Prowler Fisheries LLC announced last week that it has reached a combined management agreement with Seattle-based Blue North Fisheries.

The combining of management resources is expected to streamline efficiencies and help optimize day-to-day operations for both companies.

Bering Prowler is one of Prowler Fisheries' five hook-and-line catcher processors that will now be managed by Blue North. Prowler Fisheries photo“Blue North and Prowler are broadly recognized as industry leaders in the harvesting and production of Frozen at Sea Alaska Line Caught Cod,” said Larry Cotter, Prowler Fisheries LLC’s managing partner and APICDA CEO. “Our agreement will enhance both companies’ strength and market agility. We believe the benefits will be far-reaching: vessel crews will see a continued focus on quality and efficiency, an increased presence in Dutch Harbor Alaska and great support from the Seattle Blue North team. Further, the agreement allows efficiencies to be shared by Blue North and Prowler in everything from insurance, fuel and groceries to repairs, compliance and documentation.”

Under the agreement, Blue North Fisheries will manage Prowler Fisheries’ five hook-and-line catcher processors currently operating in the Bering Sea, Aleutian Islands and Gulf of Alaska. These vessels include the F/V Arctic Prowler, F/V Prowler, F/V Ocean Prowler, F/V Bering Prowler and F/V Gulf Prowler. Blue North Trading, a fully-owned subsidiary of Blue North will market and sell all of the frozen-at-sea products produced by the Prowler vessels starting B Season 2016.

Prowler Fisheries will also close its Seattle office of Alaska Longline Company, the operation that currently manages its Prowler vessels. Many of the current Alaska Longline Company employees will be retained by Blue North. Cotter will remain the managing partner of Prowler Fisheries and will continue to bring his experience and oversight to the new management group.

“This relationship represents a big step in operational innovation in our industry. As seafood continues to grow in popularity, so too does our responsibility to identify, and implement, process improvements when and where we can,” said Kenny Down, President and CEO of Blue North. “This agreement allows for the autonomy of each group while combining management under one roof in a strong structure – stronger than could ever be accomplished separately. These gained efficiencies benefit ship’s crew, office staff and principals alike.”