Written Contracts for Fish Sales between Fishermen and Buyers
Written Contracts for Fish Sales between Fishermen and Buyers
The Issue
Fishermen have been lowballed again this season with 50 cents/lb base price. This is the world's biggest and best managed sockeye salmon fishery, but at base prices of less than $1/lb it is financially unsustainable, particularly given the increase in costs associated with all of the quality upgrades and equipment made to our boats over the last 10-15 years.
It is time for fishermen - who running their independent businesses - to come together and agree that we will not sell our catch to any processor or buyer without at written contract signed well in advance of the coming season.
The terms of the contract can be standardized for all to use, but this petition is to ask each fishermen to stand up and agree that they want and will require the use of a written contract that is based on a percentage of the sales value from all the product forms that are sold from the fish that they catch and deliver. The cod fishermen were treated with this same respect this year, and we deserve the same.
It is simple: Each year, between Jan and Feb, fishermen will independently go to the company of their choice, and ask if the processor is interested in buyer fish for the next season on the basis of the standardized agreement. Fishermen ar free to negotiate the final terms and details of the written agreement, i.e., shipping of goods, tender services, etc..., but they agree to sell of their upcoming season's catch to a particular process for the percentage of sales value that is based on historical precedent and minimal levels to maintain financial sustainability and stability. Preferably each contract utilized will be based on a standardized contract developed this off season/winter with the help of the BBRSDA, BBFA or other organizations, INCLUDING input from our valued partners and processers, to provide input and legal review.
This is a petition to organize Bristol Bay fishers to conduct business in a more acceptable manner, verses the status quo, "open ticket", here is my tip jar, method that is from ancient times.
It is time to stand up for your family and your business, please sign the petition, include your permit number or boat number, and/or contact information. Be prepared to participate and provide your input in the creation of standardized contract
The Issue
Fishermen have been lowballed again this season with 50 cents/lb base price. This is the world's biggest and best managed sockeye salmon fishery, but at base prices of less than $1/lb it is financially unsustainable, particularly given the increase in costs associated with all of the quality upgrades and equipment made to our boats over the last 10-15 years.
It is time for fishermen - who running their independent businesses - to come together and agree that we will not sell our catch to any processor or buyer without at written contract signed well in advance of the coming season.
The terms of the contract can be standardized for all to use, but this petition is to ask each fishermen to stand up and agree that they want and will require the use of a written contract that is based on a percentage of the sales value from all the product forms that are sold from the fish that they catch and deliver. The cod fishermen were treated with this same respect this year, and we deserve the same.
It is simple: Each year, between Jan and Feb, fishermen will independently go to the company of their choice, and ask if the processor is interested in buyer fish for the next season on the basis of the standardized agreement. Fishermen ar free to negotiate the final terms and details of the written agreement, i.e., shipping of goods, tender services, etc..., but they agree to sell of their upcoming season's catch to a particular process for the percentage of sales value that is based on historical precedent and minimal levels to maintain financial sustainability and stability. Preferably each contract utilized will be based on a standardized contract developed this off season/winter with the help of the BBRSDA, BBFA or other organizations, INCLUDING input from our valued partners and processers, to provide input and legal review.
This is a petition to organize Bristol Bay fishers to conduct business in a more acceptable manner, verses the status quo, "open ticket", here is my tip jar, method that is from ancient times.
It is time to stand up for your family and your business, please sign the petition, include your permit number or boat number, and/or contact information. Be prepared to participate and provide your input in the creation of standardized contract
Petition Closed
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Petition created on July 18, 2023