AK: ADF&G Releases 2011 Bristol Bay Sockeye Salmon Processing Capacity Survey Results

Juneau – The annual Alaska Department of Fish and Game
(ADF&G) preseason survey of Bristol Bay sockeye salmon
processing capacity is complete. Results indicate that there will
be adequate processing capacity for the number of sockeye salmon
expected to be available for harvest during the 2011 Bristol Bay
season. This conclusion is obtained by comparing the processing
capacity survey data with the ADF&G sockeye salmon forecast for
2011.

For 2011, the combined daily processing capacity reported in the
survey is 2.07 million sockeye salmon. This is approximately
200,000 fish higher than 2010. The seasonal processing capacity is
estimated at 33.7 million sockeye salmon, 5.2 million fish above
the ADF&G estimate of the commercial sockeye salmon available
for harvest in Bristol Bay during the 2011 season. While data
indicates that there is adequate processing capacity, consecutive
daily harvests near or exceeding the 2.07 million daily capacity
could result in catch limits imposed by processors. Several
processors indicated they would continue to maintain a “long haul”
fleet and provided information on the capacity of that fleet in the
survey. Some processors also indicated that they plan to increase
the number of tenders they will employ in 2011 compared to the 2010
season.

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. Sixteen processors were
selected to participate in the survey and fifteen companies
submitted completed surveys. These processors include the largest
salmon processors in Bristol Bay and collectively the companies
responding to the survey purchased 99.0% of the sockeye salmon
harvested during the 2010 Bristol Bay season.

The summary of the 2011 processing capacity survey can be found
on the ADF&G website at:
http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/static/fishing/PDFs/commercial/2011_bristolbay_sockeye_capacity.pdf
.

The 2011 Bristol Bay sockeye salmon forecast can be found on the
ADF&G website at:
http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/static/fishing/PDFs/commercial/2011_bristolbay_sockeye_forecast.pdf
.

For further information contact Cathy Tide at (907) 465-6133 or
cathy.tide@alaska.gov .