Bristol Bay Science & Research Institute The BBSRI is an independent, non-profit research institute established by BBEDC in 1998 to undertake scientific research and management that will foster economic and social benefits to the residents of Bristol Bay and ensure sustainability of the region’s renewable natural resources. BBSRI’s goals are:

1. To improve management of area fish stocks by:
   
   
• Providing leadership and focus on important fisheries issues
• Conducting research and monitoring of fish stocks, fisheries and the environment
• Increasing participation by local residents in management of Area fish stocks

2. To increase the economic yield to local residents from area fish stocks by catalyzing changes in the structure and management of Bristol Bay fisheries.

3. To provide employment opportunities to local residents in research and management activities

Since its inception, BBSRI has secured some $3 million in external funding for research and management activities in Bristol Bay, mostly related to the salmon fishery. The Institute has hired dozens of local residents to conduct fisheries fieldwork since 2001, thereby providing valuable income and work experience to residents.  External financial support has come from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, the fishing industry, universities, congressional appropriations, and the North Pacific Research Board.

One of the higher profile projects managed and jointly funded by BBSRI is the Port Moller test fishery, which provides daily updates to fishermen, processors, and managers on the status of the incoming salmon runs for 30 days beginning June 10 of each year. Salmon technician at Port Moller