Hatchery-reared fish typically comprise one-third of Alaska's total salmon catch and value, even in bad years. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock
Alaska’s 2024 salmon fishery saw double-digit declines in both catch and value, and the hits also hurt the state's vital hatchery program.
Alaska produced a total catch of just over 101 million salmon last year, a 56 percent decrease from the more than 232 million fish caught in 2023. Fishermen’s paydays also took a beating with the total salmon value at $304 million, down from $398 million the previous year.
In all, Alaska's 2024 salmon fishery was the lowest on record for fish poundage (450…
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Laine Welch has covered the Alaska fish beat for print and radio since 1988. She has also worked “behind the counter” at retail and wholesale seafood companies in Kodiak and Cape Cod.Click here to send her an email.