Wild Alaska Sole Association to Promote World’s Largest Flatfish Fishery

Seattle, WA – January 5, 2023  — The major producers of Alaska flatfish have announced the formation a new non-profit marketing organization, the Wild Alaska Sole Association (WASA), with the goal of increasing the awareness, appreciation, and value of Wild Alaska Sole in domestic and international markets.

The Alaska flatfish fishery is the second largest federally managed fishery in Alaska and the largest flatfish fishery in the world, but little has been done to date to educate consumers about its great taste, sustainability and versatility.  WASA is committed to changing that.  The group’s initial projects include research and analysis of the global flatfish market, consumer research in the U.S. market and selected European markets, and the use of these research findings to inform the development of a global brand for Wild Alaska Sole. Consumer campaigns and product promotions are planned to follow the brand development phase.

WASA members include Fishermen’s Finest, North Star Fishing, Ocean Peace, O’Hara Corporation, U.S. Seafoods and American Seafoods. Jim Johnson, CEO of Glacier Fish Company and North Star Fishing serves as its President, with Frank O’Hara III of O’Hara Corporation as Vice President, Annika Saltman of Fishermen’s Finest as Secretary, and Pat Tracey of Ocean Peace as Treasurer. WASA has hired seafood marketing expert Pat Shanahan to serve as the association’s Executive Director.

“Wild Alaska Sole has all of the positive attributes that consumers value when they dine out or purchase seafood to cook at home,” said Jim Johnson, chairman of WASA.  “We are committed to making sure that consumers learn about our fish, its great taste, and sustainability, so Wild Alaska Sole will be top of mind when deciding what to eat for dinner.”