ComFish Alaska, the seafood industry’s annual forum and trade show, opened in Kodiak, Alaska, on Thursday, March 28. The event features three days of networking and forums on issues ranging from legal challenges and safety to energy audits, vessel upgrades and fish politics.

Thursday’s agenda included presentations by the US Coast Guard and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, in addition to forums on legal challenges and business investment, and a legislative update on fisheries issues from Rep. Louise Stutes, R-Kodiak.

On Friday, forums focused on global markets for Alaska’s wild seafood and the value of that seafood on domestic and foreign markets, as well as creative solutions to recycling tons of retired fishnet, and an update on the proposed Pebble Mine near the Bristol Bay watershed in Southwest Alaska.

The event also includes activities showcasing the abundant varieties of fish harvested in the Kodiak area and the skills of both processors and harvesters. A fish toss competition will determine which team of processor workers can throw and catch different species the farthest. Fishermen will compete in coiling, knot tying, hook throwing, rail tie/hitch and donning survival suits.

Several dozen vendors will be on hand at the ComFish Trade show, offering services and new products, including Trident Seafoods, which hosts an annual tasting of its latest seafood products.

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