Alaska: Battle on the Bay

In the remote reaches of Bristol Bay, Alaska, the world’s most intense fishing season unfolds over a mere four weeks. A fleet of 1,800 captains and their crews gear up for a fierce competition aimed at preserving Alaska’s ecosystem by catching a lucrative haul of sockeye salmon. With the promise of wealth lurking beneath the waves, five captains brace themselves to confront the harsh bay, the chaotic scramble of boats vying for advantage, and the stringent regulations enforced by surveillance helicopters and police teams. In this bay, catching nearly 44 million salmon is crucial for environmental balance, while the law’s reach is extensive, tempers run high, and every choice can mean the difference between a substantial profit and a meager return.