Denby S. Lloyd, Commissioner
Jennifer Yuhas, Communications Director
P.O. Box115526
Juneau, Alaska 99811
Phone: (907) 465-6137 • Fax: (907) 465-2332
Press Release: No. 09-05, February 13, 2008
Contact: Geron Bruce at (907) 465-6151
ADF&G Releases Results of 2009 Bristol Bay Sockeye Salmon Processing Capacity Survey
(JUNEAU) - The Alaska Department of Fish and Game’s (ADF&G) preseason survey of Bristol Bay sockeye salmon processing capacity is now available on the internet. Capacity is defined as a combination of the physical processing capacity and the intent of buyers and processors to use that capacity to purchase and process salmon.
Fifteen processors were selected to participate in the survey. These processors include the largest salmon processors in Bristol Bay. Collectively these companies purchased 97.9% of the sockeye salmon harvested in Bristol Bay in 2008.
For 2009, the combined processing capacity reported in the survey totals 1.8 million sockeye salmon per day; with a capacity over the entire season of 30.7 million sockeye salmon. Several processors indicated they would have a “long haul” fleet and provided information on the capacity of that fleet. Processors purchasing sockeye salmon in Bristol Bay indicated the number of tenders they plan to employ and the number of fish being purchased in 2009 will increase compared to the 2008 season.
The 2009 ADF&G point forecast for Bristol Bay is for a harvest of 23.9 million sockeye salmon. The conclusion from comparing the processing capacity survey results with the ADF&G sockeye salmon forecast for 2009 indicates that there will be adequate processing capacity to utilize the number of sockeye salmon expected to be harvested in 2009. However, depending on run timing, it is still possible that daily harvesting capacity could exceed processing capacity.
The survey also asked if processors intended to buy salmon from the Ugashik District in 2009, and if so, if they intended to buy more sockeye salmon from that district than they had in 2008. Nine companies indicated they intend to purchase sockeye salmon in the Ugashik District in 2009, and they expect to increase their purchases of sockeye salmon in 2009 above the amounts they purchased in 2008.
A summary of the processing capacity survey and the 2009 Bristol Bay sockeye salmon forecast can be found on the web site for the Division of Commercial Fisheries at: http://www.cf.adfg.state.ak.us/region2/finfish/salmon/bbayhome.php and http://www.cf.adfg.state.ak.us/
For further information contact Geron Bruce at (907) 465-6151 or geron.bruce@alaska.gov.
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