The Economic Significance of Alaska Pollock: Key Findings from Recent Studies
Recent analyses highlight Alaska Pollock as a cornerstone of Alaska’s economy. The annual Wild Alaska Pollock Meeting commenced with groundbreaking economic findings from Northern Economics and the McKinley Research Group.
Key Findings from the Studies
Two recent studies, commissioned by the united Alaska Pollock industry, reveal the extensive economic contributions of the Alaska Pollock fishery. These reports confirm that this fishery not only generates thousands of jobs but also injects hundreds of millions into the state payroll, thus playing an essential role in supporting Alaska’s freight and fuel networks. The findings were unveiled at the seventh Wild Alaska Pollock Annual Meeting, attended by nearly 300 representatives from various sectors of the Alaska Pollock industry.
Job Creation and Economic Output
“Alaska leads the nation; [the Alaska Pollock industry] creates the most jobs there, compared to anywhere else across the country,” stated Melissa Errend from Northern Economics. “Those are dollars that flow directly to Alaskan families, small businesses, and local boroughs all across the state.” The analysis indicated that nearly one-third of all economic output generated through the Alaska pollock fishery circulates within the state.
Impact on Alaskan Communities
The studies revealed substantial statistics for 2023, illustrating that the Alaska Pollock fishery, the world’s second-largest fishery, has:
- Supported more than 6,300 jobs for Alaskans, with wages exceeding $337 million.
- Harvested 1.43 million metric tons of Alaska Pollock, retaining over $455 million of the harvest’s total value within the state.
- Generated $1.7 billion in processed products, ranging from fillets to fishmeal and oil.
- Contributed $2.5 billion in overall U.S. economic output, with Alaska benefiting significantly from this total.
- Facilitated approximately $25 million in state and local tax revenues to fund public services statewide.
Support for Critical Infrastructure
Findings from the McKinley Research study emphasized Alaska Pollock’s integral role in maintaining Alaska’s transportation and fuel networks. The report noted that the absence of Alaska Pollock shipments could lead to significant challenges for marine freight carriers, ultimately stranding other Alaska seafood products.
“Without Alaska pollock’s steady demand, prices would rise, services would shrink, and remote communities would face reduced access to the essential diesel fuel necessary for their infrastructures,” warned Ron Rogness from the Association of Genuine Alaska Pollock Producers.
Conclusion
The significance of the Alaska Pollock fishery is both multifaceted and profound, impacting not only the economy but also vital services across the state. GAPP encourages continued recognition of the Alaska Pollock fishery’s contributions to local communities and statewide infrastructure.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
The Association of Genuine Alaska Pollock Producers would like to extend gratitude to the sponsors who made this year’s event possible, including:
- Title Sponsor: USI Insurance Services
- Gold Sponsors: Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute, Aquamar, Global Seas, Port of Seattle
- Silver Sponsors: American Seafoods, Arctic Storm Management, Glacier Fish Company, Trident Seafoods, among others.
- Bronze Sponsors: Alaska Airlines, King & Prince Seafood, Restaurant Depot, and more.
For more information and links to the full studies, please contact Sam Murphy, GAPP Vice President of Communications.
