BRISTOL BAY SEES RECORD-BREAKING HARVEST OF 60 MILLION SOCKEYE SALMON

BRISTOL BAY, Alaska ( July 12, 2022) — The cumulative sockeye salmon harvest in Bristol Bay through July 11 currently sits at 60 million fish — the largest harvest since commercial fishing began in 1883, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game reported on Tuesday. The previous harvest record was set in 1995 at 44.3 million sockeye.

"This record-breaking harvest reflects the collaborative work between the Bristol Bay fishers, biologists, local community, and seafood processors,” said Bristol Bay Regional Seafood Development Association (BBRSDA) Marketing Director Lilani Dunn. “When enjoying Bristol Bay Sockeye Salmon, Americans should feel a sense of pride that they have chosen to support a fishery that has taken extreme care over many decades to preserve true sustainability, ensuring that generations to come will also be able to nourish themselves with this near-perfect protein."

Earlier this summer, ADFG predicted run projections of 73.4 million salmon, the largest inshore run ever, with a potential harvest of over 61 million salmon. This year’s salmon fishery will continue for weeks, with a final record certain to be set.

“Congratulations to all the resourceful fishermen, processors, tender crews, and support workers who are now part of history, the largest harvest in Bristol Bay’s long history,” said BBRSDA Executive Director Andy Wink. “It takes thousands of tough people laboring through exhaustion, rough weather, sore muscles, mechanical problems, and more to make it happen. Kudos to the dedicated biologists who continue to help keep this fishery thriving and have the skills and confidence to predict this massive run.”

Retailers across the U.S. — from Publix Super Markets to Hy-Vee and Whole Foods Market — are gearing up to bring fresh Bristol Bay Sockeye Salmon to eager customers this summer throughout 3,200 retail stores, coast to coast.

Other retailers that will carry Bristol Bay sockeye include Heinen’s in Cleveland, New Seasons Market in Portland, Wegmans, Harris Teeter, Rosauers Supermarkets, Raley’s, Quality Food Centers and Dierbergs Markets.

To learn more about the Bristol Bay Sockeye Salmon marketing program, visit marketing.bristolbaysockeye.org. The program is funded by the Bristol Bay Regional Seafood Development Association.

###

About BBRSDA: The Bristol Bay Regional Seafood Development Association is a fishermen-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.