December 10, 2018

2018 Alaska salmon harvest seen to decrease 13% in value

All-species salmon harvest in 2018 is estimated to reach 114.5 million fish with an estimated preliminary ex-vessel value of $595.2 million, a 13% decrease from the 2017 value of $685 million, according to the preliminary harvest and value figures for the 2018 Alaska Commercial Salmon Fishery.

The 2018 Alaska Commercial Salmon Fishery, published by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G), showed that sockeye salmon accounts for 59% of total value at $349.2 million and 44% of total harvest at 49.9 million fish.

Chum salmon is the second-most valuable species constituting 21% of total ex-vessel value at $125 million and 18% of total harvest at 20.1 million fish.

Pink salmon represents approximately 12% of total value at $69.2 million, and 36% of total harvest at 40.7 million fish. Coho salmon accounts for around 6% of total value at $35.5 million and 3% of total harvest at 3.6 million fish.

The Chinook salmon harvest was estimated at 234,614 fish with an estimated preliminary value of $16.3 million.

Values were estimated based on preliminary ex-vessel prices and did not include any post-season adjustments paid to fishermen.

Earlier in August, ADF&G forecast that statewide salmon harvest might not reach the expected 147 million fish in 2018.