Brannon Finney
Boat Captain
About
Brannon Finney, a professional fisherman headquartered in Petersburg, Alaska, is in control of a fleet of boats. Finney has been fishing on the eastern waters of the Kenai Peninsula for over 20 years, capturing some of the tastiest seafood in the world. As part of her interesting profession in the Prince William Sound, she gets to visit a number of lovely cities, including Valdez, Cordova, Ketchikan, Juneau, Sitka, Whittier, Tatitlek, and Chenega.
When she isn't out on the sea harvesting or in port maintaining and preparing her yacht, Alaskan Girl, for its next excursion, she enjoys taking in the area's amazing natural beauty. She may be seen shooting selfies wherever the action takes her, whether she's surfing on a glacier, rock climbing, kayaking, or just meandering through one of the region's many great natural preservation zones.
Brannon Finney and her all-female crew begin the various duties necessary to run a commercial fishing boat in Alaska safely and successfully this morning in Prince William Sound. When all of the crew members are female, having a female boat captain in the whole fleet is even more unique.
According to Brannon Finney, it is no longer a secret that women are equally capable as males. Working and living aboard a commercial fishing boat, on the other hand, is a difficult endeavor! The great majority of the females I've talked with are uninterested in what I do or how I live. However, for someone like me, there are no other options. I've been catching fish in this region for the last two decades. This is all I know.
Brannon Finney began his career as a crew member on fishing boats in his early years. She believes she first learned to swim when she was around four years old. It's still exciting to walk on the beach for the first time after spending days in the water. It's not unusual for your legs to do unexpected things, such as take steps you didn't want to do. It's all about recovering mental equilibrium and a feeling of grounding.
The weather at Prince William Sound may change in a couple of minutes. Wind speeds may rapidly increase from zero to fifty miles per hour in 10 minutes. In such oceans, you must concentrate on what is directly in front of you. Commercial fishing is one of the most hazardous vocations in the world in Alaska. Maintain vigilance at all times and make sure your safety equipment is in good working order. Tragic events occur much too often in our neighborhood.
The quality of her vessel care is closely tied to the safety of her crew and the sustainability of her enterprise. According to Brannon Finney, commercial fishing boats have numerous systems and components that must be maintained consistently and carefully.
Brannon Finney goes on to explain, "Take, for example, the hull." On a regular basis, look for cracks and leaks, strained areas, rust in through holes, and stringer abnormalities. Aside from the 93-ton gross weight, you'll need to take the 93-ton vessel from the water, remove any barnacles and rust, prime all exposed portions, wash it with a pH-balanced detergent, and finish with a government-compliant wax and paint.
You must also maintain the boat's electrical, fuel, and mechanical systems, as well as its heating and waterproofing systems, according to Brannon Finney's description. Being an Alaskan commercial fisherman is more than just a job; it's a way of life that takes up all of your time during peak season.
On a chilly and windy June day, Brannon Finney is riding Alaskan Girl through the Wrangle Narrows' northernmost 22-mile canal. After another long harvesting expedition, she and her crew are looking forward to spending time with their family and friends.
According to Brannon Finney, Petersburg is a fishing town that suffers the weight of a weakening fishing industry. I don't think there is a single family in Petersburg that isn't in some way tied to the fishing industry. If the fishing business collapses, the community will perish.
When Brannon Finney sees the craggy snowcapped peaks of Devils Thumb across Frederick Sound, she knows she's getting near to home. When the shabby boats, fishing boats, piers, and bright Norwegian houses appear, she feels a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. For these Alaskan Girls, there is no place like home.
Turning the Tide - Five Steps to Ensure the Survival of the Trident Seafood Industry
According to Brannon Finney, for four years, Alaska has been concerned about the graying of its fishing fleet. The Turning the Tide study makes recommendations for reversing these pernicious tendencies. Additionally, the research recommends five strategies to assist rural populations in rediscovering their fishing tradition and resuming their careers. This was the stated objective of the recent Young Fishermen's Summit. The task team will meet in the coming weeks to review the report and its suggestions.
While the skiffman is responsible for keeping the net clear of other boats, the captain may signal him for assistance. Another method of transporting fish onboard a boat is via training. While this strategy is still used in select areas of Alaska, the majority of fishing boats depend on bites. In other words, this technique requires more work than fishing. As a result, it is critical for stiffen to be aware of all of these concerns.
Later this month, the new modifications will take effect. These modifications necessitate the installation of life rafts on small fishing vessels. Additionally, the new restrictions compel such vessels to go three miles offshore. This will result in the creation of employment for a large number of Alaskans. Additionally, it will assist the sector in attaining its aim of food production. This eliminates the need to keep up with a sluggish economy. Increased participation of young people in the fishing sector benefits both the state and the country.
Brannon Finney believes that, the study calls on the state to alleviate the financial load on newly licensed commercial fisherman. The researchers conducted interviews with middle and high school students in Kodiak and Bristol Bay to learn about the barriers they encounter. Regardless of the obstacles, it is clear that the state's fishing business need more accessibility and affordability. Additionally, it is critical to keep in mind that the state is experiencing a demographic crisis. The fishing fleet's present graying should not be permitted to continue.
Additionally, the researchers interviewed young Alaskans and surveyed their parents to ascertain the difficulties experienced by their fishing families. They questioned participants on social characteristics, upward mobility, and educational aspirations. Additionally, they enquired about the issues confronting each neighborhood and area. According to the report, societal barriers deter young fisherman from joining the sector. Many households cannot afford fishing equipment, and their children sometimes lack the time necessary to fish.
The sustainability of Alaska's fishing fleet has been a focus for the state government. The state's commercial fishing fleet caught more than six billion pounds of seafood in 2015, the greatest catch in the state's history. While the fish sector provides substantial cash, it also supports millions of other employment in the coastal region. Additionally, the economy is reliant on the activity of commercial fisherman. As a consequence, the fish sector has a substantial economic influence in Alaska.
In Brannon Finney opinion, alaska has a sizable fishing fleet. If the whole fleet were lined up from bow to stern, it would span roughly 71 miles. It is believed that the whole state's fishing sector processes enough seafood to feed every American for a month. The Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute estimates that the state's commercial fishing industry earns more than three billion dollars each year. Exports account for two-thirds of this value, while the remaining three-fourths of this value is destined for US markets.
The graying of the fleet is a big worry for Alaska. A significant portion of the fleet is over 50 years old, and the fleet's graying is anticipated to have a detrimental effect on the state's economy. Additionally, many elderly Alaskan fisherman are less likely to have access to fishing supplies offered in other states. The fleet's graying is a big problem for the state and its coastal villages, as well as for the state of Alaska.
Alaska's economy is dominated by the commercial fishing sector. The commercial fishing fleet of the state totals roughly 8,000 boats and employs 62,200 people. The majority of these boats are between 23 and 49 feet in length. They would span the whole state from bow to stern, covering a distance of 63 miles. And this is only the tip of the iceberg: the nation's commercial fishing industry as a whole is flourishing.