Fish Radio
July 26, 2013
Alaska halibut longliner
Credit: ADF&G
This is Fish Radio. I’m Laine Welch – A strong salmon market – and costs for quota shares continue to climb – More after this –
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Alaska’s statewide salmon catch of nearly 80 million is not quite half way to the 180 million forecast. From now on, pinks should start to add up fast – managers predict a catch of almost 120 million humpies, 73% higher than last year.
Market reports say supplies for both wild and farmed salmon are down across the board, prices are increasing, and buyers are scrambling to get fish. Wild catches have been lackluster and shipments of farmed salmon from Chile are on hold pending FDA inspections for a banned chemical. Reports say many buyers are looking to Alaska chums to fill the void in the salmon market.
Halibut longliners have taken 56% of their 22 million pound catch limit so far; for sablefish, the catch is at 64% of the 28 million pound quota. Both those fisheries run through mid November.
Remember two years ago when people were aghast at halibut quota shares hitting $30 a pound? A scan of top brokers shows the asking price has reached $50 for some IFQs in Southeast Alaska, with most going for $40-$43 per pound….. Prices for halibut Q/s in the Central Gulf were ranging from $30-$38.
For sablefish, quota shares in Southeast, are going from $26 to $32; slightly higher at west Yakutat – and in the $20-$30 range in the Central Gulf.
Fish Radio is also brought to you by Ocean Beauty Seafoods – who salutes and says thanks to the men and women fishing across Alaska for their hard work and dedication. (www.oceanbeauty.com) In Kodiak, I’m Laine Welch.
