The Truth About the Community Development Quota (CDQ) Program
The CDQ program was created to ensure that Alaska's coastal communities directly benefit from the resources in their waters.
What is CDQ?
A Program Built for Western Alaska
Today, 65 communities across Western Alaska participate in the program through six regional organizations. These groups receive a dedicated share of federal fisheries — including 10% of the Eastern Bering Sea pollock allocation — and use that access to generate long-term economic opportunity.
CDQ groups don’t just receive revenue — they own and invest in the industry itself, including vessels, processing operations, and infrastructure.
The result: sustainable, locally driven economic development tied directly to Alaska's most valuable fishery.
How It Works
How the Program Works
The CDQ program allocates a portion of federal fishery quotas to six regional groups representing eligible communities. Each group operates independently, allowing investments to reflect the unique needs of their communities.
These groups reinvest revenue to:
- Build and grow fisheries-related businesses
- Fund local infrastructure and essential services
- Provide direct financial support and opportunity to residents
- Support education, training, and workforce development
These investments:
- Generate long-term revenue for communities
- Create jobs both locally and statewide
- Strengthen Alaska's position in global seafood markets
Real Impact in Local Communities
Investing in Western Alaska
CDQ investments show up in everyday life across Western Alaska — from jobs and education to basic cost-of-living support.
Economic Opportunity
- Stock recovery trajectory
- Ecosystem function and biodiversity
- Habitat health and connectivity
Education & Workforce Development
- Scholarships for college and trade schools
- Workforce training programs
- Career pathways in maritime and skilled trades
Essential Services
- Heating fuel assistance for households
- Infrastructure development in remote villages
- Maintenance of critical community facilities
Subsistence & Daily Life
- Equipment and support for subsistence activities
- Local repair and service programs
- Increased access to essential goods and services
A Major Economic Engine for Alaska
The Bigger Picture
The impact of the CDQ program is part of a much larger story. The Alaska pollock fishery — with CDQ participation at its core — is a foundation of Alaska's economy.
6,300+
Alaska jobs supported in 2023
$336M
in wages flowing directly to Alaska households
$830M
communities across Western Alaska participating in CDQ
$21M
communities across Western Alaska participating in CDQ
CDQ groups play a direct role in this system — ensuring that a meaningful share of that economic activity stays in Alaska and benefits local communities.
In 2023 alone, CDQ organizations invested more than $52 million back into communities, funding:
- Scholarships and education programs
- Workforce and fisheries development
- Infrastructure and essential services
- Community grants and local initiatives
Ownership
Ownership That Drives Long-Term Benefit
A defining feature of the CDQ program is ownership. Today, 35% of Alaska pollock fishing interests are held by Alaska-based entities, including CDQ groups. Through direct ownership and partnerships, CDQ organizations help operate the very vessels and facilities that power the fishery.
This structure:
- Keeps economic value in Alaska
- Creates stable, long-term revenue streams
- Builds local expertise and workforce participation
- Reduces reliance on outside industries
36%
of Alaska pollock fishing interests
held by Alaska-based entities including CDQ groups
Summary
Truthful Takeaways
- The CDQ program gives 65 Western Alaska communities a direct stake in one of the world's most valuable fisheries
- CDQ groups receive 10% of the pollock allocation and reinvest revenue locally
- $52 million+ annually is invested back into communities
- CDQ ownership helps ensure long-term, Alaska-based economic benefit
- The program supports jobs, infrastructure, and essential services in some of the most remote regions in the U.S.
- It plays a critical role in sustaining Alaska's entire seafood economy
The Communities Behind CDQ
Six Regional Organizations
The CDQ program serves 65 communities across Western Alaska, spanning thousands of miles of coastline from the Bering Strait to the Aleutian Islands — each organized into six regional groups with deep ties to the Bering Sea.
Aleutian Pribilof Island Community Development Association (APICDA)
Supports 6 remote villages in the Aleutian-Pribilof region of Alaska.
Bristol Bay Economic Development Corporation (BBEDC)
Supports 17 villages in the Bristol Bay region of Alaska.
Central Bering Sea Fishermen's Association (CBSFA)
Supports the Saint Paul community in the Central Bering Sea region.
Norton Sound Economic Development Corporation (NSEDC)
15 communities in the Bering Strait region of Northwestern Alaska.