Value of Alaska's Salmon Harvest Highest in 18 Years

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game released preliminary estimates for the 2010 commercial salmon harvest. At $553.9 million, the value of the salmon harvest was the highest since 1992. Bristol Bay and Prince William Sound accounted for 55 percent of the total value. Preliminary average prices increased for all species of salmon compared to 2009, continuing a trend of price recovery. The average price for Chinook salmon, at $3.44 per pound, was more than three times the price for sockeye ($1.11) and coho ($1.05) salmon. The 2010 estimates are preliminary and will be revised in 2011.