OUR MISSION
To support healthy and vibrant fishing communities by fostering greater social, financial, and political capacity to access, sustainably develop and protect fisheries in the Arctic, Yukon, Kuskokwim, and Bristol Bay regions of Alaska.
Established In 1979
In 1979, western Alaska commercial fisheries leaders established the Bering Sea Fishermen’s Association to give the subsistence and commercial fishermen a voice in the sustainability and development of Bering Sea and western Alaska fishery resources. And what a voice it has become.
Looking back on the days of the initial organizational meeting, it is hard to believe all that BSFA has accomplished. There have been many challenges and BSFA has been there to respond to them. But, BSFA has done more than respond; it has played a leading and critical role in ensuring that western Alaska fishermen are in control of their own future.
Fishery Development
From the beginning, the potential for development of the rich fishery resources along western Alaska has remained at the heart of BSFA’s mission. Click the button below to learn more.
Interdisciplinary Research
Salmon runs of the Arctic-Yukon-Kuskokwim (AYK) region have been critical to the survival of the people and wildlife for thousands of years.
Advocacy and Stewardship
Many Chinook salmon runs across western Alaska have seen significant declines in recent years. Click below to learn more.
Empowering Communities
BSFA has had the opportunity in Alaska to pursue cooperative research & discovery, and to cultivate an atmosphere of information sharing and education.
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Monitoring Salmon
Congress authorized a direct appropriation in FY94 of $800,000.00 to BSFA to conduct freshwater salmon monitoring projects in western Alaska. These salmon stock have continued to be varied.