Description

Salmon – Wild Sockeye

Oncorhynchus Nerka

Market Name(s): Sockeye & Red

Primary Source(s): Alaska, British Columbia, Washington

Season: Mid May (Copper River) through early September

Size Range:  Whole fish average 6 lbs. Sizing for H&G: 2/4, 4/6, 6/9

Abundant throughout Alaska, these salmon are renowned for their deep red flesh, firm texture and rich flavor. Truly a favorite among chefs for its dramatic visual impact and strong flavor profile.

Gillnetting, Purse seining

Sockeye salmon caught in Washington with lift nets during the early summer run is a "Best Choice." The populations are healthy, and management is effective. In addition, if salmon other than sockeye and pink are caught in the lift net fishery, they're returned to the water alive. Sockeye salmon is all wild-caught.

All other sources of sockeye salmon from Oregon and Washington are "Good Alternatives." Overfishing of the main sockeye salmon populations is not likely occurring, but salmon from endangered, threatened or depleted populations are also caught. Moderately effective management is challenged by the presence of depleted populations and other complex factors. Many salmon runs in Alaska and on the U.S. West Coast are augmented by large numbers of hatchery salmon, which could reduce the ability of wild populations to survive. Some sources of sockeye salmon are certified sustainable to the standard of the Marine Stewardship Council.

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