Alaska invests $1M in genetic tools to protect chum salmon during pollock fishery

A groundbreaking initiative aimed at reducing bycatch of Western Alaska chum salmon while sustaining the pollock fishery was a key focus during the Alaska Legislature's House Finance meeting on April 2, 2025. The program, backed by nearly a million dollars in capital budget allocations approved in 2023, is set to implement real-time genetic testing tools developed by the Bristol Bay Science Research Institute (BBSRI).

The genetic testing program is designed to mitigate the unintended catch of chum salmon, which is crucial for local communities and ecosystems. As the pollock industry gears up for the 2025 fishing season, BBSRI is prepared to conduct genetic sampling that will inform management decisions, allowing for proactive adjustments in fishing operations. This approach has been likened to air traffic control for fisheries, ensuring that different species do not overlap in their catch.

The pollock fishery is vital to Alaska's economy, generating millions in revenue through fisheries landing taxes and providing significant economic benefits to coastal communities via the Community Development Quota (CDQ) program. The initiative not only aims to protect the chum salmon population but also to maintain the economic viability of the pollock fishery, which supports jobs and infrastructure across the state.

Representative Bynum emphasized the importance of targeted goals in eliminating bycatch, highlighting the support from both communities and the fishing industry for this initiative. The discussions underscored a commitment to sustainable fishing practices that benefit both the environment and the economy, marking a significant step forward in Alaska's fisheries management.