Formed in 2008, the Alaska Seafood Cooperative (AKSC), formerly the Best Use Cooperative, is a group of “catcher processor” fishing companies interested in working to improve the management of Bering Sea flatfish and other non-pollock groundfish fisheries. Working with federal scientists, the AKSC has almost entirely eliminated its impact on the seafloor and bottom-dwelling marine species while still catching fish that feeds millions of people every year.
The Alaska Seafood Cooperative fleet is leading the way under a new federal “catch share” program that allocates fixed amounts of Pacific cod, yellowfin sole, rock sole, Pacific ocean perch and Atka mackerel to the Cooperative. In return the fleet agreed to increase the amount of fish we retain, to reduce bycatch and to promote sustainable fishing practices.