March 24, 2025 — The Port Alberni Port Authority (PAPA) is pleased to welcome Pacific Seafood as its newest tenant to Berth 1. As a family-owned and operated company, Pacific Seafood provides fresh, high-quality, and sustainable seafood while supporting the local workforce.
By participating in every step of the supply chain—from harvesting and fishing to processing and distribution—Pacific Seafood ensures top-tier quality and sustainability in all its products.
“We are excited to welcome Pacific Seafood to the Port Alberni waterfront. Their commitment to sustainability, job creation, and local partnerships aligns perfectly with our mission to drive economic growth and enhance our port’s role in the global seafood industry,” said Zoran Knezevic, CEO of Port Alberni Port Authority.
Pacific Seafood’ Port Alberni operations will focus on catching, freezing and distributing a variety of premium seafood products, including Pacific Hake, Pollock, Arrowtooth Flounder, and rockfish of various forms, to name a few.
“We’re a fishing company first and foremost and having a dedicated home in Port Alberni gives us a reliable place to service our boats and load out vessels for at least the next five years.,” said David Dawson, GM Canada Fleet Operations at Pacific Seafood.
With the purchase of a second boat, they needed a facility with substantial depth and ample dock space to offload their vessels, service them, and have storage for dry goods — something not every port can offer. The new location is a great fit for their operations and for their crew.
“This really feels like home for us.” – David Dawson
“Port Alberni has provided us with the right infrastructure and opportunity. Many of our employees live in Port Alberni, and now they no longer have to drive the road to Ucluelet for work, which we all know can be difficult at times.” explains Dawson.
Having their home base in Port Alberni also brings their product closer to its destination. Containers of frozen product are trucked to Nanaimo to get barged or ferried for shipping. Their operations will require hiring local trade services and will bring economic growth to the region.
“We’re able to support local trucking businesses right here in Port Alberni. Our crews are spending money in the community, paying rent, buying food, and this really feels like home for us.” says Dawson.
Operations are already in motion, and Pacific Seafood is excited to have their workers closer to home and are looking forward to establishing strong partnerships within the Port Alberni community.
