Southeast pink salmon harvest 6 times last year's catch

This year’s overall Southeast Alaska salmon harvest is headed toward 58 million fish, with pink salmon leading the tally at 48.2 million — more than 40% above the 10-year average for pinks.

This summer’s pink catch was six times last year’s measly 8 million, and more than double the brood year of 2019.

The numbers for fish tickets are still preliminary, said Troy Thynes, regional management coordinator for commercial fisheries with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game in Petersburg.

“The main thing is the pink salmon run came in a lot stronger than what was expected. … The preseason forecast was for a harvest of 28 million pink salmon, and we ended up harvesting over 48 million,” Thynes said.

“Whatever is affecting survival out in the ocean was in the pink salmon’s favor this year, so they had some really good ocean survival going on,” he said.

Chum salmon had the second-highest number of total fish with 7 million, most of which originated in hatcheries, though that was below average compared to previous years.

Sockeye salmon had an average return, while Chinook salmon and coho salmon were below average, according to state statistics.

“If there’s good conditions in the ocean the pink salmon are going to be able to take advantage the quickest and return in good numbers, but essentially there needs to be good conditions out in the ocean for several years for other salmon species to really make an effect on their returning numbers,” Thynes said.

As of Oct 1, the Southeast estimated ex-vessel value of all salmon was $132.3 million, with the pink salmon harvest valued at $48.1 million.

Chum had the next highest value at $39.6 million, followed by coho at $17.9 million, Chinook at $15.2 million, and sockeye at $11.4 million according to Thynes.

The winter troll fishery, which started Oct. 11, is open until March.

 

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