As of the end of July, the wild sockeye salmon harvest in Bristol Bay, Alaska, had already accumulated 38 million fish. Another strong harvest that, while not reaching the record numbers of 2022, has exceeded the forecast of around 37 million fish. This makes the 2023 harvest season one of the five best in the last 20 years. Moreover, the final figures are likely to be even higher, as this year's salmon fishery will continue until August.
"The strong harvests out of Bristol Bay in recent years are a testament to the responsible fisheries management of Alaska and the Bristol Bay fishing industry including fishermen, biologists, local community and seafood processors, and speak to the health and thriving future of the wild sockeye in the region," stated Lilani Dunn, Bristol Bay Regional Seafood Development Association (BBRSDA) Marketing Director.
"It takes thousands of dedicated people laboring through unfathomably long workdays, unpredictable weather, sore muscles, blistered hands, mechanical problems and more to make a harvest like this happen, year after year," said for his part Andy Wink, Executive Director of BBRSDA. "We're proud to be able to provide delicious wild sockeye salmon that is not only rich in nutrients, but is also guaranteed to be sustainably caught and one of the most environmentally friendly protein sources on the planet," he added.
While fresh wild sockeye salmon is only available during the summer harvest season, this year's strong harvest ensures that consumers will continue to find Alaska sockeye salmon in both restaurants and grocery stores all year round. Many Bristol Bay fishermen freeze their catch just as it comes out of the water, retaining nutrients, reducing food waste, and ensuring the highest quality end product is always available. Besides, shoppers will also be able to find it in other shelf-stable formats such as canned or pouched.
Salmon is the most widely consumed fish species in the United States. In the specific case of wild sockeye salmon, in addition to being an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids (DHA and EPA) and having the highest vitamin D content of all salmon species, it also has one of the lowest carbon footprints. The species, unique in its origin, will undoubtedly be one of the greatest beneficiaries if the proposal to create a 'Wild USA Seafood' label and the 'Improving ARCTIC Act' introduced by Alaska U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski to strengthen Alaska's seafood industry are finally approved.
The Bristol Bay Regional Seafood Development Association is a group funded by area fishermen with a mission to increase the value of Alaska's Bristol Bay fishery through education, quality outreach and marketing.
