In the interest of improving salmon quality and fishing income, BBEDC's RSW Purchase Program offers grants to assist with the purchase of Refrigerated Sea Water (RSW) systems for qualifying commercial salmon operations. The applicant will have the option to select an RSW unit of their choice to optimize chilling capacity. This program is intended for vessels that have not previously used the Vessel Upgrade Grant Program for the purchase or installation of an RSW system.
This program is also available to resident fishers in Bristol Bay Watershed Communities. Contact BBEDC for more information on how to qualify.
RSW Purchase Program applicants must have a current Affidavit of Residency on file and proof of active participation in the Bristol Bay salmon fishery for the three previous consecutive salmon seasons. Following grant distribution, the applicant must remain a resident in any of the BBEDC CDQ or Bristol Bay Watershed communties, and remain an active participant in the Bristol Bay salmon fishery for the subsequent three consecutive years using the vessel with the RSW system purchased through this program. Applicants will need to provide a clear action plan for plumbing, housing, and providing the needed hydraulic capacity to run the chillers. They will also be expected to participate in a certified RSW operator's course or provide documentation of having done so previously. Prior to successful applicants receiving their RSW equipment, a certified technician must verify that the vessel is ready for the equipment to be installed and perform the initial system start-up after the installation is complete.
Potential applicants are encouraged to read the one-page RSW Considerations sheet prior to moving forward with the application process. RSW Purchase Program applications are accepted year-round.
REMINDER
If you received an RSW system through the RSW Purchase Program in 2021-2023, you must supply the following to the Regional Fisheries Department:
- Proof of actively participating in the Bristol Bay salmon fishery for the following three consecutive years while using the vessel with the RSW system purchased through this program;
- Proof of maintaining residency within the region for each year by completing the BBEDC Affidavit of Residency.
Failure to supply these documents by October 15th each year may result in an obligation to repay the grant funds received. If you have already submitted the information for the current year, thank you!
2024 RSW Purchase Program Application
For more information contact the Regional Fisheries Department by phone at 907-842-4370 or 1-800-478-4370, or email regionalfish@bbedc.com.