Alaska Gold Seafood

Alaska Gold Seafood is the consumer-facing brand of the Seafood Producers Cooperative (SPC), a fishermen-owned cooperative based in Sitka, Alaska. The co-op was founded in 1944 and is dedicated to producing high-quality, wild-caught seafood

Business Model

The core of Alaska Gold Seafood's business model is its cooperative structure. Unlike many other seafood companies, the profits from the sales go directly to the fishermen-owners. This model is intended to provide a living for the fishermen while also preserving the coastal communities of Southeast Alaska. They operate on a direct-to-consumer model, shipping frozen, wild-caught seafood to customers.

Products

Alaska Gold Seafood offers a variety of wild Alaskan seafood, including:

• Salmon: They offer several species, such as King, Coho, Keta, and Sockeye salmon, in various forms including portions, fillets, and canned salmon.
• White Fish: Their offerings include halibut, sablefish (black cod), and lingcod.
• Other Seafood: They also sell Dungeness crab and wild Alaskan spot prawns.
• Tuna: They offer sashimi-grade albacore tuna, both as half loins and canned.

Sustainability Practices

Alaska Gold Seafood places a strong emphasis on sustainability, which is at the heart of their operations. Their practices align with the broader sustainability principles mandated by the Alaskan state constitution, which has required all fisheries to be sustainably managed since 1959.

• Hook-and-Line Fishing: The co-op's members use traditional hook-and-line fishing methods, which are more selective than other methods like trawling. This approach minimizes bycatch and reduces the impact on the marine ecosystem.
• One Fish at a Time: This philosophy means each fish is handled with care, which not only contributes to quality but also to the sustainability of the resource.
• Fisheries Management: They adhere to the science-based, precautionary approach to fisheries management that is a hallmark of Alaska's fishing industry. This includes setting quotas and other measures to prevent overfishing and protect fish populations for future generations.
• Environmental Responsibility: Beyond fishing methods, the cooperative also works on other environmental initiatives, such as mapping fish habitats to avoid sensitive areas and exploring ways to improve the fuel efficiency of their fishing fleet