Alaska has harvested a total 230.2 million salmon in 2023, a 43% increase from the 2022 total harvest of 160.7 million fish, according to preliminary figures published by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G).
However, ADF&G’s analysis found that this year’s commercial salmon fishery (all species) harvest was valued at approximately $398.6 million, a significant decrease from 2022’s value of $720.4 million. International market conditions significantly impacted pricing of salmon state-wide, thus the value of the harvest, the department said.
Sockeye salmon accounted for approximately 45% of the total value at $181.1 million and 23% of the harvest at 51.8 million fish. Pink salmon comprised approximately 29% of the value at $113.7 million, and 66% of the harvest with 152.4 million fish.
Chum accounted for 19% of the value at $74.6 million and approximately 10% of the harvest at 23.5 million fish. Coho accounted for approximately 4% of the value at $14.4 million and 1% of the harvest at 2.3 million fish, while the Chinook salmon harvest was estimated to be just under 235,000 fish with an estimated preliminary ex-vessel value of $14.7 million.
A total of 5,577 individual permit holders made commercial salmon landings in 2023, a decrease from 2022 (6,126 permits).
When compared to the long-term time-series (1985–2022), the 2023 all-species commercial salmon harvest of approximately 230.2 million fish and 919.7 million pounds was the fourth highest on record for total fish harvested, and the seventh highest on record for total pounds harvested. Adjusted for inflation (CPI, 2023 prices), the 2023 ex-vessel value estimate of $398.6 million was the sixth lowest value reported since 1975.
ADF&G advised these are preliminary harvest and value estimates which will change as fish tickets are processed and finalised. Also, dollar values provided by the department are based on estimated ex-vessel prices and do not include post-season price adjustments.
The final value of the 2023 salmon fishery will be determined in 2024 after seafood buyers and processors report the total value paid to fishermen in 2023.
