The COVID-19 pandemic has slowly begun to spread into rural Alaska, and it’s forcing fishermen and processors to take a hard look at the summer fishing season.
Three tribes in Bristol Bay have joined Dillingham in asking the governor to consider closing the fishery. Meanwhile processors have presented a plan to address local concerns about keeping small fishing communities, and the fishery, safe.
In Unalaska, fish processors teamed up with the city to create an isolation and quarantine facility, designed in part to house the seasonal fishermen who pass through town.
And finally, a nonprofit organization is working with fishermen and processors to provide seafood to a network of food banks in Alaska and the Lower 48.
We had help from Izzy Ross with Alaska’s Energy Desk and KDLG in Dillingham, who provided us with two stories this week. We also heard from Kavitha George here at KMXT in Kodiak. And Laine Welch from Alaska Fish Radio.
A big thank you to all you listeners of the Alaska Fisheries Report and to all the radio stations that air our program.
Remember to practice social distancing with people outside your family. And be sure to check that safety gear when you get ready to head out fishing.
