What is the CDQ program?
While commercial fishing activity is abundant in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands, few local residents have played an active part in harvesting or processing. The Community Development Quota (CDQ) program was designed to involve residents with the local fisheries by reserving fishery quotas for communities along the shoreline of Western Alaska. Through six regional coalitions known as CDQ groups, these communities apply for quota. The State of Alaska recommends the quota allocations and oversees the program on behalf of the North Pacific Fishery Management Council and the National Marine Fisheries Service.Revenues derived from the CDQ program are used for fisheries infrastructure development, vessel purchases, vessel loan programs, training, education, and other important efforts that benefit community members and further their involvement in fisheries. For more information, visit the Division of Community and Economic Development CDQ web site.
