Pacific cod seasons around the state are opening for the 2006 season this month. Major longline, pot and jig seasons opened on the 1st of the month in many areas of the state, with trawl seasons coming online in the third week. Harvesters and processors are going to work on an estimated total allowable catch of 574 million pounds in 2006 between the federal and state fisheries. READ MORE
Opilio Crab
Although open by regulation since October 15, the Bering Sea snow crab season is just getting underway, with harvesters heading out fishing following the holiday season. As of January 10, NMFS reported that only 1 percent of the 33 million pound quota available to the general fishery had been landed, though boats were on the grounds working.
The International Pacific Halibut Commission released its catch limit recommendations January 23. The 2006 catch limit for Alaska is 55 million pounds, down from 59 million pounds in 2005 and 61 million pounds in 2004. READ MORE
There are three major sources for North American sablefish: Alaska, Canada and the West-coast U.S. states (Washington, Oregon and California). Estimated allowable catch of North American sablefish is 72 million pounds in 2006. Alaska accounts for 48 million pounds (67 percent), while the West-coast U.S. states account for 15 million pounds (20 percent) and BC Canada accounts for 13 percent, with 9 million pounds.��READ MORE
Export data for 2005 is not yet complete (December data is due February 10) but even without December, 2005 U.S. salmon export value is $662 million, the highest since 1996.
The most recent three-year average (2002-2004) of U.S. salmon export value is $520 million per calendar year. Most of the value (82 percent) is from exports to three key markets: Japan (37 percent) European Union (24 percent) and Canada (21 percent).
The export value of Alaska salmon increased substantially in the July-November period of 2005, mostly the result of a major volume and value increase in frozen salmon. Volume of frozen salmon exports increased 45 percent for the July-November period, from 158 million to 229 million pounds. Value showed a similar increase (up 48 percent), significant considering the relatively high percentage (41 percent) of pink salmon. READ MORE
SMIS has tracked the Southeast Alaska winter king troll fishery for several years. It is the only salmon fishery in North America that remains open 12 months per year. For several months, it is the only source of fresh wild salmon in the North American marketplace. The 2006 winter fishery opened October 11 and will remain open until April 30 or until the quota of 45,000 fish is taken. Through mid-January, harvest stands at 14,700 fish. READ MORE
Alaska Department of Revenue will release the Alaska Salmon Price Report for September ��� December 2005 in mid February of this year. This is a key data source for the Seafood Market Information Service, providing important data for frozen salmon market performance and for canned salmon inventory updates.
��One important advantage of the new electronic format is the ability to update the Seafood Market Bulletin quickly and easily. We will be updating the Bulletin with salmon articles drawn from the ASPR data, shortly after its release.
The Seafood Market Information Service is funded by a portion of the seafood marketing tax paid by Alaska seafood processors. McDowell Group provides the service as a contractor to Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI).
The Seafood Market Bulletin is currently published six times a year and is available online to permit holders, processors, and other industry participants free of charge. Sign up to receive email notification of the publication of new Seafood Market Bulletins.
Juneau Office
Mail: P.O. Box 21009
Juneau, Alaska 99802
Phone: 907-586-6126
Fax: 907-586-2673
Anchorage Office
1400 W. Benson Blvd,
Ste 350
Anchorage, AK 99503
Phone: 907-243-3200
Fax: 907-274-3201
