Bristol Wave Seafoods (BWS) owns and operates a fleet of seven catcher-processor vessels. The BWS freezer longliners, based on out Dutch Harbor, Alaska, use hook-and-line gear to sustainably harvest Pacific Cod, Sablefish, and Greenland Turbot in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands regions of the North Pacific. Our catch is processed, frozen at sea, and sold around the world. Our operations reflect a deep commitment to responsible resource management, ensuring fisheries remain healthy for future generations. With decades of industry expertise and a mindset of continuous improvement, Bristol Wave is dedicated to providing high-quality seafood and lasting value to our customers and communities.
Working at sea is physically and mentally challenging and requires long hours in remote locations, often several days’ travel from the nearest port. Our deck and processing crews work 16-hour shifts, 7 days a week. Most trips average 4-5 weeks in duration, but depending on the fishing season, catch rates, weather, vessel size and other factors, trips can be as short as 10-12 days or as long as 60+ days. Crew members generally work multiple trips (2 months or longer) in a single rotation.
Processors are responsible for sorting, heading, bleeding, cutting, and packaging all fish products. Processed fish is sorted by size, frozen in pans, removed from the pans and packaged in frozen blocks using either fiber bags or boxes. Frozen cases are labeled and stacked in the freezer hold. Processors are also responsible for backloading bait and other supplies at the beginning of the trip and offloading frozen fish products at trip end. Working conditions aboard the vessel can be wet and cold.
Processors are paid by crew share percentage. New hires generally receive a “half share” and can earn up to a “full share” depending on experience. Crew shares are assigned by the captain based on skill level, attitude, and performance. At the end of each trip, 40% of the sales value of the product is divided among the crew based on each crew member’s share. Payroll is processed on a trip-by-trip basis. Within 21 days of offload, you will receive a check or direct deposit for 100% of your trip earnings.
Compensation varies based on the sales price of the product and operating expenses. When sales prices are high, crew compensation goes up. When catch rates are fast, operating expenses like fuel and bait go down, and crew compensation goes up. Catch rates are generally highest during the first 4-5 months of the year.
BWS will arrange all travel from your hometown to Dutch Harbor, AK, and back to your hometown at the end of your rotation. On your first rotation with BWS, the company pays 100% of travel costs. If you return for future rotations, travel expenses will be deducted from your settlement at the end of the trip. There is no up-front cost for travel, but you will need to pay bag fees to check luggage. If hotels are required during travel, BWS pays 100% of the cost, including meal vouchers.
