School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences

MEDIA ADVISORY
December 10, 2003

National Geographic Photographers Featured in Sea Grant Book on Fishing Industry

FAIRBANKS, Alaska—Alaska's vast and pristine ocean waters yield more than half of the nation's annual seafood harvest. In 2001, Alaska seafood generated $4.6 billion in U.S. sales. Next to oil extraction, it's Alaska's second most valuable private industry and employs some 37,000 people in the state. For thousands of Alaskans, it is more than an economic enterprise; it is precious heritage and a way of life. And for the UAF School of Fisheries and Ocean Sciences (SFOS), it is one of the primary constituencies served through research, education, and outreach.

To educate the public about this fascinating and colorful industry, the Alaska Sea Grant College Program has published a color-illustrated, 200-page book, titled Ocean Treasure: Commercial Fishing in Alaska. The book was authored primarily by SFOS faculty member and Marine Advisory agent, Terry Johnson, and was conceived and compiled by Sea Grant communications manager/editor, Kurt Byers. Byers and SFOS personnel Dolly Garza, Ray RaLonde, Doug Schneider, Paula Cullenberg, and Evelyn Brown helped write sections. Several other SFOS faculty and staff helped review and edit parts of the book.

The richly illustrated publication provides a comprehensive overview of the industry, including its evolution, management, environmental challenges, gear and harvest techniques, the fish and invertebrates that are harvested, shellfish farming and salmon ranching, seafood processing and marketing, and Native subsistence use.

The easy-to-read text is accompanied by outstanding color drawings and photographs of the primary fishing vessels types seen in Alaska and and the fish and invertebrates they harvest. The publication also contains an extensive glossary of terms.

A unique feature of the book is the many underwater photos of fish and invertebrates which show the animals alive in their natural habitats. Information on the life histories of the animals also is included. Many of the underwater photos were shot by UAF and NOAA scientists conducting undersea research from submersibles and via scuba. Photos were contributed by SFOS personnel Steve Jewett, Brenda Konar, Evelyn Brown, Kurt Byers, Doug Schneider, Dolly Garza, Don Kramer, Deborah Mercy, Kate Wynne, and Bill Smoker.

In addition, photos by National Geographic photographers Natalie Fobes, Karen Ducey, and Fred Hirschmann are included, along with photos by other prominent professional photographers.

Ocean Treasure: Commercial Fishing in Alaska, is available for $25.00 (plus shipping if applicable) from Alaska Sea Grant. In Fairbanks, call 474-6707, or long distance toll-free, 1-888-789-0090. The books also are available at the Sea Grant office, 207 O'Neill Building, West Ridge, University of Alaska Fairbanks. Visit http://www.uaf.edu/seagrant/Pubs_Videos/pubs/SG-ED-41.html to view sample pages of the book cover and to order the book online.