Gear Innovation Initiative
Alaska pollock fishery operators are proud to support a comprehensive, multi-year research project led by the Alaska Pacific University (APU) FAST Lab to better understand pelagic trawl gear interaction with the seafloor habitat. Better known as the Gear Innovation Initiative (GII), this project represents an unprecedented level of collaboration between academic researchers and Alaska's entire pollock trawl fleet - bringing together fishermen, scientists, and gear experts to improve our shared understanding of gear impacts and identify opportunities for innovation.
A THREE-STAGE PROJECT
Already underway, the project uses applied research and empirical data to provide more accurate understanding of habitat disturbances by:
This initiative will improve assessments of pelagic trawl gear habitat disturbance to support fishery management decisions, and aid the fleet in refining their gear to achieve conservation gains as necessary.
A COLLABORATIVE RESEARCH PROJECT
“The Gear Innovation Initiative helps ensure that pollock fishing gear impact evaluations and resulting management policies are based on current, accurate and transparent gear information.”
Brad Harris, Ph.D.
Professor of Marine & Environmental Sciences FAST Lab Director, Alaska Pacific University
