NAKNEK, Alaska — Bristol Bay sockeye salmon season is here! Commercial harvesting of wild sockeye salmon in Bristol Bay, Alaska begins in early June, with the harvest historically peaking around the 4th of July. The projected commercial harvest of 27.5 million sockeye salmon is on target with the 10-year average for Bristol Bay – which is home to the largest wild salmon run on the planet.
Bristol Bay, in southwest Alaska, is comprised of six major river systems (Naknek, Kvichak, Nushagak, Egegik, Togiak, and Ugashik). Together these rivers are home to the largest wild salmon fishery in the world. Of the five species of wild Alaska salmon, (king, sockeye, coho, keta and pink), it is sockeye that dominates Bristol Bay.
For over 130 years, generations of fishing families return to the waters of Bristol Bay each year to commercially harvest this national treasure. The Bristol Bay commercial driftnet salmon fishery is made up of 1,800 permit holders. Each boat represents a small business, employing an additional 2-3 crew members, supporting over 14,000 jobs in this rural region of Alaska. Bristol Bay sockeye salmon are hand-harvested by fishermen to ensure the highest quality. Look for this season's Bristol Bay sockeye salmon landing in grocery stores and restaurants across the U.S.
Bristol Bay sockeye salmon are prized for their signature deep red flesh (also known as red salmon), firm texture and authentic, wild taste. With the height of the harvest around the 4th of July, Bristol Bay sockeye salmon is an iconic treat for summer entertaining. Try it grilled into sockeye salmon burgers with rhubarb chutney, broiled with hot honey sauce, or atop sockeye salmon quinoa taco bowls. Find more recipes, cooking tips, and information about the fishermen of Bristol Bay at bristolbaysockeye.org. High resolution recipe photography available upon request.
About BBRSDA
The Bristol Bay Regional Seafood Development Association is a fisherman-funded group with the mission to increase the value of the Bristol Bay fishery through education, quality outreach, and marketing. Learn more at bbrsda.com.
Source: Bristol Bay Regional Seafood Development Association
