Maritime Injury Law BlogAlaska Opens Pacific Tuna Harvesting as Warm Waters Bring Opportunity
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) has launched a new commercial fishing opportunity in Southeast Alaska waters, issuing commissioner’s permits for Pacific tuna harvesting in response to unusual conditions that have drawn these warm-water species into the eastern Gulf of Alaska.
Commercial harvesters can now obtain the specialized permits, which remain valid through December 31st, 2025, marking the first formal recognition of tuna as a targeted commercial species in Alaska waters. The permits become available immediately upon issuance, creating an unprecedented fishing opportunity in a region traditionally known for salmon and groundfish.
Rhea Ehresmann, who leads the Region 1 groundfish project for the ADF&G, explained that the permit system emerged from direct industry requests. “The commercial fleet approached us about targeting Pacific tuna, given the significant tuna presence we’re seeing in waters outside of Sitka,” she noted.