About Us
United Southeast Alaska Gillnetters Association (USAG) is a member-based organization representing the Southeast Alaska gillnet fishery. Founded in 1977, USAG has been a dedicated voice for SE Alaska gillnet fishermen — advocating in the political, regulatory, and developmental arenas that shape the future of the fishery.
Our Mission
To protect, serve and enhance southeast Alaska’s salmon gillnet fleet.
Who We Represent
USAG represents gillnet fishermen across Southeast Alaska, with members from Haines, Wrangell, Sitka, Ketchikan, Juneau, Petersburg, and surrounding communities — as well as fishermen residing outside of Southeast Alaska. Our board reflects that geographic diversity, made up of active fishermen who understand firsthand what's at stake.
USAG represents the SE Alaska gillnet fishery exclusively. We do not speak for other gear types or other regions — which means our members have our full, undivided focus.
What we do
We work within every political and developmental arena that affects SE Alaska gillnet fishermen and the fishery, including:
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The Alaska Board of Fisheries
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The gillnet task force
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Regional and private non-profit hatchery boards
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The Joint Regional Planning Team
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The Pacific Salmon Commission
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Alaska legislature
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Federal delegation
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State and Federal permitting agencies
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United Fishermen of Alaska
USAG maintains active representation on key panels, political boards, and hatchery boards to ensure the gillnet fishery has a seat at the table where decisions are made.
Our Leadership
USAG is governed by a board of directors representing subchapters from communities across Southeast Alaska, with at-large seats for Northern and Southern SE Alaska and a seat for fishermen residing outside the region. Board members serve three-year terms and are elected by the voting membership of their respective subchapters. Day-to-day operations, member communications, and front-line representation are handled by our Executive Director.
For questions or to get in touch, visit our Contact page.
Board Members
Chris Guggenbickler
FV Noelani
Wrangell Chapter
President
Lars Stangeland
FV Valhalla
Juneau Chapter
Vice President
Max Worhatch
FV Summer Breeze
Executive Director
Secretary
Dave Gibson
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Northern At-Large
Treasurer
Josh Conn
FV Camelot
Petersburg Chapter
Director
Caullen Taylor
FV Chippawa Gal
Haines Chapter
Director
Nick Nekeferoff
FV Garnet
Sitka Chapter
Director
Nicholas Martin
FV Keta
Ketchikan Chapter
Director
Eric Bezenek
FV El Roi
Southern-At-Large
Director
Robert Briscoe
FV Glacier Girl
Continental Chapter
Director
Get in Touch
We encourage gillnetters and interested parties to reach out for further information or support.