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Currently Lopez Fisheries is heading into it’s 3rd generation of Currently Lopez Fisheries is heading into it’s 3rd generation of fisherman. The first generation to start in the area was Michael fisherman. The first generation to start in the area was Michael Lopez, the father of Thomas Lopez Sr. the current owner/Operator of Lopez, the father of Thomas Lopez Sr. the current owner/Operator of Lopez Fisheries. A Seiner and overall Alaskan Mountain man, Mike Lopez Fisheries. A Seiner and overall Alaskan Mountain man, Mike lived and breathed fishing, with 4 sons, eventually 1 carrying on the lived and breathed fishing, with 4 sons, eventually 1 carrying on the family business.family business. Through a collaborative effort, at the age of 15 Tom and his Through a collaborative effort, at the age of 15 Tom and his brother Tim scratched and saved all their money to buy a small brother Tim scratched and saved all their money to buy a small fishing boat called the ‘TNT’. Not known at the time, this would fishing boat called the ‘TNT’. Not known at the time, this would signify the start to an illustrious career in Alaskan Commercial signify the start to an illustrious career in Alaskan Commercial Fishing.Fishing. Currently Lopez Fisheries consists of four commercial seining Currently Lopez Fisheries consists of four commercial seining vessels. One of the largest amount of vessels owned by one group in vessels. One of the largest amount of vessels owned by one group in the fishery. All of the current owners are related to Tom and have the fishery. All of the current owners are related to Tom and have worked in the industry their entire lives.worked in the industry their entire lives.

Lopez FisheriesLopez Fisheries

Tom’s Son Thomas Jr., Son Alex, and Nephew Dustin all have come to become established Captains in the fishery and have a hand in developing Lopez Fisheries. The personalities are vast amongst four vessels with four aboard all summer; from Middle-American firefighters to Alaska bound transients. The allure and adventure and chance at riches attract all different types of captains and crew alike. The Lopez Fisheries group is no different. Being chalked full of a dynamic group of second and third generation fishermen. There is never a lack of humor, adventure, pride, tempers, and competition amongst the Lopez Fisheries vessels.

With a natural return of millions of With a natural return of millions of Salmon per year the PWS consistently Salmon per year the PWS consistently produces one of the largest natural Salmon produces one of the largest natural Salmon runs in the world. Commercially caught runs in the world. Commercially caught Salmon is sold and shipped to nearly every Salmon is sold and shipped to nearly every country worldwide..country worldwide.. Located off the Gulf of Alaska on the Located off the Gulf of Alaska on the south coast of the State, Valdez, Alaska and south coast of the State, Valdez, Alaska and The Prince William Sound has weathered The Prince William Sound has weathered the Good Friday Earthquake as well as the the Good Friday Earthquake as well as the Tsunami of 1964, and known as one of the Tsunami of 1964, and known as one of the most beautiful areas in the state.most beautiful areas in the state. Prince William Sound Salmon fishing is Prince William Sound Salmon fishing is proving to be one of the most promising and proving to be one of the most promising and lucrative in the industry. With a lucrative in the industry. With a consistently high return and increasing consistently high return and increasing demand.demand.

Prince William Sound, Prince William Sound, AlaskaAlaska

Purse Seining is a type of fishing where there Purse Seining is a type of fishing where there are a number of rings on the bottom of a net, of are a number of rings on the bottom of a net, of which a rope passes through. When pulled this which a rope passes through. When pulled this rope draws the rings together, preventing the rope draws the rings together, preventing the escape of fish . The Purse Seine is a preferred for escape of fish . The Purse Seine is a preferred for capturing fish which school close to the surface capturing fish which school close to the surface such as Salmon. Specific to the PWS fishery, one such as Salmon. Specific to the PWS fishery, one end of the net is held against the current by the end of the net is held against the current by the main vessel, and the other end is held by a main vessel, and the other end is held by a secondary vessel called the ‘Skiff.’ Laying the secondary vessel called the ‘Skiff.’ Laying the net and bringing it in can often result in 1,000lbs net and bringing it in can often result in 1,000lbs - 250,000lbs of Salmon.- 250,000lbs of Salmon. The involvement of three crewmen, a captain, The involvement of three crewmen, a captain, and a skiff-man require seamless work in and a skiff-man require seamless work in bringing in the nets. With each haul being of bringing in the nets. With each haul being of such importance the stress is high and work such importance the stress is high and work relations are tested. Extremely powerful relations are tested. Extremely powerful equipment along with constantly fighting mother-equipment along with constantly fighting mother-nature allows for potential emergencies daily. nature allows for potential emergencies daily.

Purse SeiningPurse SeiningFrom 3000BC to Present day

Tom, a second generation fisherman, is a native Alaskan, born in Fairbanks and raised in Valdez, fishing since 8 years old. He has been involved in several major fisheries in Alaska and started running boats at the age of 15 with his brothers. With an endless appetite for hard work, no ‘BS’ attitude and stories to match, Tom’s expertise combined with his over the top personality make everyday an experience aboard the F/V Cheerful II.

Capt. Tom Sr. – F/V Capt. Tom Sr. – F/V Cheerful IICheerful II

“Listen son, I’m not going to give you anything; no ones ever going to give you anything. Your going to have to figure out a way to get it yourself. Now get to work!” – Tom Sr.

Being Born and raised in Being Born and raised in Alaska Thomas was raised Alaska Thomas was raised around commercial fishing, around commercial fishing, spending nearly every day of his spending nearly every day of his young life, since 8 months old on young life, since 8 months old on Vessels. He assumed a full Vessels. He assumed a full deckhand/skiff-man position at deckhand/skiff-man position at the age of 13, learning and the age of 13, learning and working in every position aboard working in every position aboard the vessel. Becoming a captain the vessel. Becoming a captain and vessel owner at the age of and vessel owner at the age of 24. Thomas has also assumed a 24. Thomas has also assumed a key role in the development of key role in the development of Lopez Fisheries as a viable Lopez Fisheries as a viable business and investment option.business and investment option. Thomas’ never-quit attitude Thomas’ never-quit attitude allows for high success along allows for high success along with high stress. Captain and with high stress. Captain and crew relations are always tested crew relations are always tested aboard the F/V Conspiracy aboard the F/V Conspiracy lending for some dynamic lending for some dynamic moments. moments. Like Tom Sr. Thomas is also Like Tom Sr. Thomas is also confident and boisterous in his confident and boisterous in his opinions, making him either your opinions, making him either your best friend or worst enemy.best friend or worst enemy.

Captain Thomas F/V Captain Thomas F/V ConspiracyConspiracy

"It is literally like 'The Wild' out here, you have to circle your spot over and over, marking your territory, hoping someone doesn't come along and fight you for it.”

Born and raised in Alaska, Born and raised in Alaska, Dustin started going out on his Dustin started going out on his grandfathers fishing vessels at age grandfathers fishing vessels at age of 8. As with the other Lopez boys, of 8. As with the other Lopez boys, Dustin assumed the responsibilities Dustin assumed the responsibilities of a deckhand at the age of 14, of a deckhand at the age of 14, and bought and ran the Potato and bought and ran the Potato Point at age 26. Point at age 26. Dustin although very comical is Dustin although very comical is quite reserved, not seeking conflict quite reserved, not seeking conflict in many situations. Where some in many situations. Where some might see a vulnerability, Dustin might see a vulnerability, Dustin uses his personality to gain friends uses his personality to gain friends and allies amongst the fishing fleet. and allies amongst the fishing fleet. Through coaching high school Through coaching high school wrestling and teaching in the wrestling and teaching in the winter Dustin seeks to mentor winter Dustin seeks to mentor young men in the ‘school of hard young men in the ‘school of hard work.’ Dustin regularly brings on work.’ Dustin regularly brings on young green crewmembers, young green crewmembers, allowing for a season full of new allowing for a season full of new and entertaining experiences. and entertaining experiences.

Captain Dustin: F/V Potato Captain Dustin: F/V Potato PointPoint

“Tom got into a scuffle on the grounds where 2 boats including his got rammed and a crew member jumped from one boat to another, to fight. It was awesome!”

Capt. Alex - F/V Laissez-Capt. Alex - F/V Laissez-FaireFaire Along with the rest of the boys Alex spent his young life amongst the fishing boats and Docks of Port Valdez. Eventually living all throughout the U.S. He assumed a full deckhand/skiff-man position at the age of twelve, learning and working in every position aboard the vessel. Alex eventually went on to graduate from college and tried his hand in the business world. Although the comfort of the suit and tie are hard to deny, fishing is in his blood. As the newest of the vessels in the Lopez Fleet, Captain Alex shows promise, making swift calculated decisions that could only be the result of life aboard vessels. As with all of the other Captains Alex is individual in his approach, testing situations and acting accordingly. Known for his

“It’s rougher than it’s ever been out there .”

Jason has been commercial fishing on and off with the Lopez Fisheries Fleet since he was 12 years old. He grew up in Alaska attending school in Anchorage and fishing in Valdez in the summers. After graduating from the University of Alaska Anchorage he became very active in the Alaska political scene even hosting the Jason Cline Program on AM700 KBYR. Jason along with Thomas Jr. has been a key developer in Lopez Fisheries Media through Website Design and communications. He is the younger brother of Captain Dustin and Cousin to Captain Thomas Jr. and Alex. Jason’s political and business expertise have honed his negotiation technique, getting him both in and out of trouble regularly.

Jason Jason

“Fishing is a business now, not just savage dirty fishermen. Now it’s savage dirty ‘fisher-businessmen’”

Alaska State Trooper – Troopers and their duties in Alaska State Trooper – Troopers and their duties in AlaskaAlaska

National Geographic Channel (2009 – present) National Geographic Channel (2009 – present) Currently on its 5Currently on its 5thth season ( season (52 Episodes52 Episodes))

Deadliest CatchDeadliest Catch – Alaskan Commercial Crab – Alaskan Commercial Crab FishermenFishermen

Discovery Channel (2005 – present)Discovery Channel (2005 – present) Currently Completed it 8Currently Completed it 8thth Season ( Season (125 125

EpisodesEpisodes))

Gold Rush AlaskaGold Rush Alaska – Alaskan Gold Miners – Alaskan Gold Miners Discovery Channel (2010 – present)Discovery Channel (2010 – present) Currently into its 3Currently into its 3rdrd season ( season (58 Episodes58 Episodes))

The Appeal of AlaskaThe Appeal of AlaskaAlaska is “So HOT right now!”

Ice Road Truckers Ice Road Truckers – Long Haul Truck Drivers in – Long Haul Truck Drivers in AlaskaAlaska Discovery Channel (2007 – Present)Discovery Channel (2007 – Present) Currently into its 6Currently into its 6thth Season ( Season (84 Episodes84 Episodes))

Bering Sea GoldBering Sea Gold – Gold Miners on boats in Nome, – Gold Miners on boats in Nome, AlaskaAlaska Discovery Channel (2012 – present)Discovery Channel (2012 – present) Currently airing its 3Currently airing its 3rdrd Season ( Season (into 16into 16thth

EpisodeEpisode))

Flying Wild AlaskaFlying Wild Alaska – Alaskan Family run Bush Pilot – Alaskan Family run Bush Pilot ServiceService Discovery Channel (2011 – present)Discovery Channel (2011 – present) Currently completed its 3Currently completed its 3rdrd season ( season (31 Episodes31 Episodes))

Alaskan Reality = Alaskan Reality = SuccessSuccess

- Filming HoursFilming Hours – During the summer in – During the summer in Alaska there is on average 18 hours of Alaska there is on average 18 hours of daylight per day plus 3 hours of dawn and daylight per day plus 3 hours of dawn and dusk. This combined with one of the dusk. This combined with one of the longest ‘Golden’ or ’Magic’ filming hours longest ‘Golden’ or ’Magic’ filming hours in the world make Alaska an optimal in the world make Alaska an optimal environment for maximum filming time.environment for maximum filming time.

- TerritoryTerritory – There are countess different – There are countess different landscapes and ecosystems within Alaska. landscapes and ecosystems within Alaska. With unlimited numbers of potential With unlimited numbers of potential filming locations, Alaska can help you filming locations, Alaska can help you realize several of your specific visions.realize several of your specific visions.

- The Alaska Film Incentive ProgramThe Alaska Film Incentive Program: This : This is an economic development initiative is an economic development initiative created to encourage growth of the film created to encourage growth of the film industry in Alaska. Applicants qualify for industry in Alaska. Applicants qualify for up to 44% in tax credit qualified up to 44% in tax credit qualified expenditures. expenditures.

- In 2012 the Alaska legislature expanded In 2012 the Alaska legislature expanded legislation that will continue the legislation that will continue the Incentive Program through 2023.Incentive Program through 2023.

Why Film in Alaska?Why Film in Alaska?

Lopez Fisheries:Lopez Fisheries: What’s What’s

different?different? Lopez Fisheries is different in nearly everyway than other Alaskan Reality based shows. The Industry, the Family, the Competition, and the Personnel are all related and dynamic and different ways. Nowhere else will you find a multi-generational family filled with vast experiences and successes in on of the most exciting and challenging professions in the world.

The Industry: The Industry: The Prince William Sound Salmon Fishery The Prince William Sound Salmon Fishery is currently one of the most profitable and is currently one of the most profitable and sought after fisheries in Alaska and the U.S. sought after fisheries in Alaska and the U.S. After recovery from the well known Exxon After recovery from the well known Exxon Valdez Oil Spill in 1989 the fishery and it’s Valdez Oil Spill in 1989 the fishery and it’s fishermen ‘clawed’ their way past some of fishermen ‘clawed’ their way past some of the least profitable years ever on record. the least profitable years ever on record. These fishermen are now seasoned veterans These fishermen are now seasoned veterans with million dollar operations fishing with million dollar operations fishing alongside a young established group of up alongside a young established group of up and coming fishermen. and coming fishermen.

Competition:Competition: ‘ ‘Cut-throat’ is the most accurate way to describe the Purse Cut-throat’ is the most accurate way to describe the Purse Seine fishery. If you do not watch out for yourself no one will, Seine fishery. If you do not watch out for yourself no one will, you will be taken advantage of around every corner and no one you will be taken advantage of around every corner and no one will blink an eye. Veterans utilize their experience to outsmart, will blink an eye. Veterans utilize their experience to outsmart, while the new generation works hard to survive. Finding the while the new generation works hard to survive. Finding the balance between impulse and calculated judgments can mean the balance between impulse and calculated judgments can mean the difference between success and complete failure. The success of difference between success and complete failure. The success of an entire season can come down to 2 or 3 days making each and an entire season can come down to 2 or 3 days making each and every decision crucial to a good season or bankruptcy. every decision crucial to a good season or bankruptcy.

The Personal: The Personal: Besides the Family of Captains, the Besides the Family of Captains, the personalities amongst the crewmen and personalities amongst the crewmen and local small-town Alaskans is unmatched. local small-town Alaskans is unmatched. The Commercial fishing lifestyle attracts The Commercial fishing lifestyle attracts savages to college students, professionals savages to college students, professionals to transients, and ‘salt of the earth’ to transients, and ‘salt of the earth’ workers to hippies. There is never a lack workers to hippies. There is never a lack of personality on the docks or aboard the of personality on the docks or aboard the vessels.vessels.