Meet the fishers
Meet the Alaska salmon fishers
This fishery was one of the first to join the MSC program when it started its assessment in 1999. Since then it has been among the most influential fisheries in the program, allowing hundreds of MSC-labelled salmon products to reach consumers around the world. MSC-labelled smoked, canned, frozen and fresh salmon have been some of the most popular MSC-labelled products available.
The Alaska salmon fishery was recertified as sustainable under the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)’s environmental standard in November 2007. The salmon fishery was originally certified in November 2000, when it was the first US fishery to achieve MSC certification.
According to the Alaska Department of Fish and Games, Alaska’s commercial salmon fishers caught more than 200 million salmon in 2006 – making it the fourth year in the last ten with a catch that high. Commercial fishing is among the largest employers in Alaska and a very important component of the overall state economy.
“Alaskans take pride in the successful management of our salmon resources to produce long-term sustained-yield, and it is good to have these accomplishments affirmed by the Marine Stewardship Council. The MSC label helps Alaska’s salmon harvesters and processors tell people around the world that Alaska takes good care of our marine and freshwater environments, while providing millions of wild fish to health conscious consumers.”
David Bedford
Deputy Commissioner, Alaska Department of Fish and Game
From a commercial perspective, the fishery has benefited from widespread use of the MSC label on salmon products throughout North America, Europe and Asia. 75% of the fresh or frozen product is exported, with Japan purchasing about 80 %. The canned product is sold primarily within Europe and the US although more recently the fresh and smoked product has been more widely available in these markets.
Alaska salmon is the most widely marketed fishery that is certified under the MSC programme; MSC-labelled salmon is available in 21 countries around the world (November 2007 figures).
For further information, please visit the Alaska Department of Fish and Game website.
