The first Alaskan salmon fishery will begin on Thursday, May 13th at 7 a.m. The Copper River red salmon are widely known to be the first salmon caught and distributed out of the state and the first fresh salmon are airlifted by Alaska Airlines to the markets in the lower 48.

The twelve hour opener will be the first catch of an expected 1.3 million fish harvest. However, the season will close until next Monday to ensure that no overfishing takes place. It is vital for all fisheries, not just in Alaska, to support sustainable harvests so that the proper escapement reaches the rivers to reproduce for the following years. TheRealAlaska is excited to welcome the first salmon fishery for 2010!

Check out The Seafood Source’s write-up about the season!