KMXT 100.1 FM Public Radio in Kodiak, Alaska
Normally the Kodiak Convention Center is packed with people who come to check out the extravaganza of ComFish Alaska — huge marine engines on display, tanks filled with salmon to showcase the latest in research, and big crowds outside the center to watch the safety demonstrations along the waterfront.
But this year, there’s none of that. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, Alaska’s longest running fisheries and trade show has morphed into a virtual gathering with two days of webinars.
The first round of sessions begins on Thursday.
The Kodiak Chamber of Commerce organizes the event – and the theme this year is “Sea What Matters.”
Sarah Phillips, director of the chamber, says it was chosen well before the advent of the COVID-19. And what seems to matter most to fishermen right now, is, the impact of the pandemic on their industry.
“Without a doubt, every single one of these forums has a COVID component,” said Phillips. “COVID has touched every aspect of our commercial fishing industry.
Phillips says the webinars will have some of the usual ComFish fare – reports on marketing trends, new research and updates on state and federal policies. And although the gathering has been scaled down, Phillips says the need for information about how to cope with COVID-19, may draw a bigger audience.
“We have a whole new audience that we never would have reached in just our convention center,” Phillips said.
The chamber learned a lot about developing new audiences in August, when it turned its Crab Festival into a combination virtual and in-person event. Phillips said 44,000 people viewed the festival’s online offerings. Some were from all over the United States and many were people who never would have otherwise been exposed to the event.
The chamber is also continuing its efforts to schedule a debate between Sen. Dan Sullivan and his challenger, Al Gross, an independent candidate running with support from Democrats. Gross is a doctor and commercial fisherman.
The chamber debate stands out from other political forums, because it focuses exclusively on fishery issues.
Normally, the Crab Festival and ComFish Alaska are big moneymakers for the Kodiak Chamber — but Phillips says this year, due to the pandemic, they’ve taken on a purely public service role. But Phillips believes there may be some longterm benefits from developing more virtual capabilities.
You can watch the webinars on the ComFish website at ComFishAK-DOT-COM — or go to the ComFish Facebook page.
Thursday, September 17th
10 a.m. Federal Legislative Update
10:45 a.m.ASMI Update
11:30 a.m.Fish & Game Regional Update
2:30 p.m.Mariculture-How Do I Get Started?
3:15 p.m.Cooperative Research
Friday, September 18th
10 a.m. Alaska Unified Command Update
10:45 a.m. Update from the Office of the Governor & Alaska Dept. of Fish and Game.
2:00 p.m. State Update: Rep Louise Stutes & Senator Gary Stevens
2:45 p.m. A Comprehensive Look at Nonfatal Injuries & Illness
3:15 p.m. Shipboard Electrical Safety
