Juneau, Alaska, April 6, 2007 – The Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI) is pleased to announce the return of fresh, wild and always sustainable Alaska salmon to the market in May. This highly anticipated record salmon season is revered globally as chefs, retailers and consumers count down the days to its debut.
 
“This is an exciting time of year for Alaska as we anticipate the first salmon run of the summer.  The Alaska Department of Fish and Game is projecting the seventh strongest run on record this year.  This is a real testament to Alaska’s successful sustainable fisheries management,” states Ray Riutta, Executive Director of ASMI.

Enter wild Alaska king and sockeye, the first wild salmon to arrive in early May as they instinctively return to the pure and pristine rivers and streams of Alaska. Cohos, ketas and pinks follow in June. The summer salmon season typically runs through early fall.
 
It is the cold rushing waters of Alaska, coupled with a natural marine diet, that produce some of the richest, most naturally succulent salmon in the world. These sought-after fish are naturally equipped with extra oils and fats to fuel them on their long journey to return to their place of origin. It is this delicate, yet complex design that results in a fish rich in heart-healthy omega-3s, superior texture, rich coloring and delicious flavor.

And Alaskans aren’t the only ones celebrating the record season predictions, forks in hand. From cedar plank, to barbeque, to a simple slice of butter or a delicate lemon wedge, the possibilities for Alaska salmon preparation are endless to seafood lovers and land-lubbers around the globe. Rich and heart-healthy, versatile yet unique, Alaska salmon is an always sustainable, eco-wise mealtime option. What’s more, consumers can enjoy the 2007 season by chewing on new findings from seafood research such as the British-American study published in the prestigious medical journal, The Lancet, that tout the benefits of maternal seafood consumption. Visit www.alaskaseafood.org for a wide variety of Alaska salmon recipes and cooking tips.
 
Alaska is the pioneer of sustainability. Since acceptance into the Union in 1959, Alaska has been the only state in the nation whose constitution mandates that “fish…be utilized, developed and maintained on the sustained yield principle.” This long-term dedication to sustainability has resulted in keeping the world stocked with a continuous, ever-replenishing supply of wild seafood.  Indeed, Alaska's effective and precise fisheries management practices are considered a model for the world.  
 
The Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute is the State of Alaska’s official seafood marketing arm.  It is a public agency of the State of Alaska, funded by the Alaska seafood industry and federal grants.  ASMI promotes Alaska seafood throughout the U.S. and in 16 other countries.  ASMI also provides education and training to the seafood industry in food safety and quality assurance practices.  

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**ALASKA FISHING VESSEL Photo Courtesy of ASMI and Mark Emery
Click here for the "WILD ALASKA SALMON OVER WHITE BEAN SALAD" Recipe Courtesy of ASMI and Chef Stefani Marnon
**WILD ALASKA SALMON OVER WHITE BEAN SALAD Photo Courtesy of ASMI

Contact: Laura Fleming
800-478-2903