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Q: What kind of effect do you feel global warming is having or will have on the crab fishing industry?
A: It's interesting you bring that up. Scientists claim the ocean temperatures are rising, and to a point they have in Alaska. Yet over the last year, we have seen a major bloom in the crab populations. So as far as the ecosystem is concerned, I have a hard time believing so far that there is cause for concern. But I'm a fisherman; I have to think positive.
Q: We now have Russian king crab sold in the US. Do you have any concerns for the industry or foresee any problems like your price for crab for instance?
A: Most of our crab is shipped to Japan, therefore Russian crab supplements the US market. As long as the price is high or favourable on both ends, then the more the merrier.
Q: The price for crab has declined over the years, have you noticed any fluctuation since Deadliest Catch started?
A: The price of crab has fluctuated due to supply and demand. As far as the notoriety from Deadliest Catch, it's been nothing but positive. I've been in Boston and Chicago for seafood shows and conventions, and I hear nothing but good things from the buyers and restaurateurs and people on the other end. I think this is a very positive thing. I'm glad it happened.
Q: Can you explain the deadlines you have with the processor and what happens if you do not make that deadline?
A: Under the new rules and regulations, they have played hardball with us. They're trying to get the crab to market quickly for their best price, so we were up against lower prices if the crab weren't delivered when they needed them. That's not how the new system was intended to work. It was supposed to take the race out of fishing to make it safer. I feel like we're still racing.
Q: Can you explain more about partner boats? Do you have partner boats? If so, who are they?
A: I don't fish with partner boats so much any more. There are always captains that I speak with, and we may compare information, but not to the extent of others. I've learned over time that my partners can lie to me just as much as I will lie to them. And the bottom line is you're better off finding your own crab. But if we do need help, there's always someone out there that may set you in the right direction.
Q: The show has given people a better understanding of the crab fishing industry. Are there aspects of life on boat or the industry itself that you feel were overlooked?
A: The industry is delicate and politically we're on edge. The show doesn't touch on a lot of those aspects. I can see that it possibly couldn't; it's too intricate to get into. But I think with the public awareness, eventually that will come around. As far as what we do in our day-to-day life, I think they portray us quite well.
Q: When you were approached to have cameramen aboard your ship filming, was there any hesitation on having your time aboard ship documented?
A: Absolutely. We did it the first year as kind of a tribute for our family, and I thought that would be it. Things sort of snowballed for us. It is easier now, but it was difficult the first time around, I have to admit that. We're not just representing ourselves, we're representing the Alaska crab fleet.
Q: Do you find that the cameras change the dynamics? Does your crew act differently? Does it affect the productivity of the boat?
A: No, absolutely not. I think that's why we seem to have come across well. The cameras are there, but we are more concerned about our fishing and that's what they like. And they know better. If they tried to slow us down, they wouldn't be there, I can promise you that!
Q: How do you and your brother really get along on the boat?
A: When Edgar first got on the boat, I had already advanced to the wheel house, so we never got to work much together on deck and I never gave him a break or any special treatment. So I think we just grew up that way, with this mutual understanding. Now we all know that it's business out there. There isn't any animosity between us, or not much. But we do know what the bottom line is, and for that reason we try to get along. We do have our differences, though.
Q: Have Edgar or Norman ever captained the boat? Would you let them?
A: We're weaning Edgar into the captain's chair more and more. He has not had a full season yet, but he does relieve me at times. Norman has taken the boat to and from Alaska, and it's our intent to split the captain's chair more and more as time goes on.
Q: Would you ever consider working on deck while Edgar captains the boat?
A: Absolutely. I miss the deck when the pots are full. There's nothing like it. Keep watching the show, you may be surprised!
Q: What is the funniest thing that Edgar has done?
A: A lot of the things they film at sea are a riot, but Edgar and the gang have quite a bit more to offer on land. To be perfectly honest, if I told you some of the things they've pulled while we were on the beach celebrating, we'd probably end up in jail! But you get the picture.
Q: What were you thinking when Matt came to you and told you about his court date? Were you worried that you wouldn't make it? Were you angry?
A: My first instinct was to slap him! That's the truth. But I was surprised that Matt had kept that from me. On the Northwestern we try to keep our personal lives at home and try to fish with a clean slate. The fact that he did that did bother me, but at the same time, it didn't surprise me. We've been down that road before. But I don't hold that against Matt. I value him for his performance on deck, and to me that's number one on our boat.
