Laine Welch | Fish Factor

Fish Factor: The goal always has been to make readers aware of the seafood industry’s economic, social and cultural importance to all Alaskans.

This year’s catch levels from each of the three main herring areas are record breakers. But once again, the bulk of the available fish will go unharvested due to no buyers.

Fish Factor: It was the eighth largest hatchery homecoming since 1977 and, at a payout of $142 million, the salmon produced 25% of the overall value at the Alaska docks.

The Alaska Bycatch Review Task Force has met online three times and formed four committees and subcommittees focusing on 1) science, technology, and innovation; 2) Western Alaska salmon; 3) Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska crab; and 4) Gulf of Alaska halibut and salmon.

Fishery managers at the Alaska Department of Fish and Game will announce the catches for Alaska’s 2022 salmon fishery any day now.

Alaska’s seafood industry been grumbling since 2014, when Russia abruptly banned all food imports from the U.S and several other countries but the U.S. didn’t reciprocate.

Fish Factor: So far, Kodiak leads all other regions in terms of seaweed supply, utility costs, resident labor, property taxes and shipping, with Craig and Ketchikan close behind.

Fish Factor: Plus, the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute has launched #AlaskaSeafoodHacks to find some of the best tricks and tips for preparing fish and shellfish.

Fish Factor: Seafood is Alaska’s biggest export by far, and some state lawmakers want action against trade policies that unfairly trounce global sales.

The easy to read, colorful report by the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute for 2019-20 includes all regions from Ketchikan to Kotzebue.

No Tanner fishery occurred in 2021 as crabbers waited for more mature male crabs to grow, and the waiting appears to have paid off.

Pacific halibut catches will be announced later this month. Also, the pandemic has derailed the Alaska Board of Fisheries meeting slated to be held in person in Ketchikan.

OPINION: Here’s the annual no-holds-barred look back at the year’s best and worst fishing highlights from Fish Factor columnist Laine Welch.

Fish Factor: The task force of up to 19 people would conduct a comprehensive review of salmon science and management in Alaska.

Fish Factor: Homer man targets trawler bycatch in controversial Facebook posts.