mbruce_2012
2011-10-07 02:13:36
Hi my name is Mike Bruce and I am a senior at Carroll College in Helena, MT. I am originally from Ketchikan, AK and am finishing my senior year and my college football career. I am majoring in sociology and political science and for my senior seminar in sociology we are having to write a thesis paper on a topic of our choice. Being from Alaska and loving the fishing industry I knew right away I wanted to write my paper on a topic in commercial salmon trolling. I would like to specifically look at the socio-economics of commercial salmon trolling. How does the family deal with the fishing season? Also, I would like to know more about the ATA and if commercial salmon trollers are being protected by being given the same fishing rights and equivilant market prices. I would like for anyone to comment on my post who has something to say, if anyone has any journal articles or websites that would offer more information, and also I would like two or three commercial salmon trollers who know the ins and outs of the industry that would like to be a part of my research and let me interview them outside of this forum. Thanks to all who looked at my post and to all who might help me out.
carojae
2011-10-07 06:49:20
Green peace. I remember once them saying they had little problem with the Troller because he/she usually caught his "target fish" and didn't destroy the ecosystem while trying to harvest his catch.
We're good guys. Good luck :D
salmontroll
2011-10-07 23:23:50
Trollers are becoming an endangered species. Free and independent, small operations, harvesting from the ocean. Yet corrupt politicians and judges have done amazing damage to this way of life. Trollers in Alaska would always sell halibut and other incidental catches when caught while salmon trolling.. why wouldn't they? .. this was taken away with no compensation..the Feds caused huge windfall profits to a small segment of people that qualified under laws they passed, the IFQ system.... the privileged few, now it's extremely expensive to buy in.
On the Washington coast the" judge Bolt decision" gave 1/2 of all fish off their coast to the Native Americans in the 70's. I think the tribes are only 4% or so of the general population, of course they're not doing too bad now days with their casinos either!
My thought is that this was discriminating against the fishing heritage of European American families, that had a long history of commercial fishing and developed much of the whole industry, boatbuilding, trolling, seining, off the Pacific coast and Alaska.
This year there was a large king salmon run , yet Alaska trollers once again saw quite a cut in their harvest quota, I felt it was criminal. Trollers are facing high fuel costs, inflating gear costs, operating expenses increase on one side.. and more regulations limiting their income by politicians on the other.
I'm sure there's alot to write a paper on.. good luck
kalitan97828
2011-10-08 05:18:43
Suggest you send a personal message to Salty as he might be a good interview subject. His detractors might say he is seldom right but never in doubt or comment on his steering on the drag but few would dispute his knowledge or commitment to the fishery.
Salty
2011-10-08 16:28:39
I got my steering completely rebuilt this spring so now I can turn 45 degrees both port and starboard. I have been compromised for the past several years only being able to turn 30 degrees. Then I had my good pump re-installled this fall so I am going hard over to hard over in 7 seconds instead of 13 which it has been for the last few years. It has been so frustrating having to drag relatively straight lines the last few years. Looking forward to the crinkly track again.
I sent Mr. Bruce a private message but I think he is looking for a more reputable source.
I am thinking that a little less commitment to the welfare of the industry and resource and a little more focus on the welfare of my bank account might be in order for a while.