ComFish, Kodiak's annual spring fisheries policy forum and trade show, will celebrate Alaska's 50 years of involvement in commercial fishing and processing.

The schedule, set for April 23-25, is still in flux for fisheries forums and related events at Kodiak's new convention center.

Current plans are shaping up for a gala seafood dinner April 23, in celebration of 50 years of statehood and the Alaska seafood industry.

The Kodiak Chamber of Commerce, which has hosted ComFish since its inception in 1980, has invited Gov. Sarah Palin and the state's congressional delegation to participate in the dinner at the Golden Anchor, at the U.S. Coast Guard Base at Kodiak.

Reservations can be made online at the ComFish Web site, www.comfishalaska.com.

Exhibitors for this year's ComFish trade show include federal and state agencies, the Port of Seattle, the Renewable Resources Coalition, the Marine Stewardship Council, several private businesses engaged in commerce with the fisheries industry.

On the discussion groups' agenda, which is still being finalized, the topics include crab enhancement, Kodiak's role in the global seafood economy, the effect of cooling Gulf of Alaska waters on marine life, the 125th anniversary of the Bristol Bay fishery, non-renewable resource extraction on and offshore of Bristol Bay and the ever-popular town hall meeting with Fish and Game Commissioner Denby Lloyd.

Bob King, former dean of the Alaska fisheries reporters, now on the staff of Sen. Mark Begich, is another of the confirmed speakers.

ComFish has come a long way since its inception 28 years ago. It has grown into Alaska's largest and longest running fisheries trade show. It also has become known as host to one of Alaska's most unique political events.

Beginning in 1990, candidates vying for the governor's post have come to ComFish to participate in election year gubernatorial debates.

Candidates are limited to a single topic: Alaska's seafood industry.

The Kodiak Chamber of Commerce organized Comfish in 1980 as a marine trade fair to be held in conjunction with the annual Crab Festival in May. The event was staged in a borrowed Alaska National Guard tent, and was well received by the public and exhibitors. The next year, ComFish moved into the National Guard Armory and became a featured event of Crab Festival.

By 1982, the date of ComFish was moved to March. The event began to outgrow the armory and tents had to be added outside to accommodate 44 exhibitors, now using professionally decorated 8-foot by 10-foot booths.

By 1986, ComFish moved to larger quarters provided by Alaska Transfer and Storage. The event continued to grow, attracting 80 exhibitors two years later and 133 booths by 1989.

Again ComFish had to start looking for a bigger home.

ComFish was welcomed by the U.S. Coast Guard, which agreed to house the event in one of its large airplane hangars on the U.S. Coast Guard base in Kodiak. By 1990, ComFish grew to accommodate 150 exhibitors' booths, and topped out at 167 booths in 1992.

In 2002, ComFish expanded its focus beyond the trade show, adding the fisheries policy forum component. The event began attracting experts to address changes, challenges and opportunities the Alaska commercial fishing industry was dealing with.

From the Alaska

Journal of Commerce