Salmon Fishing, Gillnet Fishermen, Bristol Bay, Alaska
Bristol Bay Salmon Season 2015 was off to an abnormally slow start, by the 4th of July a lot of gear had hardly hit the fishing grounds. The fish ran extra last this summer. Some of us who were up in Naknek AK for the summer of 1994, remember that extra slow to start season – this year remises that nearly 20 year ago summer with the extra last salmon run. When they finally decided to run, those salmon nearly out ran the mosquitoes in all Bristol Bay villages.
Picking Fish, Gillnetter Bristol Bay, AK – Another snotty day at sea!
Recently Bristol Bay Gillnetters landed on big fishing the grand total scuttle butt reports 19 million salmon. The preseason harvest reported over 37 million fish. Spring of 2015 experts reported –that this summer would be the biggest run of Bristol Bay salmon in 20 years is projected to slam nets and reach spawning grounds in 2015, presenting a bounty for commercial fishermen and a challenge for processors. At our current date in late July the catch rate is off. Alaska state, all salmon species catch is at 73 million, – as of current end of July numbers 38 million sockeye, 27 million pinks. 221 million salmon is Alaska’s total forecast. With late number coming in, stand by to stand by – fishing still underway.
Fishing on the Line – Bristol Bay AK – prepare to be tossed around!
2015 Price of Salmon, stand by for the real answer soon – stand by to stand by on price!?! In Bristol Bay fishery there are thousands of permit holders hailing from states all over the USA. Bristol Bay gillnet boats represent a private owner, independent business and each skipper employs 2 – 4 crew on deck (Unless your Croatian Captain Wally, of F/V Sea Fire – Wally can run this boat and fish alone and land on the fish – old school balls to the walls fishermen!) Bristol Bay Salmon Fishery is still the largest salmon fishery in the world. The processing salmon industry from at sea processors to canneries also support thousands more of on land jobs that without them this well oil salmon fishery could not run or be efficient with worldwide salmon impact.
Spring 2015 Salmon Forecast – soon we will know how this reasons run pans out!
Bristol Bay Highliner Fishermen are still happy with this year’s catch – this may be the year for the new Ford Truck instead of the new Porsche. Either way, commercial fishing in Alaska is called ‘fishing’ – not ‘catching’. For these seasoned men, women, and fishing families every season is a lesson in skill, patience, teamwork and that we are all at mother nature’s mercy on land and especially at sea!
The ex-vessel value of Bristol Bay sockeye was $210 million in 2014, a 41 percent improvement over the prior year and the highest inflation-adjusted total since 1996. The average ex-vessel price of Bristol Bay sockeye was down 17 percent, but a 71 percent increase in harvest volume made up for lower prices for both gillnetters and setnetters. Although ex-vessel prices will likely decline this season, it is important to evaluate prices against the potential for greater harvest volumes. With fishing still underway and salmon price still not official, we could see end of season numbers and report turning new unique corners as the fishing season of 2015 in Bristol Bay has left forecasters scratching their heads. Salmon run only when they want to!
Gillnet Fishing, Bristol Bay AK – always an adventure on the Bay!
