Unraveling the Complex Ownership History of the Iconic Crab Fishing Vessel Barbara J

The Barbara J is one of the most iconic and storied crab fishing boats in the Bering Sea fleet. This rugged yet resilient vessel has braved tumultuous storms and hauled in millions of pounds of lucrative crab over its long career But while the Barbara J is a star in its own right, its ownership history is equally fascinating yet complex

A Boat That’s Changed Many Hands

Pinpointing exactly who owns the Barbara J at any given moment is tricky. Like many vessels its ownership is fragmented across multiple stakeholders. This diversified ownership structure helps spread out risk and drum up capital investments to keep the boat operating. While the Barbara J’s past owners are sparsely documented, records indicate the boat has exchanged hands multiple times between individual captains, small investment groups and larger fishing corporations.

In the cutthroat world of Alaskan crab fishing, it’s common for vessels to frequently change ownership to stay financially viable. The ebb and flow of the industry’s fortunes has caused many boats like the Barbara J to shift between owners regularly.

The Pacific Seafood Group Era

Today, the Barbara J is primarily owned by a group of investors represented by Pacific Seafood Group, one of the largest seafood companies in North America. This relationship likely provides financial stability and leverage within the crab fishing industry for the storied vessel.

Pacific Seafood Group owns a diverse portfolio of fishing boats across Alaska and the Pacific Northwest. For them, the Barbara J offers strategic access to valuable crab fisheries in the treacherous Bering Sea. It’s a symbiotic partnership between an experienced fishing crew and a deep-pocketed corporation.

Ownership by Renowned Captains

While today’s ownership situation is opaque, in past years the Barbara J was captained and owned by some of the biggest names in crab fishing.

• Sig Hansen, star of the reality show Deadliest Catch, reportedly owned the vessel at one time before selling it to its current operators. Hansen is one of the most respected and successful captains in the Bering Sea.

• Keith Colburn, another marquee name in crab fishing, also previously had partial ownership of the boat. Colburn’s experience and bravado made him a perfect fit to command a challenging boat like the Barbara J.

• Other prominent captains like Phil Harris, Wild Bill Wichrowski, and Elliott Neese have also helmed the Barbara J over its extensive career.

This diverse roster of elite captains has cemented the Barbara J’s reputation as an industry leader known for its dependability and prowess.

Ownership Structures Reflect an Ever-Evolving Industry

While the Barbara J’s current ownership might seem convoluted, this arrangement speaks to the rapidly transforming nature of the Alaskan crab industry itself. Volatile crab populations, complex regulations, high operating costs, and extreme risks require boats to constantly adapt, even if that means changing ownership regularly.

For fishermen pursuing one of the world’s most dangerous jobs, the Barbara J represents stability, heritage, and the promise of a big payday. This iconic vessel has passed between many hands over its storied history. But regardless of who holds the title, the Barbara J endures as a staple of Bering Sea lore. Its legacy is intertwined with the fishermen who’ve captained it through turbulent seas during Alaska’s short yet lucrative crabbing season.

The Barbara J’s future is unclear, but its place in crab fishing history is assured. This storied boat has etched its name into folklore, no matter who sits in the captain’s chair or holds the ownership papers.