Photo: ASMI - Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute

ASMI: 2025 Weekly Alaska Salmon Harvest Update #8

UNITED STATES
Friday, August 08, 2025, 06:00 (GMT + 9)

Alaska Salmon Harvest Hits Mid-Season Mark, But Chinook Decline Looms

Strong sockeye and keta numbers push total catch to 50% of annual projection, yet falling Chinook populations prompt regulatory action.

JUNEAU, ALASKA — Alaska’s commercial salmon fleet has reached a significant milestone, with the total statewide harvest surpassing 106 million fish, accounting for 50% of the projected annual total. As the sockeye season winds down, fishing efforts are now shifting to the abundant pink and keta salmon fisheries.

Harvest Through 8/02/2025 (Statistical Week 31)| Click on the image to enlarge it

Despite the overall positive numbers, the 2025 season highlights a stark contrast in species performance. The season saw a notable boost in pink salmon, with approximately 15 million fish harvested in statistical week 31 alone, placing the fishery back on its expected upward trajectory. Keta harvests also showed strong results, peaking in week 28 and currently exceeding the five-year average for this point in the season. Similarly, coho harvests are performing well, currently 36% above 2024 levels and on track to meet the projected total of 2.4 million fish.

The good news, however, is tempered by a long-term decline in Chinook salmon. Following a multi-year trend of reduced returns, the Chinook harvest in week 31 was a striking 61% below 2024 levels. In response to these falling numbers, regulators have taken actions to manage the Chinook population, which has resulted in lower harvest volumes across many regions.

Click on the image to enlarge it

2025 Average Salmon Weights (as of Week 8):

• Bristol Bay sockeye: 4.83 pounds

• Southeast Alaska Fisheries:

  • Chinook: 11.3 lbs.

  • Coho: 5.0 lbs.

  • Keta: 7.3 lbs.

  • Sockeye: 5.0 lbs.

  • Pink: 3.7 lbs.

Source: Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI)

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