SEAFOOD 101
Mario A Reyes, Mate, Beauty
Bay of Washington LLC,
Freezer Longline
What is your role?
My role as Mate serves as the 2nd
in command behind the Captain
to ensure daily fishing operations
continue. This includes providing
information for crew members to
do their job, driving the boat when
the captain is off duty, assessing
potential dangerous situations and safety precautions, responding to
injuries, applying first aid, recording catch in the log books, enlisting crew
members throughout the year and ensuring efficiency in the factory to
produce the highest quality of line-caught Alaska Cod. It is very important
to maintain the morale of the crew as they encounter one of the most
physically and mentally exhausting work environments of their lives.
How did you get started working on-board the F/V Beauty Bay?
During the summers of my high school years I worked in the orchards
during cherry harvest. One of my co-workers was a commercial fishermen
who always wore a Bering Sea hat. I was very curious about fishing and
Alaska, I asked him to introduce me to the vessel captain/owner of the boat.
I flew to Dutch Harbor on August 8th, 2006 to begin my first fishing season
at 18 years old, and never looked back.
What types of training or education were required?
I took the initiative to enroll in maritime training courses, including advanced
marine fire safety, remote medical response, vessel damage control, cold
water survival and deck safety. While at sea, you depend on your captain
and crew every day of the fishing season. Basic problem solving and strong
teamwork are key to a successful fishing operation.
What is your favorite part of your job?
My job has allowed me to explore my limits, both physically and mentally.
Between the elements and the dangerousness of the job itself, I work in a
high-pressure environment. I feel greatly humbled by the ocean as well as
empowered by the immense amount of focus the Bering Sea requires of me.
How do you use science in your job
?
We use science constantly—for the refrigeration system, to maintain the
engines, for calculations in the logbooks, understanding weather systems,
tides, currents, and much more. Having basic knowledge of math and
science is crucial in understanding your surroundings and maintaining the
systems that keep the boat going.
How can young people get involved and understand the seafood industry?
Get outside and learn about nature and the outdoors. Eat fish, appreciate
fish and the ecosystem. Pay attention in math and science. Eat wild caught-
fish Alaska Cod and seafood!
PREMIUM LINE-CAUGHT ALASKAN COD
Our members harvest and freeze Alaskan cod on over 30 vessels in the Bering Sea and Aleutian
Islands (BSAI) and Gulf of Alaska. The BSAI freezer longline sector was the first cod fishery in
the world to be certified as sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council. Our vessels use
hook and line gear to harvest Alaskan cod one at a time, ensuring the highest quality seafood
and a minimal environmental impact.
• Alaska Cod is a sustainable and well-managed fishery
• Longline Fishing is Eco-Friendly
• Alaska Cod is high in protein, low in calories and delicio
• Alaska cod makes great fish ‘n chips and fish tacos too
SUSTAIN-
ABLE
LINE-
CAUGHT
ECO-
FRIENDLY
Alaskan Jobs
2,900
--
Labor Earnings
$69 million
--
AK Fish Taxes
$3.2 million
--
Vessels Annually
Spend millions in Alaskan shipyards
and vessel repair facilities.
Support Alaskan longshore labor,
harbor tugs, marine pilots and
numerous shoreside businesses.
Conduct ~500 port calls and cargo
offloads in Alaskan ports.
Purchase $45 million in fuel and
$1.7 million in provisions in Alaska.
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