73 Fall 2025 Proceedings maritime jobs, as the maritime sector stands as both the region’s largest industry and its oldest. The region has been a maritime economy for more than 11,000 years with a history rooted in seafaring, canoe building, and tidal wealth of the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian—the Alaska Native tribes that inhabited the region for mil- lennia. The Tlingit—often called the “Tides People,” thrived in the coastal lands of Southeast Alaska, where the ocean provided abundant fish and sea mammals, as well as a transportation corridor. Highly-skilled navigators, the Tlingit developed ocean trade routes using large ocean- going canoes for trading, visiting neighboring villages, and waging war. They built onshore aids to help navigate the many waterways and inlets of Southeast Alaska. Nearly every element of Southeast Alaska’s economy is fueled by ocean commerce. The region depends on barges to import most commodities, including food and fuel. The seafood industry depends on the wealth of the sea and the flotilla of 2,600 commercial fishing vessels homeported in the region. Nearly 2 million visitors come to Southeast Alaska, primarily on around 500 cruise ship voyages in the summer. Freight ships move logs and ore laden with precious metals to market. Alaska Marine Highway ferries provide transportation between as well as 61 auxiliarists serving in the region. These individuals contribute to the economy, earning nearly $73 million in wages annually.1 The region’s unique geographical and economic challenges often intersect with the objectives of Sector Southeast Alaska, which is aligned with trends and indicators from the private sector. While industry trends shed light on why the work- force is booming, it is the quirks of the local economy that really shape the distinctive culture and vibe of Southeast Alaska. It’s not just about numbers—it’s about how the region’s unique challenges and opportunities come together to create something truly one-of-a-kind. One of the most pressing issues in the region is housing. Despite the high cost of materials, the housing short- age can be traced to the fact that only 0.05% of the land in Southeast Alaska is privately owned.2 This key piece of data helps the Coast Guard and other organizations understand regional trends, allowing them to anticipate future challenges. Through such insights, the larger con- text of the region’s economy and plan for its ongoing development comes into focus. Southeast Alaska’s Blue Economy Southeast Alaska has a long-standing history with Petty Officer 2nd Class Dylan Young, left, and Chief William Jordan, members of CGC John Witherspoon (WPC 1158), conduct cutter boat training in the vicinity of Juneau, Alaska, on January 23, 2025. The John Witherspoon is one of three cutters slated to commission in Kodiak, Alaska, to support search and rescue missions, living marine resources, and maritime law enforcement. Coast Guard photo by Petty Officer 3rd Class Cameron Snell
