Industries can be slow to change, but this year’s Pacific Marine Expo (PME) showcased how the commercial fishing industry as a whole is evolving. These changes saw an infusion of new technologies and developments that are impacting how fisheries can move forward. However, as Bri Dwyer mentioned in her summary of the event, the community has always been the anchor of the event as well as the entire commercial fishing industry.
Nowhere was that sense of community more prevalent than at the 2024 NF Highliner Ceremony, which celebrated a connection to the past and future of the entire industry. Leonard Leach, Al Pazar, Marty Scanlon, and Jason Delacruz were honored for their significant contributions to the commercial fishing industry, with each taking to the stage to reflect on how their efforts are connected to something much bigger. Read more about each of the Highliners here.
Debuting at PME, "Graveyard” immerses viewers in a world where the spirit of the Wild West endures, revealing the challenges faced by fishermen. The film details what it looks like when over 120 fishermen from all walks of life venture to an abandoned 1920s cannery on Alaska’s rugged shores to harvest wild sockeye salmon. Learn more about the film here.
Regarding new innovations, Kongsberg Discovery unveiled their FS80 trawl sonar at PME. The addition builds upon the company’s established SIMRAD product line, which includes sonars, echo sounders, and gear monitoring systems. The Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation (AFDF) highlighted the most innovative products of 2024 featuring seafood from Alaska. The State of the Blue not only provided attendees with a look at various innovative initiatives but also featured a keynote from Gov. Jay Inslee, who highlighted the momentum for green technologies in the Pacific Northwest.
The current state of Alaska fisheries was explored as part of a panel discussion, but larger topics like the need for diversification in international markets as well as efforts related to sustainability and certification were also discussed in detail. Such larger issues took prominence for students that got a chance to explore various career opportunities in the commercial marine industry.
This collection of people, developments and updates is just a brief look at all of the happenings that took place at Pacific Marine Expo 2024. A sense of community could be seen and felt across the entire show floor, further showcasing the sensibilities that will drive additional connections at the event and beyond in the sort and long term.
