National Fisherman

Salmon

Red king crab. NOAA photo.

North Pacific council to study new options to reduce bottom trawling

Margaret Bauman

Alaska's five Pacific salmon species are all forecast to see lower harvests in 2026, with global sockeye, keta, and pink supplies also expected to decline significantly from recent averages. Shutterstock photo.

Report forecasts 15% drop in global salmon harvest

Margaret Bauman

Chinook and chum salmon have been hard hit in recent years by rising ocean temperatures, anthropogenic impacts, and increased microplastic pollution. Michael Humling / U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service photo.

Chinook salmon tagging data aims to help reduce trawler bycatch

Margaret Bauman

Map of Area M courtesy of the Alaska Department of Fish and Game

Area M salmon restrictions remain sidelines as subsistence groups weigh legal action

NF Staff

Bering Sea pollock come aboard a trawler. NMFS video image.

North Pacific council seeks public comment on pelagic trawl gear

Margaret Bauman

Copper River salmon. National Park Service photo.

Copper River sockeye fillets are a hot seller

Margaret Bauman

California’s ocean salmon fishery reopened in May 2026 after a three-year closure. River fishing for Chinook salmon is also reopening, but at different times in 2026. Eric Palkovacs photo.

California’s salmon fishery is reopening, but that doesn’t mean all is well

Guest Author

According to a recent report, the 2025 Pacific salmon harvest totaled 425.7 million fish, marking the lowest aggregate for an odd-numbered year since 1987. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

NPAFC reports lowest odd-year harvest of Pacific salmon

Margaret Bauman

Rowan Miller has been working on her father’s salmon seiner since she was 14. At 24, she has utilized the Alaska Commercial Fishing Loan Program to finance the purchase of her first boat, the Journeyman. Credit: Rowan Miller

Boat of the Month: Journeyman

Paul Molyneaux

NOAA Fisheries has determined that Gulf of Alaska Chinook salmon will not be listed under the Endangered Species Act. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

NOAA declines ESA listing for Gulf of Alaska Chinook

Carli Clancy

The Little Susitna River in the Talkeetna Mountain range is a 313-mile-long river in southcentral Alaska. Photo courtesy of Michael Siluk

Groundwater plays a critical role in Southcentral Alaska salmon rivers

Margaret Bauman