Pacific Marine Expo is still affectionately called Fish Expo, or simply Expo. This year, we’ll meet again at Seattle’s CenturyLink Field Event Center from Thursday, Nov. 21 through Saturday, Nov. 23.

Year after year, our show team puts together a robust conference program and special events roster that aims to educate and inspire — all for the low cost of zero dollars.

This year, as the prospect of Pebble Mine looms as close as it ever has over the headwaters of Bristol Bay, we’ll convene a special keynote panel that brings together voices from across the industry and affected communities.

Included here are highlights from the show conference program and special events. Visit pacificmarineexpo.com for full listings.

KEYNOTE PANEL: PEBBLE MINE
Thursday \ Nov. 21
1:30 – 2:30 p.m. \ Main Stage

Pebble Mine: Shaky science and lack of information are driving the changing attitude toward the proposed mine at the headwaters of Alaska’s Bristol Bay. This panel will dive deeper into the U.S. Army Corps’ Draft Environmental Impact Statement, examine the lack of science used to draft the statement, review the potential effects on the environment and the salmon industry, and offer a range of voices from the community.

Event highlights for Pacific Marine Expo 2019, Nov. 21-23.

PORT OF SEATTLE: ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Thursday \ Nov. 21 
11 – 11:45 a.m. \ Main Stage

This session will provide details and insight to the Port Of Seattle’s Maritime Capital Improvement Plan. It is the biggest capital plan the port has put forward in a generation and includes about $640 million worth of projects that will benefit commercial fishing and seafood, maritime cargo, the tug & barge industry, and our cruise business. The presentation will prioritize and emphasize the investment related to commercial fishing and seafood.

COAST GUARD UPDATE: FISHING VESSEL SAFETY
Thursday \ Nov. 21
11 – 11:45 a.m. \ Fisherman’s Lounge

Safety and equipment requirements for commercial fishing vessels are changing dramatically. Congress mandated comprehensive changes. There are new requirements for the way vessels are built in effect now and standards are being developed that will require specific training for fishing vessel masters. Additionally, Alternate Safety Compliance Programs for older vessels were mandated.

ARRESTED AND SEIZED: KNOW YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS
Friday \ Nov. 22
11 - 11:45 a.m. \ Main Stage

This session will discuss details of the US Federal Court procedures for arrest of vessels including what it is, who can use it, who it affects, how to avoid it, and what to do if it happens. The session will be of interest to everyone who owns, operates, crews on, or supplies goods or service to fishing vessels.

ALASKA SEAFOOD MARKETING INSTITUTE: INDUSTRY UPDATE
Friday \ Nov. 22
12:45 - 1:30 p.m. \ Main Stage

The Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute and McDowell Group have teamed up to provide an update on the Alaska seafood Industry. Learn about where your catch is going, the value at home and abroad, and how global economics create challenges and opportunities for Alaska seafood. Economic impacts of the industry will also be presented.

SYMPHONY OF SEAFOOD: SEATTLE WINNERS ANNOUNCED
Friday \ Nov. 22
2:45 – 3:15 p.m. \ Main Stage

Product development is critically important to the entire Alaska seafood industry. Innovative new products position the industry to remain competitive and relevant to consumers. Given this premise, the Alaska Symphony of Seafood is an annual competition for new commercial-ready products made from Alaska seafood. Find out who will win the Seattle People’s Choice award.

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Jessica Hathaway is a Fisheries and Seafood Senior Consultant for Ocean Strategies and is a former editor of National Fisherman.

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