April 18, 2026
Harbor Room, Best Western Kodiak Inn
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Saturday’s forum lineup features fisheries and legislative updates, followed by the Fishermen’s Showcase and Reception in the afternoon.
9:00 AM – 9:45 AM
Alaska Department of Fish & Game Update
Presenter: Commissioner Doug Vincent-Lang
Location: Harbor Room, Best Western Kodiak Inn
Alaska Department of Fish & Game update session.
Zoom Meeting Link: Join Session
Meeting ID: 818 7526 1201
Passcode: 154983
10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
State Senate Legislative Update
Presenter: Senator Gary Stevens
Location: Harbor Room, Best Western Kodiak Inn
State of Alaska legislative update from Senator Gary Stevens.
Zoom Meeting Link: Join Session
Meeting ID: 841 4738 2079
Passcode: 034960
11:00 AM – 11:45 AM
State House Legislative Update
Presenter: Representative Louise Stutes
Location: Harbor Room, Best Western Kodiak Inn
State of Alaska legislative update from Representative Louise Stutes.
Zoom Meeting Link: Join Session
Meeting ID: 818 3258 5105
Passcode: 830720
Fishermen’s Showcase & Reception
Saturday afternoon continues with a community-centered competition, reception, demonstrations, and family-friendly activities highlighting the skills and daily life of commercial fishermen.
12:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Fishermen’s Showcase and Reception
Hosted by: Alaska Sea Grant with support from Kodiak fishermen
Location: Fishermen’s Hall at the Harbormaster Building
Food & Drink: Available inside Fishermen’s Hall throughout the event
Competition starts at 12:30 PM. This friendly competition gives Kodiak fishermen a chance to demonstrate their expertise and compete for the honor of the most skilled fisherman.
Competitors complete five skills in timed heats of three contestants, and the best overall time takes the title. Skills include coiling, knot tying, hook throwing, rail tying, and survival suit donning. Prizes will be awarded to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners.
Pre-registration is encouraged. Sign up Here or in person at the Alaska Sea Grant Booth (#19) or show up at the Showcase. Participants are encouraged to sign up in groups of three to compete with crewmates or friends.
Demonstrations and skill stations run from 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM. Following the competition, guests can enjoy activities featuring the day and life of commercial fishermen. This is a kid-friendly session, with activities indoors and outdoors.
The event will also share information about statewide efforts to train crew and encourage apprenticeship programs to engage new entrants into commercial fishing.
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