• Overview
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• Statewide Management
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• History

The salmon returning to Alaskan stream and rearing in Alaskan waters are the basis for one of Alaska's most important industries and underpin a traditional subsistence lifestyle in rural portions of the State. From 2000 –2004, the average harvest of salmon sold by commercial fishermen in Alaska was almost 157 million fish (about 742 million pounds). The value of the commercial harvest varies both with the size of the runs and with foreign currency exchange rates. Average annual value of the 2000 –2004 harvest was in excess of $230 million (Recent 5-year average harvests, value, and permits fished). Because of the magnitude of commercial fisheries for salmon, state biologists collect extensive information and statistics for management decisions. Alaska also has very important sport and subsistence fisheries for salmon. Many Alaskans depend heavily on subsistence-caught salmon for food and cultural purposes. Fishery management plans give top priority to the subsistence use of fish resources.

[Based on excerpts from the publication, Commercial Fisheries in Alaska, Woodby et al. Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Special Publication 05-09, June 2005 (PDF - 1,059K). Information or data on this web page may have been updated and may no longer match the original publication.

Local fisheries managers are given authority to open and close fisheries to achieve two goals: the overriding goal is conservation to ensure an adequate escapement of spawning stocks, and the secondary goal is an allocation of fish to various user groups based upon management plans developed by the Alaska Board of Fisheries. The Alaska Board of Fisheries develops management plans in open, public meetings after considering public testimony and advice from various scientists, advisors, fishermen, and user interest groups.

[Based on excerpts from the publication, Commercial Fisheries in Alaska, Woodby et al. Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Special Publication 05-09, June 2005 (PDF - 1,059K). Information or data on this web page may have been updated and may no longer match the original publication.

[Use the following links to view the available management area charts, district maps, and area management reports.]

Commercial salmon fishing in Alaska began in the 1880s. Initial commercial harvests were primarily salted. Canning became predominant at the turn of the century. After Alaska was purchased by the United States in 1867, the U.S. federal government had jurisdiction over these fisheries until statehood. The White Act, passed in 1924, required a closure of each fishery after the halfway point of the runs. At that time, much of the catch was taken in large fish traps. Federal management was weak, poorly funded, and ineffectively enforced. After World War II and at the request of the salmon processing industry, W. F. Thompson of the University of Washington began investigations of salmon and the salmon management program in Alaska. After Alaska became a state in 1959, ADF&G implemented an escapement goal-based fisheries management system using principles laid out by W. F. Thompson and his students. This science-based management system remains in place today with refinements.

[Based on excerpts from the publication, Commercial Fisheries in Alaska, Woodby et al. Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Special Publication 05-09, June 2005 (PDF - 1,059K). Information or data on this web page may have been updated and may no longer match the original publication.