Ep 3. Into the Hot Zone

In season 2 episode 3 of Alaska Fish Wars, titled Into the Hot Zone, viewers are taken back to Bristol Bay, Alaska, where the commercial salmon fishing season is in full swing. However, the competition between rival fishing crews has reached an all-time high. Boat-to-boat collisions and physical altercations over fishing grounds have become regular occurrences, creating a dangerous environment for everyone involved.

As tensions rise, the fishing crews must navigate around unpredictable weather conditions, including dense fog and strong winds, while simultaneously trying to catch as many fish as possible before the season ends. The stakes are high as the salmon fishing industry is a big contributor to the Alaskan economy, and each crew is vying for the biggest catch to secure their financial future for the year.

To make matters worse, the Alaskan Department of Fish and Game has issued strict fishing restrictions due to low salmon runs, limiting the number of nets each crew can use and the amount of fish they can catch. This has led to desperate measures by some fishing crews, including fishing in prohibited areas and hiding their excess catch from authorities.

Viewers get a firsthand look at the dangerous and high-stakes world of commercial fishing as they watch the crews battle not only each other but also nature and the Alaskan government. The lack of action from law enforcement has led some crews to take the law into their own hands, leading to even more confrontations and near-disasters.

As the season draws to a close, tensions reach a boiling point, and the fishing crews make their final push to catch as many fish as possible before it's too late. But with the odds stacked against them, some crews may end up walking away with empty nets, while others may leave with a record-breaking haul.

Overall, Into the Hot Zone offers a thrilling and eye-opening look into the intense world of commercial salmon fishing in Alaska and the risks and rewards that come with it. Viewers will be on the edge of their seats as they watch the fishing crews battle it out in one of the most challenging and dangerous environments in the world.