The total value of Alaska’s commercial salmon catch increased by US$ 77 million on 2021 to $720.4 million, according to this year’s preliminary figures published by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G).
While 2022’s value has climbed from $643.9 million, the harvest size has fallen 31% to 160.7 million fish. This decrease is explained by relatively low pink salmon run size, which is a consistent trend for even-numbered years over the last decade.
Sockeye salmon accounted for approximately 66% of the total value at $473.8 million and 47% of the harvest at 74.8 million fish. Pinks comprised 14% of the value at $102.2 million, and 43% of the harvest with 69.1 million fish, and chum contributed 15% of the value at $110.6 million and approximately 9% of the harvest at 14.9 million fish.
Coho made up approximately 2% of the value at $15.0 million and 1% of the harvest at 1.6 million fish, while the Chinook harvest is estimated to be just under 310,000 fish with an estimated preliminary ex-vessel value of $18.8 million.
A total of 6,126 individual permit holders made commercial salmon landings in 2022, a slight decrease from 2021 (6,362 permits).
When compared to the long-term time-series 1985–2021, the 2022 all-species commercial salmon harvest of approximately 160.7 million fish is close to the long-term average of 167 million fish and is the largest even-year harvest since 2010.
In terms of pounds harvested, the 2022 harvest of 734.2 million pounds is slightly below the long-term average of 762 million pounds and is the third largest even year volume in the new millennium.
Adjusted for inflation (CPI, 2022 prices), the 2022 ex-vessel value estimate of $720.4 million is the twenty-fourth lowest ex-vessel value reported since 1975.
The 2022 statewide sockeye salmon harvest of 74.8 million fish is the largest on record, mostly due to significant harvests in the Bristol Bay Area.
These preliminary harvest and value estimates will change as fish tickets are processed and finalised, while dollar values provided by ADF&G are based on estimated ex-vessel prices and do not include post-season price adjustments.
The final value of the 2022 salmon fishery will be determined in 2023 after seafood processors, buyers, and direct marketers report total value paid to fishermen in 2022.
