For in-depth information
about Atlantic salmon issues and concerns please examine our
Alaska Salmon White Paper
(PDF -- 93K).
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Why are there Atlantic salmon in Alaskan waters?
Atlantic salmon are in Alaskan waters because thousands escape
annually from fish-farms in British Columbia and Washington State.
What are the short-term and long-term problems for Alaskan
fisheries because of the introduction of Atlantic Salmon?
Problems for Alaskan fisheries include escaped farmed salmon
successfully spawning in Alaskan streams as they have already
been documented doing in British Columbia. These "invasive
species" would compete with native Pacific salmon for spawning
and rearing habitat. Farmed salmon also drive down the price
of wild salmon which harms Alaska's coastal villages which are
dependent to a large extent on viable commercial fisheries.
Farms also raise Pacific salmon; as these are selected for rapid
growth rather than survival in the wild and these fish also escape,
interbreed with wild stocks, and dilute the genetically based
survival traits of these wild stocks.
How can I identify an Atlantic salmon versus a salmon
indigenous to Pacific waters and streams?
The best way to identify an Atlantic salmon is to look for
the large black spots on the gillcovers and back but no spots
on their tails. Atlantic salmon have 8-11 rays in their anal
fins while Pacific salmon have 11-13 rays. IMAGE
What do I do if I catch an Atlantic salmon?
If you catch an Atlantic salmon do not clean it as we need
the gonads to determine if the fish is trying to spawn. Put
the whole fish on ice and contact your local office of the Alaska
Department of Fish and Game.
What does the future hold?
With fish farms in British Columbia spreading north from their
current locations around Vancouver Island, we will likely see
increased numbers of Atlantic salmon migrating into Alaskan
waters seeking food and spawning opportunities.
