Background
The members of NSEDC communities have historically depended on fishing for both income and subsistence. The two fisheries that have traditionally supported our residents have been salmon and herring. However, the impact that these two fisheries now have to the economy and subsistence are quite minimal. The status of salmon stocks is quite dismal (see the Salmon Rehabilitation Division page), and while abundant salmon populations would be great for subsistence, the market for wild salmon is at rock bottom in today's world. The herring stocks, while abundant, also can no longer provide much income for residents. Years ago when the market provided hundreds and even into the thousands of dollars for a ton of herring, it was a booming springtime industry for Norton Sound residents. Now that paying $150 for a ton of herring is stretching things, it can be difficult to even pay for gas and equipment much less making a living as a herring fisherman. In most cases, it is only a love for the fishing lifestyle that keeps this fishery going.

The severe restrictions in these two fisheries illustrate the need for further exploration of fishery possibilities in the Norton Sound. Two more recent fisheries that have emerged have added a large component to the fishery economy, Norton Sound red king crab and halibut. The Fisheries Development Division is tasked with the expansion of these fisheries through tagging studies for crab and surveys for halibut, as well as attempts to seek out additional fisheries where possible.

Projects
There have been a few projects to come out of the Fisheries Development Division thus far, and more to come. The most recent project is the red king crab tagging project, designed to augment the Alaska Department of Fish and Game's (ADF&G) crab tagging study. While ADF&G is able to deploy tags mainly in the Nome subdistrict, NSEDC was able to provide tagging crews in other areas in the Norton Sound, such as Stebbins, Unalakleet, Shaktoolik, and Elim. Another crab survey occurred outside of Wales, where they fish for blue king crab. In 2002, the groundwork was laid for conducting a halibut survey, in an effort to more fully understand the distribution of these flatfish as current data is sparse.

Future Plans
The future of the Fishery Development Division is promising, as there appears to be a number of fisheries that are worth pursuing. During the Triennial Norton Sound Red King Crab Trawl Survey several species of shrimp, a few of which have known commercial value, were harvested. Additionally, there is interest coming from the region to participate in whitefish fisheries both marine and freshwater. Another fishery likely to be pursued in the near future is for blue king crab, which can be taken in Diomede, off of St. Lawrence Island, and possibly out of Wales. With the new seafood plant located in Nome putting local product through it at an amazing rate, the market appears to be strong for new fisheries and any projects that can add to the economy in the region will be money well spent.