Business/Economy

VIDEO: Commercial chum salmon fishing in Kotzebue, Alaska

KOTZEBUE -- In an industry full of booms and busts, the Kotzebue commercial chum salmon fishery is exploding.

After decades of fluctuation, including a time when the fishery all but ceased to function, it's back this year and fishermen are slaying.

So far, about 80 permit holders -- about 69 of whom fish on a consistent basis -- have brought in 4.45 million pounds of salmon. On July 28, those fishermen brought in 534,000 pounds of fish to the fishery, 10 times more than the average of 50,000-70,000 pounds of fish that usually get caught each day.

Kotzebue fishermen are expected to make about $3 million this year, according to Alaska Department of Fish and Game area biologist Jim Menard. It will mark the first time the fishery has brought in more than $1 million since 1988, and shows a dramatic shift in the power of the fishery, which almost died completely in the early 2000s. For comparison, the fishery only made $7,572 in 2002.

The reasons for the banner year are twofold. One is that it's turning out to be one of the best chum salmon runs in decades. The other is competition, with three fish buyers on the scene driving up the price per pound.

Read more: Flourishing commercial chum fishery has Kotzebue fishermen breaking out the boats

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