The M/V Golden Alaska is one of six large Bering Sea boats owned in part by the Yukon Native group
The Yukon Delta Fisheries Development Association (YDFDA) is now a majority owner of Golden Alaska Seafoods, an increase from 26%.
Undercurrent News reports that the increase stems from a purchase of two catcher boats that supply the vessel, meaning that YDFDA now owns four of the six boats that catch pollock and deliver to the mothership.
The YDFDA – whose headquarters are in Anchorage – represents six Native villages: Alakanuk, Emmonak, Grayling, Kotlik, Mountain Village and Nunam Iqua.
Along with the Golden Alaska, the Yukon CDQ (Community Development Quota) group also owns 75% of the F/V Ocean Leader, a 120-foot trawler; 75% of the F/V American Beauty, a 123-foot trawler; 85% of the C/P Courageous, a 180-foot crab/longline catcher processor; 45% of the F/V Kiska Sea, a 125-foot crab catcher vessel; and 41% of the C/P Baranof, a 182-foot crab/cod catcher processor.
All of the boats are home ported in Seattle.
According to YDFDA’s 2020 annual report, “processing and deckhand positions are readily available to Yukon Delta residents who
would like to work in the Bering Sea. In 2020, 22 of our in-region employees were represented on the vessels.
A related story of interest: NOAA opens up nearly $200 million in loans for six Western Alaska nonprofits
