The Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G) released its 2025 Norton Sound Salmon Management Outlook in early April. In it, the department forecasted continued challenges for the region’s commercial salmon fisheries due to below-average runs of key species and limited market demand.
ADF&G Area Management Biologist, Kevin Clark, said there isn’t a “silver bullet” explaining the low salmon runs.
“There are papers out there that indicate that part of the reason we're experiencing issues right now is because of the large pink salmon hatchery programs,” Clark explained. “Those fish are being dumped into, you know, a finite system and competing with natural stocks.”
Clark said some blame can be placed on bycatch, but that it's not the only reason for declining salmon stocks.
“You really shake them down, yeah, they look really impressive, it's like 200,000 fish. And it's like, okay, now you spread that 200,000 fish from here to Dillingham and it's not as impressive per system.” Clark said.
The report projects Chinook salmon returns to remain low, with no harvestable surplus expected for commercial fishing. Coho salmon returns are also forecasted to be below average, although some commercial harvest — primarily between late July and August — may be possible. Chum salmon runs are expected to be stronger in northern areas, but still below average overall.
This is expected to limit or even eliminate commercial fishing opportunities in several subdistricts.
Commercial fishing for pink salmon may occur depending on buyer interest, but market demand remains uncertain. As in past years, ADF&G said there is no current commercial market for pink salmon beyond incidental catches.
Only one commercial buyer, Norton Sound Seafood Products, is expected to operate in Norton Sound in 2025.
In the Nome Subdistrict, the department expects a below-average salmon run. Commercial fishing for chum, pink, and coho salmon may occur if escapement goals are met. Eldorado River escapement counts — used as a key indicator east of Cape Nome — exceeded goals in 2024. However, monitoring efforts in the Nome and Snake rivers were hampered by high water levels, raising concerns about escapement in those areas.
ADF&G said it will continue to take a conservative approach in 2025, allowing commercial harvests only when salmon numbers exceed escapement and subsistence needs.
Subsistence fishing for sockeye salmon on the Pilgrim River is scheduled to begin June 15, with a household limit of 25 fish. ADF&G said last year was the first time since 2020 that the river’s escapement goal was met.
“That was a total surprise,” Clark said.
Subsistence fishing remains a priority throughout the region, with no restrictions anticipated in most subdistricts. However, in southern Norton Sound — including Shaktoolik and Unalakleet — subsistence fishing will close beginning June 15 to protect Chinook salmon. These closures may be eased in July if escapement goals are met.
Low snowfall this winter is expected to result in lower river levels compared to recent years, which may help improve monitoring conditions early in the season.
More details and subsistence permit information can be found at www.adfg.alaska.gov/store or by calling 1-800-560-2271.
