Alaska Salmon Markets and Prices

Abstract

Since 1988, Alaska salmon fishermen have watched the bottom drop out of salmon prices. Between 1988 and 1991, the average price Alaska fishermen received for sockeye salmon fell from $2.35 per pound to $. 77 per pound, and the average price of pink salmon fell from 79 cents per pound to 13 cents per pound. The bust in salmon prices followed an equally dramatic boom in prices between 1985 and 1988. What caused the boom and bust in salmon prices, and what lies ahead for the Alaska salmon industry? This report addresses these questions, and provides basic data needed for informed discussion of policy issues related to salmon prices and markets. This report is part of a series of papers and workshops intended to provide information and encourage fishermen and others to work together to improve the salmon market.