Spot On

Photography By Ash Adams | April 26, 2017

Spot prawns are among the most prized seafoods Alaska has to offer. Succulent, firm and sweet, they are sought after by chefs and foodies alike.

The F/V Poki is a 40 foot Pacific Trawler, brought to Alaska in 2013 from Anacortes, WA by owners Dave and Patty Hamre. In addition to being a commercial spot prawn fishing vessel, the Poki is also outfitted for custom adventure cruises.

Crewman Mike Dunn pulls up a pot with a modest catch. The Prince William Sound commercial spot prawn fishery is carefully regulated to protect rebounding populations. The section open to commercial pot shrimp fishing rotates annually between three different areas, and several areas popular with recreational shrimpers are off-limits to commercial vessels to minimize impact.

Spot prawns are hermaphroditic, starting life as males and later transitioning to females. They can live longer than 7 years.

Dave Hamre, owner of the F/V Poki points out landmarks to daughter Kate.

Crewmembers Mike Dunn and Kate Hamre collect prawns and prepare to throw freshly baited pots back into the ocean.

The spot prawns are cleaned on board and prepared for distribution. The Hamres direct market 100% of their catch to friends, families, and customers who hear about their spot prawns through word of mouth.