‘Head and Gut’ Trawler Fleet Buoys Seattle Shipyard Business

The Foss Seattle Shipyard continues to do a brisk, seasonal business with what is known as the “Head and Gut Fleet,” a group of about a dozen trawlers that harvest flatfish and cod from Alaska’s Bering Sea. Bill Sage of the shipyard’s sales team said the vessels, owned by seven companies, range from about 140 to 220 feet in length and carry crews of 25 to 45 people. They fish by dragging nets along the bottom, bringing in 30 to 60 tons per haul, and they process and freeze the fish on board.