Challenges Escalate for Alaska's Salmon Industry

Alaska's salmon industry undergoes significant changes as Ekuk Fisheries, founded in 2005, transitions ownership to Alaska's Best Seafoods, with founder Joe Kelso departing to join Silver Bay Seafoods. Meanwhile, Peter Pan Seafoods foregoes operations in Alaska for 2024 amidst financial challenges. Additionally, OBI Seafoods announces closure of its summer processing plant in Larsen Bay, Kodiak Island, and discontinues salmon purchases from Alitak District's setnet fleet. Whittier Seafoods reportedly ceases operations, contributing to industry uncertainties. Processors grapple with setting prices for the upcoming season, with Trident and Silver Bay yet to finalize rates. Alaska's Best Seafoods proposes a base price of USD 0.70 per pound, with premiums for quality measures. The industry also faces challenges in monitoring core temperatures for chilling fish, impacting fishermen's earnings. State and federal interventions, including increased budgets for seafood marketing and aid packages, seek to alleviate industry hardships. Despite these efforts, concerns persist regarding the sustainability of Alaska's salmon fisheries, with Canadian conservation organizations objecting to Marine Stewardship Council recertification, citing impacts on at-risk salmon populations.