Boats, Fish and Repeat

It's already been a month since the mind-blowing Sitka sac roe herring fish ripped through our waters and impressed us with the magnitude of this business, and the money & excitement it generates.

Let's start with this video. At the time I said 28 boats on the bay....yeah, that increased to over 80 boats by "go" time with at least 9 planes overhead. Things just multiplied every couple of minutes it seemed!

I also learned more along the way of how this opener actually goes....so, these vessels show up or get into gear locally to scoop up little herring fishies. The fishies are only used for the roe (eggs). The roe is typically sold as a delicacy to Japanese consumers. This year, Japan's fishing industry was decimated of course, tragically. Still, over 19,000 tons of herring were netted by these boats and given to processors for prep. and freezing. There's still no buyer! No price I've heard yet per ton this year. That's kind of unheard of. Some people think we should have skipped the fishery this year to save stock and let the fish spawn out in these waters, because the market is not there without Japan. This is probably still a deal in progress.

So AK Dept. of Fish and Game monitors the fish as they begin to arrive late March. An opener is not declared until the roe is mature enough, over 10% and the size of the fish is satisfactory. This year, we waited awhile for an opener because they waited on the fishies and wanted it operated in an orderly manner. Elders round here say the fishery doesn't happen until we get some late spring snow. Sure enough, we had a snowy day and the fishery was declared open. Interesting.

Now, the openers can happen in our waters anywhere near the Island.....close to the road for watching, far off without a prayer of spectating...or this year, right in front of our frickin' house. Couldn't have asked for better viewing placement! There were about 4 or 5 openers total to reach the quota; I can't remember already. Those 80-some boats I saw were not all fishing either. Some are Protectors to help muscle the main vessel's territory for schools of fish. Some are backup boats in case something malfunctions or worse with the main boat. You kind of want insurance to fish if your annual livelihood depends on these hour by hour openers! Big money made in a relatively short amount of time. Small boats following or attached may help "cork" and work on the set nets.

We watched the set-up and presence increase during an afternoon. Then, at Go Time we fled down to the beach, with many other Sitkans, to watch the fishery take off. The town stops and gawks. Andy came down from work. When you see the diesel plumes hit the air, those boats are on the MOVE to get their spot for a set net--as seen in this video...

What I liked and noticed about the frenzy of Sitka's herring craze:

1) When will it open? is like When will the winner arrive for Iditarod?

2) No matter how long you've lived here, it's cool and exciting

3) Birds love fish....lots of fish = flurries of birds trying to get fish

4) Diesel is omitted the moment the fishery opens

5) Excitement builds as the hum of overhead planes intensifies

6) Town is jumpin'

Now for boat pictures and one more video....

Loaded and ready

So close!

Powering On

First-Timer

Set that net!

Birds want a piece!

Aerial view from the Gorn Home

And observations from G3....