Keynote — 2026 Alaska Young Fishermen's Summit

Keynote speaker: Julie Decker

Photo courtesy of Julie Decker.

Since 1994, Julie Decker has worked in the Alaska seafood industry in an array of capacities, including seafood processing, commercial fishing and diving, vessel owner, and executive management of seafood processing businesses and trade organizations. Previously, Decker worked for the Southeast Alaska Regional Dive Fisheries Association, and the Alaska Fisheries Development Foundation, where she developed the Alaska Mariculture Initiative. Currently, Decker is president of the Pacific Seafood Processors Association.

 In 2021, Decker received a Highliner Award from National Fisherman. Decker holds a bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University, and a Master of Public Administration with a concentration in Natural Resource Management from University of Alaska Southeast. In 2013, Decker was presented the Ernest Gruening Award for outstanding graduate student.

Decker lives with her husband in Wrangell, Alaska. They raised their two children commercial fishing in the summers on the F/V McCrea, and they went on to crew on seiners in Southeast Alaska.

Decker has served on many boards and committees working to support the seafood industry, including the United Fishermen of Alaska, Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute, Southeast Conference, Wrangell Borough Assembly, Alaska Mariculture Alliance, and Global Seafood Alliance.