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Salmon in Alaska's Economy

 [Woman sorting salmon roe]

Alaska's fisheries today and the many people dependant on them are a complex mosaic. Native subsistence fishermen continue a fishing tradition that has changed little for thousands of years. In contrast, increased international demand for many Alaskan fish species has created a variety of commercial fishing industries throughout the state.

Some Alaskan salmon species range widely throughout the Pacific Ocean during their adulthood at sea. While there, they're harvested by fishing fleets from all over the world. Commercial fishermen harvested over 5 billion pounds of fish and shellfish in 1995 valued at more than $1.26 billion. This is more than the state government's entire annual operating budget.

In some communities, recreational fishing is becoming an important source of revenue and jobs. Recreational anglers in Alaska spend more than $500 million each year. Careful management will ensure that the increased demand for Alaskan fish by an ever-expanding human population won't put too much pressure on a fragile resource.

Text and graphics by USFWS staff
Last modified 24, February, 2009

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