For Immediate Release: May 1, 2018
Contact Frances: Leach, Executive Director,  director@ufa-fish.org

United Fishermen of Alaska Names Michael Bangs Fisherman of the Year

United Fishermen of Alaska has posthumously named Michael Bangs of Petersburg as its Fisherman of the Year for2018.

Bangs was an industry leader in the development of the roe-on-kelp and dive fisheries in Southeast Alaska and former president of the Southeast Alaska Regional Dive Fisheries Association. He had been Chair of the Southeast Regional Subsistence Advisory Council and served on that body since 2003, and also served on the Petersburg Fish and Game Advisory Committee.  He passed away at his home in February.

“Michael Bangs was a prime example that the job of a commercial fisherman is not limited to just working on the boat, said Executive Director Frances Leach. “Michael’s involvement on the Southeast Regional Subsistence Advisory Council, Petersburg Fish and Game Advisory Committee and on the Southeast Alaska Regional Dive Fisheries Association demonstrates his service and involvement in public policy, and helped pave the way to keep Alaska fishermen fishing.”

UFA is the statewide commercial fishing trade association. UFA Fisherman of the Year and other honors are listed at https://www.ufafish.org/about/ufa-awards/