Salmon Prices Spike As Supplies Shrink

Salmon prices are on the rise as fisheries face dwindling supplies.

According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, salmon prices hit an all-time high in January, with a fillet of wild sockeye salmon selling for $26.48 in Anchorage, Alaska. That's up from $23.06 a year ago.

The price increase is being blamed on a number of factors, including:

1. Shrinking supplies due to overfishing and climate change
2. A strong economy that has increased demand for seafood
3. Restrictions on fishing in some areas

In California, for instance, where the majority of West Coast salmon is caught, regulators have placed restrictions on salmon fishing in order to protect the species' population from collapsing. As a result, fishermen are catching fewer fish and the price of salmon has shot up by 28 percent since last year.

Wild salmon isn't the only seafood item affected by rising prices. Lobster, crab, and scallops are also becoming more expensive as demand outstrips supply.

Salmon Caught Off Oregon Coast Close To End

Oregon state officials say a recent haul of salmon caught near the coast likely signals the end of the season.

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife says fishermen brought in about 250 chinook salmon on Sunday, Aug. 28 — all but three of them were caught in the ocean. That's significantly down from the more than 9,000 chinook brought in during the opening weekend of the season.

Darren Friedli, with ODFW, says it's likely that most if not all of the salmon left in coastal waters are headed for spawning grounds upriver.

Friedli says fishery managers will assess data collected over the next several weeks to determine whether any adjustments need to be made to seasons for fall and winter fishing.

Idaho's Salmon Population On The Rise

Idaho's salmon population is on the rise, according to a new study from the University of Idaho.

The study, which was published in the journal PLOS One, found that the number of spawning salmon in Idaho's Clearwater River Basin has increased by more than 20 percent since 2000.

"The driver for the increase seems to be improved ocean conditions for juvenile fish, as well as hatchery reform and harvest management," said study author Evan Hirsche.

Hirsche said that while the increase is good news, it's still unclear whether the trend will continue in future years.

The Clearwater River Basin is home to one of the most important salmon populations in North America. The fish play a key role in the region's economy and ecology, and are a vital source of food for local Native American tribes.

Salmon have long been at risk from various threats, including damming , fishing pressure, and climate change . But with concerted efforts to protect them, their numbers appear to be on the rise once again.

Farm-Raised Salmon May Not Be As Good For You As Wild-Caught

When most people think of salmon, they likely think of the wild variety. After all, it's been touted as a healthy, lean protein source for years. However, farm-raised salmon is becoming an increasingly popular choice for dinner. So, which is better for you - wild or farm-raised?

The answer is not so black and white. In fact, there are pros and cons to both types of salmon. Let's take a closer look at each:

Wild Salmon: Pros -Is a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids -Is low in mercury and other pollutants -Is a sustainable seafood choice Cons -Can be expensive -May contain harmful levels of PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls)

Farm-Raised Salmon: Pros -Is a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids -Is low in mercury and other pollutants Cons -May contain harmful levels of PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) -Is not sustainable

California Drought Threatens Salmon Populations

Northern California's drought is threatening the populations of Chinook salmon, according to researchers from the University of California, Davis. The researchers warn that the lack of water in the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta could have a devastating effect on the salmon population.

The delta is a critical estuary for both Chinook salmon and steelhead trout. It provides a nursery area for juvenile fish, as well as a feeding and spawning ground for adult fish. The Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers are two of the main channels that feed into the delta.

The drought has reduced the flow of water into the delta, making it more difficult for salmon to migrate upstream to their spawning grounds. In addition, the warm, dry weather has caused water temperatures in the delta to increase, which can be harmful to juvenile salmon.

"We are very concerned about what could happen to these fish populations in California if we don't get some relief from this drought soon," said lead researcher Rebecca Dudgeon.

Salmon are an important part of California's economy and ecology. They provide food for humans and other animals, and they also play a key role in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Salmon populations have been declining in recent years due to factors such as overfishing, dams, and habitat destruction. The current drought is only making things worse.

In order to protect California's salmon populations, it is important to take steps to conserve water during times of drought. This includes reducing water consumption in homes and businesses, investing in water recycling and storage technologies, and supporting measures that would increase water availability such as desalination projects.