The Groundfish Forum is a trade association that represents 6 trawl companies that fish for flatfish such as rock sole, yellowfin sole, flathead sole, Atka mackerel, and Pacific cod in the Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska.  These companies own the majority of the H&G ("Head & Gut") vessels in the North Pacific.  Our vessels range from 105 to 238 feet in length and because of their size they only perform heading and eviscerating of fish, (hence the name "Head and Gut") instead of processing fillets or surimi. 

The Groundfish Forum was created to craft meaningful solutions to problems such as discards, incidental catches, and impact on habitat.  Our solutions must be effective, while maintaining the efficiency and economic margins of our industry to the greatest degree possible.

Another part of the Groundfish Forum mission is to inform state and local government officials of the contributions made by the H&G fleet to the economies of Alaska and the Pacific Northwest.  It is critical that officials in the Pacific Northwest, especially Alaska, recognize the magnitude of the economic impact generated by our industry.  These officials must also understand the potential loss of jobs, revenue, and the ripple effects on service and public sectors if forces controlling the fishery management system continue to promulgate regulations that needlessly attack our sector.

We recognize the importance of resource conservation and keep an open approach to working with regulators, government officials, and the public in order to keep our industry economically viable in the years to come.