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 in such a relatively short period of time. 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.