Looks like we're about to see more processor consolidation at Bristol Bay, home of the state's most valuable sockeye salmon fishery.
Snopac Products Inc. today sent the following email to its fishermen announcing the company's pending sale to Icicle Seafoods Inc.
From: Jenna Hall
Date: Tue, Feb 28, 2012 at 1:03 PM
Subject: Snopac Update
Dear Snopac Fishers,
It has been a busy winter for us here at Snopac and we are writing to bring you up to speed on some significant developments to our 2012 plans and fishing operations.
Tomorrow, a press release is going to be issued by Icicle Seafoods regarding their intention to buy Snopac (we have attached a copy to this email for you to read prior to its release). We have signed a Letter of Intent with Icicle, and are now in the midst of a customary "due diligence" process that will take several weeks. Hopefully the sale will close as both parties intend, however until that happens, it is not final.
Should the sale finalize, we will do everything we can to ensure a smooth transition for our fishers and tenders. There will be many operational details to be sorted out and both Icicle and Snopac intend to do so with the most positive impact for our fleet.
Should the sale not finalize prior to the season, we have made arrangements with Icicle to jointly operate in Bristol Bay in 2012 by consolidating resources and expanding services, which will benefit both our operation and our fleet. Icicle is a very competitive market who boasts short tender lines, great offload capacity and high limits. Working with them will give our fleet access to these benefits.
Either way, you can be assured that you have a competitive market in 2012. In addition, Snopac will be announcing a 2011 retro shortly and we will also be coming out with pre-season logistics as far as northbound freight and other timely issues.
Ben and I will be making telephone calls to each of you to personally address any questions or concerns, but feel free to call Greg, Jenna or Ben at anytime.
Thank you for your fish and your continued support.
All the best,
Jenna
Jenna Blakey Hall
Snopac Products Inc.
Seattle
Showing posts with label Icicle. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Icicle. Show all posts
Two processors settle up, save millions
More than two years ago, Deckboss posted an item about pending enforcement actions against two major processors, Peter Pan and Icicle.
The companies were accused of violating limits on crab processing, a very serious matter judging from the fines imposed: around $4.5 million for Peter Pan and $3.4 million for Icicle.
Now we understand the government has quietly agreed to much smaller penalties: $525,000 under the Peter Pan settlement, and $615,000 under the Icicle settlement.
The Icicle case was especially protracted, having begun in 2004.
The companies were accused of violating limits on crab processing, a very serious matter judging from the fines imposed: around $4.5 million for Peter Pan and $3.4 million for Icicle.
Now we understand the government has quietly agreed to much smaller penalties: $525,000 under the Peter Pan settlement, and $615,000 under the Icicle settlement.
The Icicle case was especially protracted, having begun in 2004.
Salmon future looks fine, Icicle manager says
John Woodruff, vice president of operations for Icicle Seafoods Inc., was another speaker Friday at the Southwest Alaska Municipal Conference meeting. And he had plenty to say.
Seattle-based Icicle is one of the largest seafood processors operating in Alaska. In fact, Woodruff ranks his company third among shoreside operators behind Trident and Maruha Nichiro.
"I'm a fish buyer," Woodruff began his talk. He oversees production at Icicle's Petersburg, Seward, Larsen Bay and Egegik plants, and spends a good part of his days talking directly with commercial fishermen.
Icicle also has floating processors, including the Northern Victor, a pollock processing ship based near Dutch Harbor.
Here's a sampler of Woodruff's remarks Friday:
• The outlook for wild Alaska salmon is rosy. Demand for two species in particular, pink and chum salmon, has surged remarkably.
Six or eight years ago, pinks paid fishermen only a nickel a pound, Woodruff said. Last year, Icicle paid 45 cents.
"There's a huge interest in wild-capture fish," he said, summing up the general market.
• Woodruff doesn't see quite the same upside for sockeye, historically the main money fish in Alaska's salmon crop.
"I personally don't think sockeye prices are gonna do what pinks and chums have done," he said.
He noted sockeye fillets marked at $9 a pound in Safeway stores.
"That's pretty pricey," Woodruff said.
Bristol Bay is the state's major sockeye fishery. Can fishermen there expect higher prices this summer?
"If I was a Bristol Bay fisherman, I'd plan for prices like what we've seen the past couple of years and hope for better," Woodruff said.
Last year's price was around $1 per pound, not counting bonuses.
• Speaking of Bristol Bay, Woodruff discussed the fishery's drive toward chilling more of the catch for better quality.
He said "well in excess" of half the fish Icicle buys at Bristol Bay is chilled, either with ice or refrigerated seawater systems aboard boats.
Bristol Bay packers, who once just canned the sockeye or froze them whole, now fillet about 15 percent of the catch, mainly for the domestic market, Woodruff said.
• Icicle's newest processing plant is at remote Adak, a former military base far out the Aleutian chain.
The plant is taking crab deliveries now, and contributing significant taxes to the fledging city of Adak, Woodruff said.
• In 2007, a private equity firm bought out Icicle.
"I gotta tell ya, I feel good about 'em," Woodruff said. "They allow us to do our job."
The goal of the firm, Paine & Partners, is to build up Icicle and then sell the company, he said.
Seattle-based Icicle is one of the largest seafood processors operating in Alaska. In fact, Woodruff ranks his company third among shoreside operators behind Trident and Maruha Nichiro.
"I'm a fish buyer," Woodruff began his talk. He oversees production at Icicle's Petersburg, Seward, Larsen Bay and Egegik plants, and spends a good part of his days talking directly with commercial fishermen.
Icicle also has floating processors, including the Northern Victor, a pollock processing ship based near Dutch Harbor.
Here's a sampler of Woodruff's remarks Friday:
• The outlook for wild Alaska salmon is rosy. Demand for two species in particular, pink and chum salmon, has surged remarkably.
Six or eight years ago, pinks paid fishermen only a nickel a pound, Woodruff said. Last year, Icicle paid 45 cents.
"There's a huge interest in wild-capture fish," he said, summing up the general market.
• Woodruff doesn't see quite the same upside for sockeye, historically the main money fish in Alaska's salmon crop.
"I personally don't think sockeye prices are gonna do what pinks and chums have done," he said.
He noted sockeye fillets marked at $9 a pound in Safeway stores.
"That's pretty pricey," Woodruff said.
Bristol Bay is the state's major sockeye fishery. Can fishermen there expect higher prices this summer?
"If I was a Bristol Bay fisherman, I'd plan for prices like what we've seen the past couple of years and hope for better," Woodruff said.
Last year's price was around $1 per pound, not counting bonuses.
• Speaking of Bristol Bay, Woodruff discussed the fishery's drive toward chilling more of the catch for better quality.
He said "well in excess" of half the fish Icicle buys at Bristol Bay is chilled, either with ice or refrigerated seawater systems aboard boats.
Bristol Bay packers, who once just canned the sockeye or froze them whole, now fillet about 15 percent of the catch, mainly for the domestic market, Woodruff said.
• Icicle's newest processing plant is at remote Adak, a former military base far out the Aleutian chain.
The plant is taking crab deliveries now, and contributing significant taxes to the fledging city of Adak, Woodruff said.
• In 2007, a private equity firm bought out Icicle.
"I gotta tell ya, I feel good about 'em," Woodruff said. "They allow us to do our job."
The goal of the firm, Paine & Partners, is to build up Icicle and then sell the company, he said.
Icicle energizes its 'calculated risk' at Adak
Regular visitors know Deckboss likes to keep track of happenings out on Adak, the remote Aleutian island with a rather tumultuous history as a commercial fishing port.
As previously reported, a subsidiary of Seattle-based Icicle Seafoods Inc. took over the Adak processing plant in the spring.
Now here's a little news: The Regulatory Commission of Alaska recently approved a special contract between Icicle and the local power company, TDX Adak Generating.
Under the contract, TDX will supply "interruptible" power to Icicle, with existing residential and commercial customers having priority.
Power supply had been a problem for previous operators of the Adak plant.
While commissioners said they initially were concerned about the potential for "rate subsidization" of Icicle, the RCA ultimately held that the special contract will be good for all local power customers.
Here is the agency's eight-page order. It has a few details about Icicle's work to refurbish the plant, which concentrates on Pacific cod.
Also, here is an Icicle letter from late August that discusses the company's "calculated risk" at Adak.
As previously reported, a subsidiary of Seattle-based Icicle Seafoods Inc. took over the Adak processing plant in the spring.
Now here's a little news: The Regulatory Commission of Alaska recently approved a special contract between Icicle and the local power company, TDX Adak Generating.
Under the contract, TDX will supply "interruptible" power to Icicle, with existing residential and commercial customers having priority.
Power supply had been a problem for previous operators of the Adak plant.
While commissioners said they initially were concerned about the potential for "rate subsidization" of Icicle, the RCA ultimately held that the special contract will be good for all local power customers.
Here is the agency's eight-page order. It has a few details about Icicle's work to refurbish the plant, which concentrates on Pacific cod.
Also, here is an Icicle letter from late August that discusses the company's "calculated risk" at Adak.
Norton Sound herring pays gillnetters $339 a ton
Here's a summary of Norton Sound's herring fishery from Norton Sound Economic Development Corp.
June 30, 2011
Norton Sound herring harvest sets another record for roe recovery
NOME — Norton Sound herring fishermen in June topped their own high mark set a year ago by harvesting herring with an all-time record recovery of roe.
The 744 tons of herring harvested this year were comprised of 14.8 percent roe, on average. The previous record, set last year by Norton Sound harvesters, was 13.5 percent roe recovery.
In total, approximately 25 Norton Sound herring fishermen harvested 810 tons of herring, of which 66 tons were directed to a bait fishery.
Fishermen were paid out a total of more than $274,700 for the entire fishery, an average of $339 per ton.
Prices paid per ton were determined by a sliding scale depending on the roe percentage. Roe recovery ranged from 9 percent to 20 percent, with the majority of the harvest coming in between 13 and 17 percent. Fishermen harvested the herring with gillnets.
Norton Sound Economic Development Corp. has worked to bring a herring buyer to the region for the last two years to conduct a fishery after several years of no commercial herring fishing.
Through an agreement with NSEDC, Icicle Seafoods brought a processing vessel and tenders to Norton Sound in 2010 and 2011.
The roe harvested is sold as a luxury food item in Japan and is often given out during the holidays as gifts.
In addition to negotiating an agreement with Icicle, NSEDC supports the fishery through aerial surveys to determine when the fishing effort should begin and to direct fishermen to high-quality herring once the fishery commences.
This year, biologists from NSEDC's Norton Sound Fisheries Research and Development division flew 29 hours during 15 flights in support of the fishery.
"We would like to thank all our resident fishermen as well as the great crew Icicle brought to Norton Sound. From the crews of the processing vessel and tenders to the aerial survey support, Icicle provided excellent service to all aspects of the fishery," said Reese Huhta, southern manager for NSEDC's Norton Sound Seafood Products.
June 30, 2011
Norton Sound herring harvest sets another record for roe recovery
NOME — Norton Sound herring fishermen in June topped their own high mark set a year ago by harvesting herring with an all-time record recovery of roe.
The 744 tons of herring harvested this year were comprised of 14.8 percent roe, on average. The previous record, set last year by Norton Sound harvesters, was 13.5 percent roe recovery.
In total, approximately 25 Norton Sound herring fishermen harvested 810 tons of herring, of which 66 tons were directed to a bait fishery.
Fishermen were paid out a total of more than $274,700 for the entire fishery, an average of $339 per ton.
Prices paid per ton were determined by a sliding scale depending on the roe percentage. Roe recovery ranged from 9 percent to 20 percent, with the majority of the harvest coming in between 13 and 17 percent. Fishermen harvested the herring with gillnets.
Norton Sound Economic Development Corp. has worked to bring a herring buyer to the region for the last two years to conduct a fishery after several years of no commercial herring fishing.
Through an agreement with NSEDC, Icicle Seafoods brought a processing vessel and tenders to Norton Sound in 2010 and 2011.
The roe harvested is sold as a luxury food item in Japan and is often given out during the holidays as gifts.
In addition to negotiating an agreement with Icicle, NSEDC supports the fishery through aerial surveys to determine when the fishing effort should begin and to direct fishermen to high-quality herring once the fishery commences.
This year, biologists from NSEDC's Norton Sound Fisheries Research and Development division flew 29 hours during 15 flights in support of the fishery.
"We would like to thank all our resident fishermen as well as the great crew Icicle brought to Norton Sound. From the crews of the processing vessel and tenders to the aerial survey support, Icicle provided excellent service to all aspects of the fishery," said Reese Huhta, southern manager for NSEDC's Norton Sound Seafood Products.
Icicle powers ahead at Adak
We certainly have talked a lot on Deckboss about the troubles with the seafood processing plant on Adak Island.
We've also taken note of Adak's escalating electricity costs.
In April came word that a big Seattle processor, Icicle Seafoods Inc., would be taking over at Adak. This holds the promise of stability not only for the plant but also the island's thin economy.
It appears a priority for Icicle is securing reliable power, something that bedeviled the plant's former operators.
Icicle subsidiary Western Star Seafoods is installing two diesel generators at Adak that will burn ultra low-sulfur diesel, according to this public notice.
Further, a special contract between Icicle and the local power company, TDX Adak Generating, is pending before the Regulatory Commission of Alaska. Much more on that here.
The contract could presage possible relief for all ratepayers on Adak, as this discussion between the RCA staff and TDX suggests.
So, more power to Icicle and Adak, I guess.
By the way, Deckboss called the Icicle brass in Seattle to ask what the official name of the rejuvenated Adak plant will be. I didn't get a call back, so we'll just call it that Adak plant.
We've also taken note of Adak's escalating electricity costs.
In April came word that a big Seattle processor, Icicle Seafoods Inc., would be taking over at Adak. This holds the promise of stability not only for the plant but also the island's thin economy.
It appears a priority for Icicle is securing reliable power, something that bedeviled the plant's former operators.
Icicle subsidiary Western Star Seafoods is installing two diesel generators at Adak that will burn ultra low-sulfur diesel, according to this public notice.
Further, a special contract between Icicle and the local power company, TDX Adak Generating, is pending before the Regulatory Commission of Alaska. Much more on that here.
The contract could presage possible relief for all ratepayers on Adak, as this discussion between the RCA staff and TDX suggests.
So, more power to Icicle and Adak, I guess.
By the way, Deckboss called the Icicle brass in Seattle to ask what the official name of the rejuvenated Adak plant will be. I didn't get a call back, so we'll just call it that Adak plant.
Nice save
The grounded fishing vessel Nor'Quest was successfully removed yesterday and will be towed to Dutch Harbor for inspection and repairs, the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation reports. The boat, which was in Togiak Bay to tender herring for Icicle Seafoods, lost its anchor and grounded May 25 on a gravel beach along the north side of Hagemeister Island. The vessel refloated after fuel was removed. State records indicate the Nor'Quest is owned by SRW Marine Services LLC, whose organizer is John Casperson of Seattle. DEC photoPlans finalized for Norton Sound herring fishery
Norton Sound Economic Development Corp. and Icicle Seafoods Inc. have put together a deal to support a sac roe herring fishery in Norton Sound.
"Icicle Seafoods will bring a processing vessel to Norton Sound to purchase herring from resident fishermen," says an NSEDC press release issued today. "Icicle will also bring four tender vessels to the region to facilitate the fast-paced fishery.
"The Norton Sound fishery generally opens three weeks after the Togiak opener farther south. Current estimates would put this year's Norton Sound opener, which is always subject to change, at the end of May.
"The harvest target for 2011 is set at 1,000 tons. Fishermen will be paid on a sliding scale according to the percentage of roe recovery."
The herring will pay between $190 and $350 a ton, depending on roe content, with herring for bait paying $50 a ton, the press release says.
Last year's sac roe herring fishery, the first held since 2006, attracted nearly 30 boats.
NSEDC is a nonprofit established under the federal Community Development Quota program. It represents 15 communities including Nome and outlying villages.
"Icicle Seafoods will bring a processing vessel to Norton Sound to purchase herring from resident fishermen," says an NSEDC press release issued today. "Icicle will also bring four tender vessels to the region to facilitate the fast-paced fishery.
"The Norton Sound fishery generally opens three weeks after the Togiak opener farther south. Current estimates would put this year's Norton Sound opener, which is always subject to change, at the end of May.
"The harvest target for 2011 is set at 1,000 tons. Fishermen will be paid on a sliding scale according to the percentage of roe recovery."
The herring will pay between $190 and $350 a ton, depending on roe content, with herring for bait paying $50 a ton, the press release says.
Last year's sac roe herring fishery, the first held since 2006, attracted nearly 30 boats.
NSEDC is a nonprofit established under the federal Community Development Quota program. It represents 15 communities including Nome and outlying villages.
Icicle's Adak deal confirmed
Here's the official announcement on Icicle's return to Adak.
April 8, 2011
Aleut Fisheries and Western Star Seafoods, a subsidiary of Icicle Seafoods, finalize lease of Adak seafood processing facility
ANCHORAGE — Aleut Fisheries LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Aleut Enterprise LLC, and Western Star Seafoods Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Icicle Seafoods Inc., one of the largest and most diversified seafood companies in Alaska, are pleased to announce they have finalized a long-term lease of the seafood processing facility in Adak, Alaska.
Icicle has personnel in Adak readying the plant to resume operations, with a goal of becoming fully operational in time for the 2012 Pacific cod season. Icicle expects the plant to be operating on a limited capacity by summer 2011.
Dennis Guhlke, president and CEO of Icicle, commented, "The facility in Adak provides us with both unique opportunities and challenges. We are excited by the prospect of it complementing our existing Icicle operations and providing further scale and diversification to our business. We look forward to the resumption of processing in Adak and the positive impact it will have on the local community and fishing fleet."
"We are happy to provide a leading seafood company such as Icicle with an opportunity to bring additional economic development to the Western Aleutian region and Adak in particular," said Sharon Lind, board chairman of the Aleut Corp., parent company of Aleut Enterprise. "We look forward to a long and fruitful relationship that will benefit not only Icicle Seafoods and Aleut Enterprise, but the community and the fishing sector that harvest in the area."
April 8, 2011
Aleut Fisheries and Western Star Seafoods, a subsidiary of Icicle Seafoods, finalize lease of Adak seafood processing facility
ANCHORAGE — Aleut Fisheries LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Aleut Enterprise LLC, and Western Star Seafoods Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Icicle Seafoods Inc., one of the largest and most diversified seafood companies in Alaska, are pleased to announce they have finalized a long-term lease of the seafood processing facility in Adak, Alaska.
Icicle has personnel in Adak readying the plant to resume operations, with a goal of becoming fully operational in time for the 2012 Pacific cod season. Icicle expects the plant to be operating on a limited capacity by summer 2011.
Dennis Guhlke, president and CEO of Icicle, commented, "The facility in Adak provides us with both unique opportunities and challenges. We are excited by the prospect of it complementing our existing Icicle operations and providing further scale and diversification to our business. We look forward to the resumption of processing in Adak and the positive impact it will have on the local community and fishing fleet."
"We are happy to provide a leading seafood company such as Icicle with an opportunity to bring additional economic development to the Western Aleutian region and Adak in particular," said Sharon Lind, board chairman of the Aleut Corp., parent company of Aleut Enterprise. "We look forward to a long and fruitful relationship that will benefit not only Icicle Seafoods and Aleut Enterprise, but the community and the fishing sector that harvest in the area."
New life for Adak plant
Seattle-based Icicle Seafoods Inc. will lease and operate the processing plant on Adak Island in Alaska's Aleutian chain, a reliable source close to the deal confirms to Deckboss.
The plant currently is idle. Aleut Enterprise LLC of Anchorage is the landlord.
More on this deal as further details become available.
The plant currently is idle. Aleut Enterprise LLC of Anchorage is the landlord.
More on this deal as further details become available.
Gazing into my Aleutian crystal ball
We could see two interesting developments soon with respect to the seafood industry in the Aleutian Islands.
First, some commercial fishing companies are likely to seek intervenor status in support of the state's lawsuit against the National Marine Fisheries Service on the Steller sea lion issue. The state and industry players hope to block restrictions, set to take effect Jan. 1, to curtail harvests of Aleutian fish the endangered Stellers rely upon for food.
Second, the troubled processing plant on Adak Island soon might have a new tenant. The leading candidate looks to be Icicle Seafoods Inc., which flew a team out to Adak in recent days to look things over. Icicle, you might recall, once was a partner in the plant. The big question is whether the plant can be readied in time for the upcoming Pacific cod season.
First, some commercial fishing companies are likely to seek intervenor status in support of the state's lawsuit against the National Marine Fisheries Service on the Steller sea lion issue. The state and industry players hope to block restrictions, set to take effect Jan. 1, to curtail harvests of Aleutian fish the endangered Stellers rely upon for food.
Second, the troubled processing plant on Adak Island soon might have a new tenant. The leading candidate looks to be Icicle Seafoods Inc., which flew a team out to Adak in recent days to look things over. Icicle, you might recall, once was a partner in the plant. The big question is whether the plant can be readied in time for the upcoming Pacific cod season.
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