A Village Fish Processing Plant: Yes or No?

Abstract

People in many Alaska villages are interested in starting fish processing plants. A fish processing plant can provide markets for fishermen, processing jobs and income for village residents, and many other benefits. But starting and operating a village fish processing plant is not easy, and fish processing plants may not work in every village. This handbook is to help you get started in planning a fish processing plant in your village. It can help you think clearly about whether or not you should start a fish processing plant. It provides step-by-step advice about questions you need to ask and decisions you need to make. As part of this handbook, we have included case studies of experiences some western Alaska villages have had with fish processing plants. These may give you ideas of things to do–and things to avoid–when you are thinking about a fish processing plant for your village.