Kodiak's First-Ever Groundfish Parade and Festival -- Open to All

KODIAK, AK--(Marketwired - Jun 10, 2016) -

WHAT:
KODIAK'S FIRST-EVER GROUNDFISH PARADE & FESTIVAL
A Celebration of Kodiak's Groundfish Industry & Community
Free Food, Door Prizes, and Games such as Go Fish, Pie Toss
Proceeds from the pie toss and photo booth to benefit the Brother Francis Shelter-Kodiak

WHO:
OPEN TO ALL!
Bring your family and friends 
Sponsored by Alaska Whitefish Trawlers Association and Alaska Groundfish Data Bank

WHERE:
Oscar's Dock on the Spit

WHEN:
Saturday, June 11, 2016
Parade starts at 4:30 PM; festival takes place from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM

WHY:
Without our trawl industry, Kodiak would not be the strong community it is today. With the future of the GOA trawl industry at stake during the June North Pacific Fishery Management Council (NPFMC) and beyond, a group of fishing and processing companies and community organizations has come together to call attention to the importance of the groundfish industry to Kodiak and the entire Gulf of Alaska.

Background: Of all the seafood caught in federal waters off Alaska -- including Pacific cod, pollock, flatfish, and rockfish -- nearly 90 percent is caught using trawl gear. These fisheries support coastal communities such as Kodiak, King Cove, and Sand Point. More importantly, they make it possible for processing plants to operate year-round.

In addition, the groundfish industry -- including fishermen and processors -- pays nearly $139 million yearly in taxes, fees, and self-assessments into state and local coffers each year, supporting local infrastructure, as well as roads and better schools.

Organizers expect the GROUNDFISH PARADE & FESTIVAL to attract well over 1,500 participants -- all eager to show their support for Kodiak's working waterfront, its groundfish industry and trawl fleet, and ultimately to highlight what's at stake in the Council process.

FOR THE NEWS MEDIA: Groundfish trawler and processor representatives will be on hand to answer your questions. With a festive parade and great food being offered for free, this will be a photo opportunity for both print and broadcast outlets.