vote to EMPOWER Bristol Bay Permit holders ELECT TIM COOK
An industry leader that will drive value
vote to EMPOWER Bristol Bay Permit holders ELECT TIM COOK
An industry leader that will drive value
Meet tIM Cook
Fisherman and Professional
Tim Cook has the education, experience, expert skills and professional credentials needed to lead BBRSDA. Leading BBRSDA is not about catching fish, it's about increasing the value of the fishery to you, the Permit Holder.
Cook grew up commercial fishing, fished his way through school, and fished in Bristol Bay for the last 24 years. His son and daughter are the heart of his crew and the future of the fishery.
He has seen the up and down years in the Bay. But the historically low 2023 ex-vessel price was unprecedented. He is gravely concerned this low price might be a long-term trend.
Maximize the Value of the Fishery for Members
The way to maximize the value of the Bristol Bay fishery is by increasing the ex-vessel price paid to BBRSDA members.
In the last 25 years, the one thing that has most improved ex-vessel price in Bristol Bay was Silver Bay Seafoods. SBS began competing for product, and other processors were forced to up their price too.
Many people claim that greater retail demand will automatically translate into higher ex-vessel prices. This might be true if processors were obligated to pay a fair ex-vessel price to fishermen. But being a for-profit corporations, they seek to pay the least possible. They drive for the greatest profit margin, even if it makes fishing unprofitable for Permit Holders.
Likewise, fishermen want the highest price possible for their catch- even if it makes it unprofitable for processors. Each group vies to achieve the highest profit possible.
The only workable solution is to have fair competition among processors. Competition drives price to value. The operative question is how to promote competition?
Promoting Competition
In order to promote competition, BBRSDA needs to take a two track approach: short term and long term.
Short Term
Probably the best short-term solution is the introduction of foreign floating processors. Current processors are loath to allow foreign processors into the Bay because they would be competition. In order for floating processors to be allowed into the Bay, there must be a showing that current processing capacity is not adequate. BBRSDA can weigh in, conduct surveys to determine processing capacity, and advocate for the introduction of foreign floating processors.
Long Term
Long term solutions hinge on the ability to increase market demand and Market value of Bristol Bay Sockeye so there is a profit motive for diverse corporations to invest and compete in Bristol Bay processing.
By far the largest market for premium seafood is Asia. During his trade mission to Asia, former Alaska Governor Walker was astounded at how eager his hosts in China, Vietnam, South Korea and other Asian countries had been to import Alaska Seafood. Alaska seafood was universally viewed as pure, pristine, premium, and high-value.
ASMI
BBRSDA should team with ASMI to promote Sockeye Salmon to the Asian market. ASMI has the expertise and the ability to promote Alaska Sockeye to those markets. This will expand total market demand, increase retail prices, and restore competition throughout the distribution system. Competition is the keystone for fishermen to receive a fair and equitable price.
Professional Vita
Associate Director of Fisheries and the Environment in Washington, DC.- Cook worked closely with the Alaska Congressional delegation to implement programs such as IFQs and CDQ’s for ground fish and Halibut; guided Alaska exemptions from Coast Guard, EPA, NMFS, OSHA and other federal agency fishing vessel requirements; and advocated on behalf ADFG, DEC, and other State Agencies.
Alaska Public Utilities Commission- Cook held the attorney seat on the APUC where he advocated for competition among oligopoly and monopoly utility providers, oversaw regulation of both intra-state pipelines and the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, and deregulation of telephone providers.
Cook and Associates Attorneys at Law- Successful private law firm specializing in litigation of Consumer and Unfair Trade Practices, Insurance Bad-Faith, Class Action litigation, and Voter Rights.
Engineering and Design- Fluor Engineers and Constructors, Price-CIRI, Norcon, Veco. Primarily large scale Petro-chemical projects. Responsible for design and erection of high temperature / high volume Cat-Crackers, North Slope Modules, and West Side Prudhoe Bay Water Injection.
Volunteerism
Cook previously served on the BBRSDA Board. He specifically ran to oust a Board member who was a paid advocate for Pebble Mine. After he was elected,Cook secured funding for legal representation that ultimately persuaded the Corp of Engineers to deny Pebble’s 404c permit.
President Anchorage Snowmobile Club. Cook led ASC to have more than 500 members and to keep millions of acres open to motorized riding.
Iron Dog Tech Inspector for "World's Longest, Toughest Snowmobile Race."
Consumer Resource and Protection- pro bono attorney for non-profit agency dedicated to protecting consumer rights.
Operated Research Boat for 'in shore fishery- BBSRI
Research Education and Development Inc. – Board Member for non-profit that funded mentorship and scholarships for village high school-students to train and become teachers in their local communities.
Education and Credentials
Juris Doctorate – South Texas College of Law
MBA- emphasis in Marketing- Alaska Pacific University
Double Bachelors- Texas A&I / A&M University
Admitted to Practice Law: Alaska, Texas, Federal, and 9th Circuit
Wilderness Medicine Certification
Avalanche Level 1 Certification
USCG Drill Conductor
How TO VOTE
On March 25th BBRSDA will TEXT a ballot to you. The text will have a link to the official voting platform. Tap the link and vote for you favored candidate. It's that simple!