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By daybreak
Published: July 14, 2009
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The On the Water exhibition at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History includes a four-foot long cutaway model of the largest U.S. fishing vessel, the C/P Alaska Ocean. The Alaska Ocean is a 376-foot long U.S.-flag catcher/processor vessel that participates in the Bering Sea Alaska pollock fishery and the west coast Pacific whiting fishery.
The cutaway model, built to the specifications of the Smithsonian, was funded by the At-sea Processors Association (APA). It provides a spectacular cross-section view of the vessel’s wheelhouse, factory decks, crew staterooms, galley and cold storage hold. A short video
produced by the History Channel of the vessel’s fishing and processing operations and actual equipment used onboard the vessel complements the model display.
Glacier Fish Co., which is owned in part by the Norton Sound Economic Development Corporation—formed by 15 western Alaska coastal communities—operates the Alaska Ocean, which is home-ported in Seattle, Washington. Glacier Fish Co. president John Bundy said, "It is
a tremendous honor to have a model of the Alaska Ocean on display in the Smithsonian. This is a great opportunity for millions of visitors to learn about the wholesome and nutritious fish products we provide and our commitment to harvesting fish in the most environmentally sound
manner possible."
The Alaska Ocean employs mid-water trawl fishing gear that minimizes fishing impacts on the ocean environment to harvest its catch. The landed fish are then processed onboard into whitefish fillet products used in fish sandwiches, fish sticks and fish tacos. Another primary product is surimi seafood, a minced whitefish product. The state-of-the-art catcher/processor vessel is also equipped to make fish meal from inedible portions of the fish and to produce fish oil to create heat and power, reducing the vessel’s use of fossil fuel. The vessel carries a crew of 125 men and women, including licensed officers and engineers, deck crew and processors, galley workers and stewards. The model, rich in detail, captures many of the unique features of at-sea fish processing technology.
APA’s executive director, Stephanie Madsen, said, "The association is delighted to make this donation to the Smithsonian. The craftsmanship is exceptional, and we hope visitors to the National Museum of American History will enjoy this vessel model for many years to come."
The ship model was built by Erik A.R. Ronnberg, Jr., who is affiliated with the American Marine Model Gallery in Gloucester, Massachusetts.
To learn more about the Alaska pollock fishery and the U.S.-flag catcher/processor fleet, visit APA’s website at www.atsea.org.
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Published: July 14, 2009
Print
EmailThe On the Water exhibition at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History includes a four-foot long cutaway model of the largest U.S. fishing vessel, the C/P Alaska Ocean. The Alaska Ocean is a 376-foot long U.S.-flag catcher/processor vessel that participates in the Bering Sea Alaska pollock fishery and the west coast Pacific whiting fishery.
The cutaway model, built to the specifications of the Smithsonian, was funded by the At-sea Processors Association (APA). It provides a spectacular cross-section view of the vessel’s wheelhouse, factory decks, crew staterooms, galley and cold storage hold. A short video
produced by the History Channel of the vessel’s fishing and processing operations and actual equipment used onboard the vessel complements the model display.
Glacier Fish Co., which is owned in part by the Norton Sound Economic Development Corporation—formed by 15 western Alaska coastal communities—operates the Alaska Ocean, which is home-ported in Seattle, Washington. Glacier Fish Co. president John Bundy said, "It is
a tremendous honor to have a model of the Alaska Ocean on display in the Smithsonian. This is a great opportunity for millions of visitors to learn about the wholesome and nutritious fish products we provide and our commitment to harvesting fish in the most environmentally sound
manner possible."
The Alaska Ocean employs mid-water trawl fishing gear that minimizes fishing impacts on the ocean environment to harvest its catch. The landed fish are then processed onboard into whitefish fillet products used in fish sandwiches, fish sticks and fish tacos. Another primary product is surimi seafood, a minced whitefish product. The state-of-the-art catcher/processor vessel is also equipped to make fish meal from inedible portions of the fish and to produce fish oil to create heat and power, reducing the vessel’s use of fossil fuel. The vessel carries a crew of 125 men and women, including licensed officers and engineers, deck crew and processors, galley workers and stewards. The model, rich in detail, captures many of the unique features of at-sea fish processing technology.
APA’s executive director, Stephanie Madsen, said, "The association is delighted to make this donation to the Smithsonian. The craftsmanship is exceptional, and we hope visitors to the National Museum of American History will enjoy this vessel model for many years to come."
The ship model was built by Erik A.R. Ronnberg, Jr., who is affiliated with the American Marine Model Gallery in Gloucester, Massachusetts.
To learn more about the Alaska pollock fishery and the U.S.-flag catcher/processor fleet, visit APA’s website at www.atsea.org.
Submit Article