About Wild Alaska Salmon
Health Benefits
Wild Alaska Salmon is a natural source of essential omega-3 fatty acids which is proven to help prevent heart disease. It is an excellent source of calcium which helps prevent osteoporosis, high in protein, vitamins, and minerals, and is low in saturated fat.
Sustainability
Wild Alaska Salmon is harvested sustainably. In fact, all five Alaska Salmon species; Sockeye, Chum, Chinook, Coho, and Pink, have been certified by the Marine Stewardship Council as harvested in a sustainable manner. The State of Alaska is recognized as having one of the best management systems
in place for salmon and its habitat. Alaska’s salmon management team works hard at protecting this valuable resource for future generations, and has one of the most successful salmon management systems in the world. That is why Alaska is known for its abundance of wild salmon and its protection of pristine habitat.
Salmon Run Timing
The first salmon of the season are harvested at the Copper River near Prince William Sound about May 15th. Just two weeks later, salmon fishing begins along the coast of Kodiak Island and the Alaska Peninsula. Bristol Bay, Cook Inlet, Northern Alaska, and Southeast Alaska salmon seasons all follow throughout the summer. Most of the salmon is caught by the end of September with some fishing taking place throughout the winter and spring months in Southeast Alaska troll fisheries.
Kodiak Season
During the Kodiak salmon season, Sockeye, Chum and Chinook salmon are the first to be harvested. They are abundant from the beginning of June until about the middle of July. Pink salmon begin showing in strong numbers as the others taper off in mid-July, and dominate the fishery for the next month. Coho, along with a second run of Sockeye, begin arriving in late August, and are available until the end of September. Availability of each species is dependent upon the time of the summer each run is harvested and processed. It is best to plan ahead and make orders early for your salmon needs.
Salmon Links
Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute - Great site for wild salmon recipes and nutritional information.
Alaska Department of Fish and Game Alaska - State of Alaska provides salmon management information.
American Heart Association - The AHA provides useful details about health benefits of Omega-3 fatty Acids.
Marine Stewardship Council - Find out more about sustainable fisheries and environmentally friendly fishing methods.