Tuesday, January 5, 2021

Alaska With Sale Final, New Owners of Peter Pan Seafood Company Look Forward SeafoodNews.com by Peggy Parker - January 5, 2021 ANCHORAGE, Alaska — With the sale of Peter Pan Seafood Company finalized December 31, 2020, new owners Rodger May and Rob Gillam are optimistic about getting started with the “New Peter Pan” in a market that has undergone profound change in the past year. “Despite the struggles of 2020, consumer demand for wild, natural and sustainable Alaska seafood remains high,” says Rob Gillam, CEO and chief investment officer of McKinley Capital. “As markets begin to reopen and rebound, New Peter Pan is positioned to harness the brand strength of Alaska seafood as we transform the company and begin to create a new legacy.” The old legacy is impressive enough in an industry that values longevity and resilience. Peter Pan began in Bristol Bay at the end of the 19th Century and has continued through two world wars, a 40-year ownership by the world’s largest seafood company, Tokyo-based Maruha Nichiro, and a lot of years in between. That ended, and ownership came back to the U.S. — the new owners are based in Alaska, Washington, and California — a few months ago with an initial statement from long-time CEO Barry Collier in Peter Pan’s Seattle office that the sale would be finalized at the end of the year. The new owners include Anchorage-based McKinley Capital through their Na’-Nuk Investment Fund; Bellevue, WA-based Northwest Fish run by Rodger May; and the investment firm RRG Global Partners Fund, managed by RRG Capital Management in Los Angeles, CA. A vertically integrated seafood company, the new Peter Pan is built on strong, mutually beneficial relationships with key stakeholders, including employees, customers, fleet, suppliers, business partners, and communities. The new company combines Northwest Fish Company’s industry innovation and value-added sales channels with Peter Pan’s facilities, operations and management, said the new owners. “As a lifelong Alaskan, I am enthusiastic about investing in the Alaska seafood industry, and especially in bringing a storied seafood processor like Peter Pan back under U.S. and Alaska leadership,” said Gillam. “My partners and I want to show the world that Alaska offers world-class sustainable seafood investment opportunities that result in benefits to the state of Alaska, our fishing families and coastal communities, and investors.” “Combining Northwest Fish and Peter Pan's assets creates a vertically integrated, sustainable seafood platform,” said May. “New Peter Pan aligns the customer-focused mindset and value-added offerings we've developed at Northwest Fish with a high-quality Alaska seafood supply. This means that we’ll be able to provide more markets for the combined companies' products and create opportunity throughout the entire supply chain.” Peter Pan’s plants will continue to operate in Dillingham, King Cove, Port Moller, and Valdez with headquarters in Bellevue, Wash. The new ownership group is committed to continuing operations with little disruption. “King Cove is the first plant to open in the new year. We’re in the process of opening this facility and are focused on implementing a long-term strategy of hiring and empowering the most talented people in the industry,” said May. “As a values-driven company, we share a commitment to quality, corporate stewardship, our employees, and to exceeding the expectations of our local fishing fleets, the communities where we operate, and our customers. “We are excited to embark with all of our key stakeholders on this journey to revitalize the company,” he said. New Peter Pan's vision is to “produce sustainable seafood for the benefit of oceans and people.” The firm has embedded in its mission a devotion to customers and stakeholders, and a desire to be a global supplier of top-quality, responsibly sourced seafood. “We are passionate about supporting local fishing communities and providing healthy, sustainable seafood to consumers across the globe while preserving ocean ecosystems,” said Ari Swiller, co-founder of RRG Capital Management. “We believe that sustainably managed, vertically integrated seafood companies are attractive investments and create environmental and social benefits. By focusing New Peter Pan on its customer and fleet services, we’re confident we can create tremendous value for our customers and our stakeholders.” The owners want the company to be nimble and growth-oriented with “leadership intimately familiar with the communities in which it operates.” They will also look globally for opportunities to achieve the highest possible value for Alaska's seafood resources. “Grounded in Alaska, acting globally. That’s one of our core values,” Gillam said. https://www.seafoodnews.com/Story/1188793/With-Sale-Final-New-Owners-of-Peter-Pan-Seafood-Company-Look-Forward International Russian Fishery Company regains MSC certification, begins construction of supertrawler Seafood Source by Chris Chase - January 5, 2021 The Russian Fishery Company (RFC) has announced that the company has been reinstated on the list of Marine Stewardship Council-certified pollock catchers, allowing it to produce and sell MSC-certified products once more. https://www.seafoodsource.com/news/supply-trade/russian-fishery-company-regains-msc-certification-begins-construction-of-supertrawler FYI’s NPFMC prepares for February meeting The Cordova Times - January 4, 2021 Federal fisheries managers preparing for virtual meeting of the North Pacific Fishery Management Council have released the agenda for the session, to be held Feb. 5 and Feb. 8-12, and are welcoming written comments through Jan 29. https://www.thecordovatimes.com/2021/01/04/npfmc-prepares-for-february-meeting/ Alaska Sea Grant State Fellowship Program Now Accepting Applications Urner Barry by Amanda Buckle - January 5, 2021 The Alaska Sea Grant State Fellowship Program is now accepting applications. Soon-to-graduate or recently finished graduate students who are interested in applied marine science and policy are encouraged to apply for the 12-month paid fellowship program. The program matches students and recent graduates with hosts in Alaska-based state or federal agencies. Current positions are available at Alaska Center for Energy and Power; Alaska Conservation Foundation; Alaska Sea Grant, NOAA Alaska Fisheries Science Center; NOAA Fisheries Alaska Region, Protected Resources Division; and NOAA Fisheries Alaska Region, Habitat Conservation Division. The deadline to submit applications is February 12, 2021. Applications must be submitted by 5 p.m. Alaska time. Find more information here. https://www.seafoodnews.com/Story/1188831/Alaska-Sea-Grant-State-Fellowship-Program-Now-Accepting-Applications

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