Alaska: Battle on the Bay

In the remote stretches of Bristol Bay, Alaska, the most intense fishing season on the planet unfolds over a mere four weeks. During this period, 1,800 captains and their crews gear up for a fierce competition aimed at preserving Alaska’s ecosystem by catching a substantial haul of sockeye salmon. With the promise of significant wealth lurking just beneath the water’s surface, five captains brace themselves for a grueling contest against the relentless bay, the chaotic scramble of boats vying for prime spots, and the stringent oversight of the law, enforced by surveillance helicopters and police units. In this high-stakes environment, fishing for nearly 44 million salmon is crucial for ecological balance, while the law’s reach is extensive, tempers flare easily, and every choice can mean the difference between a lucrative payday and earning mere scraps.