The Bristol Bay sockeye fishery is the world’s most valuable wild salmon fishery, at $1.5 billion. Our Dillingham-based Marine Advisory agent Gabe Dunham lives in the heart of this sockeye salmon capital of the world. From the docks to the classroom and in the field, Dunham educates hundreds of fishermen and others in everything from vessel safety to climate change to direct-marketing their catch.
At the Bristol Bay Fish Expo in Naknek this year, Dunham spoke about marine safety and business. “People wanted to talk about the upcoming fishing season, and fish forecasts,” said Dunham.
Elsewhere in the state Dunham taught workshops on safety, fishing business, boat insurance, fish quality, and crew contracts. In six coastal Alaska communities, commercial, sport, subsistence, and pleasure boat users enrolled in Dunham’s outboard engine maintenance workshop. The popular class has spread to Kodiak, Homer and Southeast Alaska where it is taught by other instructors.
He’s also involved in our “Stakes for Stakeholders” research, measuring the effects of climate change in western Alaska and teaching local residents how to collect much-needed data.
