The season’s first catch of the coveted Copper River salmon arrived in Sea-Tac Friday morning.
About 18,000 pounds of salmon arrived in the first shipment, and about 50,000 pounds will trickle down to the rest of the continental U.S.
"This year, we are flying in the first catch of coveted Copper River salmon on the largest flying salmon in the world – the Alaska Airlines Salmon-Thirty-Salmon," said Jason Berry, managing director at Alaska Air Cargo. "Supporting the Alaska seafood industry has been a core part of the airline's history. We applaud the state of Alaska and our seafood partners for setting the standard for sustainable fishing practices, which allows salmon lovers to enjoy some of the best fish in the world."
The fish from Alaska’s Copper River Delta is considered a delicacy as it contains some of the highest fat content you can find, therefore making it tastier. The fish are shipped soon after they are pulled from the water to eagerly awaiting restaurants and customers.
Copper River salmon can go for $60 per pound or more.
Each year, Alaska Air partners with Alaska's three largest seafood processors, Trident Seafoods, Ocean Beauty Seafoods, and Copper River Seafoods to bring the salmon to Seattle and beyond.
