I am privileged and honored to welcome you to the 74th annual Pacific Fisheries Technologists (PFT) Conference, and humbled by the trust placed in me to serve as this year’s President. This year, we will be welcomed by the small fishing community of Sitka, AK, widely considered to be one of Alaska’s most beautiful townships, and hosting the event at the beautiful Westmark hotel from February 18-21.

This year, we will be welcoming some exciting speakers honoring our theme and phrase for the year, ‘lifting all boats’, from the metaphorical expression ‘a rising tide lifts all boats’. PFT participants comprise a wide swath of the seafood and aquaculture sector, from academics in the hard sciences, to public servants, to NGO’s and private industry, all of whom contribute to efforts benefitting all, ‘lifting the boats’ of all within this vitally important space.

I have been fortunate enough to participate in this conference since 2019, and can speak firsthand about the intense impact this event can have in bringing together professional leaders from across the field with the bright and burgeoning minds who will take the reigns as we sail into the future. While new challenges continue to arise, I am always impressed with the brilliant and inspired work being done across the board, and I look forward to having the chance to showcase some of these projects and efforts in the technical realms of sustainability, quality, safety, innovation, and more.

The Westmark Sitka, located downtown, is considered a premier destination for anyone visiting Alaska. overlooking one of Alaska’s most scenic commercial harbors, with incredible views of Mount Edgecumbe and Sitka Sound. We have secured very low rates for participants, with shoulder dates around the conference for anyone wishing to stay longer or earlier as part of a larger Alaskan adventure. Some of Alaska’s finest seafood restaurants and charter operations will be in walking distance, and though Alaska in February can be harsh, Sitka is one of the more mild climates in the entirety of the State. We can’t wait to welcome you and hear how you are lifting the boats near you!

Stay tuned for confirmed speakers, sponsorships, and other announcements, and please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions.

John Burrows
74th PFT President
PFT 2023-2024