08/12/2025
Summer 2025 Alaska and Pacific Northwest seafood market report:
The market for fresh seafood in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest experienced a mixed bag of fortunes during the summer of 2025. While some species like Sockeye salmon and Dungeness crab saw strong markets, others faced lower volumes or ongoing challenges.
Here's a breakdown of the key highlights:
Bristol Bay: Experienced a large sockeye salmon run, with a total run forecast of 51.38 million fish, slightly above the 20-year average. The actual harvest in Bristol Bay was a record 41.4 million sockeye, bolstering overall market supply according to Seafoodnews.
Copper River: The Copper River sockeye salmon run, however, fell short of expectations, with a harvest of only 837,000 fish (56% below early forecasts), driving prices up to $6.75/lb.
Crab
King Crab: The king crab and shellfish sector continued to see high prices and strong demand, with record-breaking prices for both red and golden king crab carrying over from 2024 into 2025.
Quota Reductions: Quotas for both Atlantic and Pacific cod were reduced in 2025, leading to price increases in the US wholesale market.
Pacific Northwest Salmon
Puget Sound: Expected to experience a very large pink salmon run, forecast at 7.76 million, the third largest on record. This led to increased daily limits in some areas, according to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Columbia River: Chinook and Coho run sizes were expected to be similar or slightly improved over 2024, offering good fishing opportunities.
Sockeye: The Columbia River sockeye forecast was lower than 2024's record return but still considered a good return, says the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Crab
Washington State Dungeness Crab: The commercial season opened on January 15th with a record opening price of $5.75/lb, despite lower catch volumes due to strong currents and competition. Recreational crabbing seasons in Puget Sound opened on July 3rd in many areas.
Halibut
West Coast Fisheries: The International Pacific Halibut Commission (IPHC) adopted the lowest catch limits on record for the 2025 season, a decrease of over 15% coastwide compared to 2024.
Recreational Allocations: Detailed allocations and season dates for recreational halibut fisheries were set for various subareas along the Washington, Oregon, and California coasts.
Factors influencing the market:
Quota Reductions: Reductions in catch limits for some species, like halibut and cod, influenced market supply and prices.
Strong Demand: Demand for premium seafood, particularly king crab, remained strong despite high prices.
Trade and Tariffs: The potential imposition of tariffs by the U.S. and its trading partners, along with the war in Ukraine, could introduce uncertainty into the seafood market.
Local Food Systems: Efforts to transition towards more localized food systems are being explored to address supply chain disruptions and promote sustainability.
*This report is based on information available as of August 12, 2025. Market conditions and forecasts can change rapidly. Please consult official sources and in-season updates for the most current information.
https://www.bigalaskaseafood.com/
