The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) recently announced the projections for the 2009 commercial salmon harvest. The total harvest is expected to come in at 175 million salmon, which is an increase from the 146.1 million fish caught in 2008. This year's increase is mainly due to a higher forecast for pink salmon. King, coho, keta and sockeye salmon are forecast to be approximately the same as in 2008. 2009 is expected to be the 11th largest harvest since 1960. The 2009 harvest forecasts compared to the 2008 harvest numbers, by species, are:

Salmon Species	2009 Harvest Forecast	2008 Actual Harvest
King salmon	427,000 fish	351,000 fish
Sockeye salmon	38.1 million fish	39 million fish
Coho salmon	4.6 million fish	4.3 million fish
Pink salmon	113.1 million fish	84 million fish
Keta salmon	18.5 million fish	18.2 million fish

The wild Alaska halibut and black cod season opened on March 21, 2009. This year's Total Allowable Catch (TAC) for Alaska halibut and black cod are set at 45.5 million pounds and 24.6 million pounds, respectively. The season will extend into mid-November, with frozen product available year-round.


"Through collaboration and reliance on sound science, conservative quotas (or TACs) are set each season for halibut, black cod and other groundfish. This precautionary approach to fisheries management ensures sustainability, allowing the stocks and surrounding ecosystem to remain healthy," notes Doug Mecum, Acting Regional Administrator, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries.

Alaska boasts one of the largest populations of wild halibut and black cod in the world. Alaska black cod (also known as sablefish), is revered by chefs and consumers for its high omega-3 fatty acid content and rich, luxurious flavor and texture. Alaska halibut is known for its hearty texture and mild sweet flavor.

Sources: SeafoodNews.com, March 19, 2009; SeafoodSource.com, March 23, 2009; Alaska Department of Fish & Game (ADF&G)