United Catcher Boats (UCB) is a non-profit trade association representing trawl catcher vessel companies participating primarily in the Eastern Bering Sea Alaska pollock fishery, the Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands Pacific cod fishery, and the Pacific whiting (hake) fishery. Based in Seattle, Washington, UCB’s members are located across Alaska, Washington, and Oregon.
Founded in 1993, UCB was formed to give a unified voice to the catcher vessel fleet and to support sustainable, science-based fisheries management. The association has been a leader in advancing accountability and conservation in the North Pacific, including helping implement 100% observer coverage and pioneering bycatch reduction efforts.
UCB actively supports cooperative research, bycatch avoidance programs, and gear innovations that reduce salmon and other non-target species bycatch. The group works closely with NOAA Fisheries, the North Pacific Fishery Management Council, and other partners to ensure the long-term health of marine ecosystems and fishing communities.
Founded in 1993, UCB was formed to give a unified voice to the catcher vessel fleet and to support sustainable, science-based fisheries management. The association has been a leader in advancing accountability and conservation in the North Pacific, including helping implement 100% observer coverage and pioneering bycatch reduction efforts.
UCB actively supports cooperative research, bycatch avoidance programs, and gear innovations that reduce salmon and other non-target species bycatch. The group works closely with NOAA Fisheries, the North Pacific Fishery Management Council, and other partners to ensure the long-term health of marine ecosystems and fishing communities.
MISSION STATEMENT
United Catcher Boats advocates for a thriving, sustainable future for U.S. trawl catcher vessels operating in the Bering Sea, Gulf of Alaska, and along the Pacific Coast. We empower our members—American-owned fishing companies and crews—by promoting science-based fisheries management, advancing innovation in gear and practices, and ensuring their voices are heard in regulatory, political, and public arenas. We champion responsible harvests that protect marine ecosystems, support coastal communities, and contribute to a reliable, nutritious global food supply.
VISION STATEMENT
To be the voice of a resilient and respected trawl fleet that leads the world in sustainable fishing, environmental stewardship, and community impact—feeding the globe while preserving the ocean for future generations.
OFFICERS
President
Nate Stone The Fury Group |
Vice President
James Mize Golden Alaska |
Secretary
Anne Vanderhoeven Arctic Storm |
Treasurer
Elizabeth Reed Westward Fishing Company |
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Dan Martin - Alaska Boat Company
Jerry Downing - B&N Fisheries
Hunter Berns - Bering North, LLC
John Henderschedt - F/V Morning Star
Phil Powell - Global Seas
Chris Garbrick - Great West Seafoods
Gunnar Ildhuso, Jr. - Margun Enterprises, LLC
George Hall - Rondy's, Inc.
Fred Yeck - SEADAWN, LLC
Christian Asay - Trident Seafoods
Marcus Alden - Westward Fishing Company
Jerry Downing - B&N Fisheries
Hunter Berns - Bering North, LLC
John Henderschedt - F/V Morning Star
Phil Powell - Global Seas
Chris Garbrick - Great West Seafoods
Gunnar Ildhuso, Jr. - Margun Enterprises, LLC
George Hall - Rondy's, Inc.
Fred Yeck - SEADAWN, LLC
Christian Asay - Trident Seafoods
Marcus Alden - Westward Fishing Company
ALTERNATES AT LARGE
Erik Peterson - Aleutian Spray Fisheries, Inc.
Tim King - Great West Seafoods
Tim King - Great West Seafoods
