2023 SEAFOOD DISTRIBUTION
UPDATE: This summer's salmon collection project was a huge success - with the local Dillingham community's support, we were able to collect over 5000 pounds of whole round sockeye. We were overwhelmed by the support and generosity of many. Fish will soon be sent to communities in need on the Yukon and in the Chignik region. We couldn't have done this project without the generous support of partners including Alaska Pride Air, Bristol Bay Economic Development Corporation, Bristol Bay Native Association, Bristol Bay Native Corporation, Grant Aviation, Northline Seafoods, Jenny Bennis and several local residents. We are continuously looking for funding to support these projects and would love your support.
Salmon declines in Western Alaska river systems have left many residents without culturally and nutritionally important seafood. Many Bristol Bay fishermen are eager to share regional abundance by donating subsistence or commercially harvested salmon. Our goal is to facilitate seafood sharing between regions of abundance and those experiencing shortage by increasing local capacity, infrastructure, and distribution systems so salmon harvested in Alaska is shared within Alaska. With a modest investment this spring, we can collect, freeze, and ship subsistence donated salmon from Dillingham to Yukon River communities. Your support will help us to provide these donations in areas facing food insecurity and unable to participate in traditional practices of harvesting food.
To make a donation to our 2023 seafood distribution effort, click the button below and choose “Seafood Distribution Network” from the dropdown menu.
Know a community in need of donations?
Click Here for Seafood Distribution Network Inquiry Form - Requesting Donations
Have seafood to donate to those in need?
Click Here to access Seafood Distribution Network Inquiry Form - Provide Donations
Seafood DISTRIBUTION NETWORK
In response to challenges of Covid-19, Alaska Sustainable Fisheries Trust (ASFT) and the Alaska Longline Fishermen's Association (ALFA) launched the Seafood Donation Program with the goal of providing healthy protein to food insecure individuals, families, food pantries/social services and communities. With seafood donations from ASFT members and a web-based donation site, ALFA/ASFT delivered Covid-19 safe seafood to the doorsteps of local families identified as food insecure.
The Seafood Distribution Network has since March 2020 deployed more than $2.6 million to purchase and deliver more than 650,000 donated seafood meals to individuals and families facing food insecurity in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. Doing so has not only addressed immediate food insecurity needs, but provided market stability for local fishermen. It has also strengthened Alaska’s local seafood and salmon distribution network, bolstering in-state food security.
The Seafood Distribution Network is continuing to receive requests for donated seafood around the state and is working to secure funding that will allow it to support those communities. ALFA and ASFT welcome the opportunity to partner with others who want to help us build a resilient, equitable, and sustainable food system that supports thriving communities and local economies.
Fish for Families 2022
In 2022 ALFA and ASFT worked with several organizations to donate Bristol Bay sockeye to Alaska Native communities suffering (sea)food insecurity and lay the foundation for a network of community fishermen, processors, regional associations, tribes, and individuals committed to building a more resilient and equitable local seafood distribution system.
We successfully delivered almost 19,000lbs of sockeye salmon to 10 communities across the state! Thank you to everyone who contributed to our mission and thank you to Alaska professional photographer Acacia Johnson for taking incredible photos of our Holy Cross, Alaska fish drop.
Our Partners
Bristol Bay Native Association