Ep 1. Fish Squeezer

In Dirty Jobs season 7 episode 1, titled Fish Squeezer, host Mike Rowe travels to Alaska to tackle a new dirty job - extracting valuable oil from the roe of salmon. Rowe meets with local fishermen and biologists who explain the process of squeezing the eggs out of various species of salmon, as well as the importance of the salmon population to the Alaskan economy and ecosystem.

Rowe then heads out to sea to join a crew of fishermen on their fishing boat. He observes the skill and precision required to catch salmon and the dedication of the fishermen who spend weeks at a time on the water. Once the boat is full of salmon, they return to shore to begin the process of extracting the roe.

Rowe visits a processing plant where he learns how the roe is separated from the rest of the fish and how it is then processed to extract the valuable oil. He is then taken to a special machine called the "Fish Squeezer" which is used to extract the oil from the roe. Rowe is shown how to operate the machine, which involves loading the roe into a hopper that is then pressed to extract the oil.

Throughout the episode, Rowe experiences the many challenges and dirty aspects of the job. He has to gut and clean the fish, as well as handle the roe which can be messy and difficult to work with. He also experiences the physical demands of being on a fishing boat for hours on end and the grueling hours of processing the fish.

In addition to the technical aspects of the job, Rowe also learns about the culture and history of Alaskan fishing. He meets with local Native American tribes who have fished in Alaska for centuries and hears their stories and traditions. He also reflects on the significant role that salmon plays in the Alaskan economy and the global food industry.

Overall, Dirty Jobs season 7 episode 1 offers a unique glimpse into the challenging and dirty world of fish squeezing in Alaska. It highlights the skill and dedication of those who work in the industry and emphasizes the importance of sustainable fishing practices to preserve the fragile ecosystem and economy of Alaska.