My name is Patrick Baum, and I am honored to serve as President of the Alaska Trollers
Association. I make my living on the water, and like many of you, I know this life not just as a
profession, but as a way of understanding our communities, our economy, and our responsibility
to the future.
I began my journey as a troller crewing on the Standy with Dick Hofmann. When I was not
working the pit, I was being steeped in troller history, fish politics, and salmon psychology.
Crewing on the Sunset, Madame Ching, Keta, and Genesee, I learned the ins and outs, and
highs and lows of trolling. Captaining my own vessels, El Nido, Georgia, and Deep Sea has
given me a greater understanding of the grind.
My time in the pit and the wheelhouse has taught me how much I depend on healthy fisheries,
how much our communities rely on working waterfronts, and how quickly we can lose ground
when we are not organized.
That is part of what drew me into ATA. I wanted to be involved in protecting a fishery and a way
of life that matter deeply to Alaska. ATA has long been a voice for trollers and for the
communities connected to this fleet, and I believe that voice still matters today.
We are at a time when that work is especially important. Our fisheries, our fishermen, and our
communities are facing real challenges. With strong leadership, engaged members, and a
willingness to work together, there is a future for Alaska’s troll fleet and for the coastal
communities that depend on it.
That future will not build itself. ATA needs help. We need people willing to step into board seats,
strengthen the organization, and support the search for strong executive leadership. If you care
about the future of this fishery, this is the time to get involved.
Since 1925, the Alaska Trollers Association has stood for Alaska’s trollers and the communities
tied to this fishery. I believe that legacy is worth carrying forward. Our mission remains as
important now as ever: to promote and protect the Alaska troll fishery, to support sound
management and conservation, and to help ensure that Alaska’s fishing communities remain
strong for generations to come.
Respectfully,
Patrick Baum
President
Alaska Trollers Association
