Matt Carlson Bio: Port Protection Alaska Star’s Age, Skiff Loss, Family Life & Music

Matt Carlson, known to many as the quiet yet capable son of Sam Carlson on Life Below Zero: Port Protection Alaska, has spent his life rooted in the rugged landscape of coastal Alaska. From his early days fishing and exploring the forest with his brothers to his return to Port Protection after time on the mainland, Matt’s journey reflects the enduring pull of home, family, and self-reliance. A skilled fisherman, boatman, and craftsman, Matt became known on the show for his calm resolve and steady contributions to the Port Protection community.

Matt Carlson Port Protection

In recent years, Matt’s life has continued to evolve beyond the camera. Following the show’s cancellation, he remained active in Port Protection—facing personal challenges, contributing to local life, and even sharing a more creative side through his music. Whether working aboard commercial boats or reflecting on life through song, Matt’s post-show life has remained rooted in the same values seen during his time on the series—resilience, self-sufficiency, and a strong connection to his surroundings.

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    Early Life & Family

    Matt Carlson is the son of Sam Carlson, a long-time resident of Life Below Zero: Port Protection Alaska, affectionately known as “The Engineer.” Matt was born on June 13, 1982, at 8:38 a.m., weighing 7 pounds 15 ounces and measuring 21 inches long. Raised in the remote village of Port Protection, Matt grew up surrounded by wilderness and community values. From an early age, he learned subsistence skills like fishing, hunting, woodworking, and boat maintenance—practical knowledge passed down from his father.

    He shares this upbringing with two brothers: Ehren Carlson, his elder, and Kelly Carlson. The Carlson brothers were raised with an appreciation for hard work, self-reliance, and the natural environment that shaped their daily lives. As Matt once recalled, “We spent most of our time out in the forest or rowing around in boats and fishing and, you know, generally terrorizing each other.”

    Life Away from the Community

    In adulthood, Matt moved to the Alaskan mainland and settled in Ketchikan. There, he built a home with his partner, Kaylee Burk, an avian care specialist. In August 2016, the couple welcomed their daughter, Shipley. Her early years were closely connected to nature. One notable moment involved Shipley helping care for a rescued merganser chick at the age of three—a small but meaningful reflection of the values her parents instilled.

    Matt Carlson ex partner  Kaylee Burk and daughter Shipley and
    Kaylee Burk and daughter Shipley Carlson

    During this time, Matt also worked as a fishing captain for Baranof Fishing Excursions. He earned a positive reputation for his knowledge of Alaska’s waterways and for guiding visitors with care and enthusiasm.

    Though Matt and Kaylee eventually went their separate ways, his quiet connection to Shipley has remained—a bond shaped by shared values and early moments in nature.

    Return to Port Protection

    After parting ways with Kaylee, Matt returned to Port Protection to spend quality time with his father and get back to his roots—a detail confirmed in a January 2021 post by Life Below Zero, which referred to him as “The Prodigal Son.” He resumed life in the village and joined his father Sam in the daily tasks of off-grid living. His return marked a renewed focus on family, tradition, and the land that had shaped him. As Matt expressed,

    “This place imprints itself on you. You can go away for as long as you want, but this place is always here.”

    One meaningful moment came in 2022, when Matt reunited with his younger brother Kelly, who had been living in Tacoma, Washington. Weather had delayed Kelly’s arrival, but when the brothers finally reunited after several years, the visit became a reminder of the strong family ties that remain even across long distances. Raised together in Port Protection, Matt and Kelly recalled childhood days spent exploring the forest, rowing boats, and building forts. Their shared past resurfaced as they returned to fishing together—something they hadn’t done since their teens.

    The reunion was also special for their father, Sam Carlson, who expressed deep joy in seeing both sons together again. Despite Kelly having chosen a different path in life, his visit reinforced the enduring pull of home. The time spent fishing and working side-by-side offered space for reflection and connection, something all three Carlsons seemed to value deeply.

    Matt also demonstrated his deep sense of responsibility toward the community during a storm recovery operation, where he worked alongside neighbors to remove a massive tree that blocked a key passage. Using a combination of ingenuity, teamwork, and sheer determination, Matt helped rig flotation devices and winch systems to lift the tree at high tide. This challenging task, documented on the show, illustrated his quiet leadership and problem-solving skills under pressure.

    Skills & Character

    Matt is respected in his community for his practical skills and calm demeanor. Whether navigating a boat, repairing equipment, or cutting timber, he approaches tasks with steady competence. Though his brother Kelly pursued a different path in the Lower 48, Matt remained closely tied to the rhythms of Port Protection. As their father Sam noted during Kelly’s 2022 visit, seeing both sons thriving in their forties—healthy and grounded—was a reassuring reflection of the values they were raised with.

    Series Conclusion

    Matt Carlson’s journey was prominently featured in Life Below Zero: Port Protection Alaska, which offered viewers a rare glimpse into the self-sufficient lives of its remote residents. In May 2024, David Squibb confirmed that the series had not been renewed for future filming. However, ten final episodes—filmed in 2023—were released in 2025 as part of the show’s eighth season. These episodes provided fans with one last opportunity to witness life in Port Protection, including Matt’s efforts to support his community and family.

    Recent Developments

    Since the show’s conclusion, Matt Carlson has continued to live with quiet purpose in Port Protection. In January 2025, he experienced a personal loss when his longtime skiff—one he had owned since 2011—unexpectedly sank. The moment was more than just practical; it was deeply emotional. “I’ve had my skiff since 2011 and it has never gone under. It randomly sank some time early this morning. I’m bummed,” Matt shared.

    Despite this setback, Matt carried on, staying true to the life he values. In May 2025, he wrapped up the halibut season aboard the commercial vessel LEA, working alongside crew members like Robert Bateman, Matthew White, and Robert Wright. Reflecting on the journey, Matt wrote, “I was happy to serve and hopefully I made a difference. All is well that ends well.”

    He also began sharing more of his creative side, including glimpses into his music. Video clips on his Facebook captured Matt singing and playing guitar—an expressive, tender side rarely seen on television.

    Matt Carlson – Wiki Bio Facts

    Full NameMatt Carlson
    Date of BirthJune 13, 1982
    Age42 years old
    Place of BirthPort Protection, Alaska, USA
    GrandparentsRaymond Carlson and Maude Carlson.
    ParentsSam Carlson (father)
    SiblingsEhren Carlson (brother), Kelly Carlson (brother)
    DaughterShipley Carlson
    Former PartnerKaylee Burk
    ProfessionFisherman, Boatman, Craftsman
    Known ForLife Below Zero: Port Protection
    Notable TraitsCalm, skilled, self-reliant
    Last TV AppearanceSeason 8 (2025, final season aired)
    Current ResidencePort Protection, Alaska

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