For generations, Alaska’s Indigenous communities have relied on commercial fishing as both a livelihood and a cultural cornerstone. But decades-old federal policies restricting access to fisheries have left Native-owned fleets struggling to stay afloat.
Now, Indigenous advocates and tribal leaders are calling for changes that would restore opportunities for Native fishermen. According to a recent report from KTOO, the federal Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) system and other limited-entry programs implemented in the 1990s had devastating effects on many Indigenous fishing communities. While designed to stabilize the industry, these systems made it increasingly difficult for younger Native fishermen to enter the trade, ultimately diminishing the presence of Native-owned vessels in Alaska’s commercial fisheries.
In Angoon, Alaska, the harbor used to be packed with small, owner-operated fishing vessels, but it’s no longer the same. The Mayor, Peter Duncan, told KTOO, “You just don’t find a troller in our harbors anymore.” Angoon is the only permanent settlement on Admiralty Island and is located on the southwest coast of Kootznahoo Inlet. It can be accessed by boat, plane or a ferry system that runs twice a day. The town is 78 nautical miles southwest of Juneau and 67 nautical miles northeast of Stika. Angoon is known for its large brown bear population and has always been known as a Tlingit village (a traditional settlement of Tlingit people) with a commercial fishing and subsistence lifestyle.
“We don’t just have the same access anymore,” Ruth K’aanak, a fisherman and advocate, told KTOO. “My grandfather fished these waters, my dad did, and now we’re struggling to even get a foothold.”
The challenges extend beyond access to quotes. Many Native fishermen have faced financial barriers, with permits and quotes becoming prohibitively expensive over time. Without opportunities to build generational wealth in the industry, younger Indigenous fishermen often leave the trade entirely.
Organizations such as the Alaska Native Fishing Rights Coalition are now pushing for policy reforms. Some proposed changes include modifying the IFQ system to prioritize Indigenous communities and increasing support for Native-owned fishing businesses.
Despite the hurdles, advocates remain hopeful. As Indigenous leaders continue to push for legislative changes, they emphasize that restoring Native participation in commercial fishing isn’t just about economic opportunity, it’s about preserving a way of life.
