The Joint Legislative Salmon Industry Task Force, particularly through its Quality Subcommittee, heard convincing testimony to the importance of having high quality salmon if Alaska is to compete in the world market. Chilling salmon is essential to quality control.

Many vessels have installed chilling systems and other fishermen are bleeding fish and icing their harvests. In many areas of the state, fish are being delivered to processing facilities in a more timely manner than they have in previous years. Tendering vessels are also utilizing chilling systems.

While industry members have undertaken these efforts voluntarily, there remains no mandatory chilling standard for Alaska salmon. Several public-private quality programs have been initiated and those who participate do so voluntarily. Participants must meet the standards of these programs to participate and third party inspections guarantee adherence to the standards. These programs have produced high quality salmon but the total number of participants and salmon is low compared to the state's total harvest.

House Bill 89 proposes establishing mandatory chilling and delivery standards. The Task Force clearly recognizes the daunting challenge this poses. The vastness of coastal Alaska, the lack of infrastructure, the dramatic decline in the overall value of salmon, and the costs associated with a mandatory program are all causes for concern. Nonetheless, the Task Force recognizes the critical importance of a high quality product in the marketplace.

Last Updated: 02-20-03

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