these isolated areas, fisheries support year-round employment opportunities and essential infrastructure such as clinics, airports, schools, utilities, and grocery stores. The processing plants in Akutan and Dutch Harbor operate through all seasons—ensuring cargo moves efficiently even amid challenging weather conditions.
Wild Alaska Pollock holds particular significance due to its lengthy fishing seasons that keep processing facilities running throughout winter months. Carlin Enlow commented on its importance: “The pollock fishery is really the cornerstone of the fishing industry out here in Dutch Harbor,” Enlow said. “Everything that comes in revenue wise really relies on the sustainability and success of the pollock fishery.”
This interconnectedness means that disruptions in one part of the fishing sector can have widespread impacts across various services relied upon by residents.
Management practices for Alaska’s fisheries are rooted in scientific data collection, innovation, conservative catch limits, ongoing research, real-time monitoring—and strong cooperation among captains and crews. Captain Paul Drennen of FV Golden Dawn explained: “It’s fleet wide. Every one of us is communicating with each other to minimize the impact of this fishery.”
Within Trident Seafoods’ operations—and across much of Alaska’s Pollock industry—real-time communication about bycatch is standard practice. This approach has contributed to recognition from marine experts such as NOAA Fisheries for responsible management practices.
Blakely Benson, Fleet Director at Trident Seafoods said: “All of us are stewards of the resource. I tell my captains you need to wake up every single morning and tell yourself that you can always do better whether it’s being more efficient with harvesting or being more attentive to bycatch.”
Benson added: “If we can all work to continuously do better then we’re moving in the right direction.”
For many residents—including those working aboard vessels like Trident’s Starbound—the motivation behind sustainable practices is straightforward. Joel Rae stated: “We all are here to make a living and do the right thing.”
Dutch Harbor resident Carlin Enlow reflected on what makes these communities distinct: “We live in such a unique place that there’s not really anywhere else in the world that offers what the Aleutians offer… Whether you’re here for five minutes or five days or five years or 50 years it’s always gonna sit in your soul.”
Further information about Trident Seafoods’ commitment to responsible fishing can be found in their latest Sustainability Progress Report.