Bristol Bay

Model for Responsible Development

Bristol Bay is home to the largest wild sockeye salmon run in the world, producing more than half of the world’s sockeye salmon supply. These fish and the pristine waters they swim through are an irreplaceable resource for both the American and Alaskan economies. 

  • Bristol Bay’s salmon fishery generates over $2.2 billion in annual economic activity and supports more than 15,000 jobs; these jobs spur the growth of other industries, including shipping, reprocessing, and retail.

  • For every fishing and processing job in Bristol Bay, three more are created in other industries.

  • For every $1 of economic activity generated in Bristol Bay, an additional $1.27 of economic activity is generated elsewhere in Alaska.

The last few years have been some of the most productive and profitable in recorded history for the fishermen of Bristol Bay, with more than 40 million salmon harvested in recent years. In an average year, Bristol Bay produces more than 40% of Alaska’s salmon and is responsible for 1 billion servings of wild, sustainable protein annually, generating additional revenue for restaurants, retailers, and others in the seafood supply chain. Bristol Bay’s pristine wilderness is also an international destination for hunters and anglers, generating millions of dollars each year for outdoor recreation and sporting businesses

Fast Facts about Bristol Bay

Bristol Bay supplies about 50% of the worlds Sockeye Salmon

The annual Sockeye run in Bristol Bay produces 1 Billion servings of salmon.

Bristol Bay’s fishing industry generates $2.2 Billion annually in economic activity.