Alaska's seafood industry: evolving and advancing: Alaska exported 846,312 metric tons of seafood to countries around the world, accounting for $2.2 million in 2004.

• Author: Coppola, Doreen R.
• Position: Fishing - Markets

Marketing Alaska seafood products has never been easier. In January, the U.S. Department of Agriculture altered the dietary guidelines on the time-honored food pyramid and for the first time specifically, recommended two servings of seafood per week. This recommendation, combined with the connotation of Alaska as being a pure place that encompasses nature, wide open spaces, big mountains, wildlife and hardy fishing families, enhances the trust in Alaska's wild-caught fish from people all across the world.

Alaska commercial fishing market has many things going for it. For one, its fish stocks are very well managed. Despite fluctuating ocean conditions and weather changes, businesses across the world know they can rely on Alaska season after season and year after year to deliver fish with excellent quality, color and texture. This sustainability drives profits. Businesses want to be able to plan ahead and incorporate items that will continue to offer them the chance to make a profit.

A MODERN TOUCH

In addition, advancing technology, in Alaska has helped fisheries become more efficient in the production, processing and distribution sectors. A larger volume offish can now be caught at lower costs with innovations such as Global Positioning Systems, gear-monitoring sensors and fish-location equipment.

The modern touch of technology also has helped create fusion between fish and other tasty ingredients, which launched hybrid dishes such as smoked salmon chili cheese steaks, pepperoni made of salmon, and salmon burgers. Technology also has aided in delivering fish products from Alaska in resealable pouches (that are sometimes found inserted into cans), new methods of cooking (such as cooking fish frozen rather than thawing first to save time), and new marketing campaigns that make fish appealing to children (such as teaming up with Disney for promotion). Technology also has made it possible to create ever-popular boneless-skinless products.

"A lot of products have come to a new day in the sun. Technology has made it possible to provide a high-quality product, not just with onboard processing, but also in the plants," said Laura Fleming, public relations director at the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute. "The whole idea is to retain the inherent flavor and texture characteristics of our wild-caught fish."

THE EXPORT PICTURE

Most of Alaska's fish is exported to other countries. According to data supplied by the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute, Alaska exported 846,312...