While some of the stronger, larger fisheries have been weaker than normal, the real story for this year’s Alaska pink salmon harvest was found in Prince William Sound.
The fishery was strong from the start, landing more than 3 million fish the first day of fishing and more than 4 million fish the second. According to the Alaska Department of Fish & Game (ADF&G), landings continued above 3 million fish for a few days before progressively declining. Landings dropped below 2 million fish for the first time on 16 August.
Compared to last year the landings have been “night and day,” said ADF&G’s Jeremy Botz. Last year the total harvest was right around 20 million pinks. This year, Prince William Sound landed that in one record week.
A single-week record of more than 20 million pink salmon was harvested the week of 5 August, almost double the previous single-week harvest record of 11.9 million fish in 2007. As of press time in late August, the fishery was also nearing the record of 64 million fish landed in 2007.
“Usually landings are more broadly distributed through the month. This one seems to be kind of compressed, which also may have led to some of the high harvest rates,” said Botz. “Even considering this, it looks very likely to become a record overall season.”
Additionally, the size of the fish has been higher, averaging 3.7 pounds, compared to the usual 3 to 3.3 pounds. Botz said that based on poundage, this year’s run has probably already exceeded the record 2007 harvest. Statewide, ex-vessel prices are also running higher this year, averaging anywhere between USD 0.30 to 0.40 per pound.
“These are the highest pink salmon prices we’ve had since the 1987-88 season,” said Botz.
Kodiak, one of the traditionally stronger Alaska pink salmon fisheries, got off to a slow start. As of 12 August, ADF&G data showed the fishery had landed only about 5.7 million fish compared to Prince William Sound’s approximately 39 million fish.
Overall, Alaska’s pink salmon landings as of 10 August totaled 58 million fish, with a few weeks left to reach the ADF&G’s 2010 forecast of 69 million fish. The total 2009 catch was 96 million pinks.
