Welcome to At-sea Processors Association

The At-sea Processors Association (APA) is a trade association representing seven companies that own and operate 19 U.S.-flag catcher/processor vessels that participate principally in the Alaska pollock fishery and west coast Pacific whiting fishery. By weight, these abundant, well managed groundfish fisheries account for more than one-third of all fish harvested in the U.S. each year. Fishery managers and scientists employ a precautionary approach to management to ensure healthy fish stocks for years to come.

As partners in these robust fisheries, APA works with fishery managers, scientists, environmentalists and other industry members to ensure the continued health and sustainability of our marine resources.

The mid-water trawl Alaska pollock fishery is the nation's largest fishery. In fact, the Alaska pollock fishery is one of the largest fisheries in the world. The ability of our vessels to harvest, process, package and freeze our catch within hours of harvest allows us to produce affordable seafood products of the highest quality. The food products we produce include fillets, surimi, and fish roe. Fish meal and fish oil is produced from inedible parts of the fish we catch.

APA has played a leading role in finding ways to minimize fishing impacts on the environment. In the 1990s, APA members formed fish harvesting cooperatives in both the Alaska pollock and Pacific whiting fisheries. These cooperatives enable us to catch the quota using fewer vessels and to better coordinate efforts to reduce incidental catches. The Alaska pollock fishery and Pacific whiting fishery are regarded as two of the "cleanest" fisheries in the world. APA catcher/processor vessels retain and utilize 99.5% of their catch.