Alaska's commercial salmon harvest fell sharply in 2026, but stronger prices helped push the fishery's preliminary ex-vessel value to $648 million, a 20 percent increase over the previous year, according to figures released Nov. 4 by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G).

Commercial fishermen harvested approximately 99 million salmon statewide, down 49 percent from the 195 million fish landed in 2025. Despite the decline in volume, the fishery generated an estimated $107 million more in ex-vessel value than the previous year's $541 million.

ADF&G attributed the increase in value to improved average prices per pound across all salmon species, which helped offset the smaller harvest.

The department had anticipated a substantial decline in landings this year, largely because of the natural abundance cycle of pink salmon. In recent decades, Alaska's pink salmon returns have generally been stronger in odd-numbered years and weaker in even-numbered years, although the pattern varies by region.

The 2026 harvest was comparable to the 103.5 million salmon harvested in 2024, another even-numbered year.

However, this year's landings also fell short of preseason expectations. ADF&G had projected a statewide harvest of 126 million salmon, meaning the actual catch was approximately 21 percent below forecast.

Sockeye and pink salmon accounted for much of the shortfall, with both species coming in 21 percent below preseason projections. Coho salmon harvests were 25 percent below forecast, while chum salmon landings fell 22 percent short. Chinook salmon was the only species to exceed expectations, with harvests 13 percent above projections.

Sockeye leads in value, pink salmon in volume

Sockeye salmon remained Alaska's most valuable commercial salmon species in 2026, generating an estimated $360 million, or approximately 55 percent of the statewide exvessel value.

Fishermen harvested about 39 million sockeye, representing 40 percent of the total salmon catch.

Pink salmon accounted for the largest share of fish harvested, with approximately 44 million landed, or 44 percent of the statewide total. However, the species contributed just $95 million, approximately 15 percent of the fishery's total value.

Chum salmon generated the second-highest ex-vessel value at $151 million, accounting for 23 percent of the total despite representing only 14 percent of the harvest, with approximately 14 million fish.

Coho salmon landings totaled approximately 2 million fish, valued at $23 million, while Chinook salmon harvests reached an estimated 222,000 fish worth $19 million.

More permit holders make landings

Despite the smaller statewide harvest, the number of commercial salmon permit holders reporting landings increased slightly in 2026. According to ADF&G, 5,350 individual permit holders made commercial salmon landings this season, compared with 5,249 in 2025, an increase of 101.

ADF&G emphasized that the harvest and value figures remain preliminary and could change as additional fish tickets are processed.

Current ex-vessel estimates are based on preliminary prices and do not include postseason adjustments that fishermen may receive from processors.

The final value of Alaska's 2026 commercial salmon fishery will be determined in 2027, after seafood buyers and processors report the total amount paid to fishermen.