Alaska Commercial Salmon Harvest Took a Hit in Size, Value in 2024, Data Show
Alaska’s statewide commercial salmon harvest took a dive both in size and value in 2024, and market conditions had a significant impact on pricing, according to the state’s preliminary harvest and other data released Nov. 18 by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.
The report estimated 101.2 million salmon were harvested in 2024, a drop of 56% from the 2023 total harvest of 232.2 million salmon. The 2023 commercial salmon fishery harvest for all species had a value of about $304 million, compared with $398 million for the 2023 catch.
Sockeye salmon made up roughly 68% of the total value at $206.7 million and 42% of the harvest at 42 million fish. Pink salmon made up about 9% of the value at $28.2 million and 40% of the harvest with 40 million fish.
Chum salmon contributed 15% of the value at $45 million and about 17% of the harvest at 17.2 million fish. Coho salmon added about 4% of the value at $12.2 million and 1% of the harvest at 1.7 million fish.
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game said the Chinook salmon harvest was estimated at just under 229,000 fish, with an estimated preliminary ex-vessel value of $11.8 million, or 4% of total ex-vessel value.
A total of 5,276 individual permit holders made commercial salmon landings in 2024, down from 5,592 permits in 2023.
The 2024 all-species commercial salmon harvest of about 101 million fish and 450 million pounds was the third lowest on record for total fish harvested and the lowest on record for total pounds harvested when compared to the long-term period from 1985-2023.
Also adjusted for inflation, the 2024 ex-vessel value estimate of $304 million was the third lowest ex-vessel value reported since 1975.
The commercial harvest was also 25% lower than the preseason harvest projection of 135.7 million fish. Sockeye and Chinook salmon harvest slightly exceeded the preseason harvest projection, while pink, chum and coho salmon were all below forecast, according to the data.
Pink salmon harvest performed poorly relative to the preseason projection, with about 58% of the projected harvest being realized in 2024.
ADF&G noted that these are preliminary harvest and value estimates, which will change as fish tickets are processed and finalized. The final value of this fishery is to be determined in 2025 after seafood buyers and processors report the total value paid directly to fishermen.”
