How one Cordova fisherman prepares for the salmon run (& celebrates the ‘first fish’)
The month of May marks the official start of Alaska’s salmon run – and by the middle of the month, growing numbers of sockeye and Chinook species will arrive in Alaska’s pristine waterways.
By this time, the people and communities who commercially fish these waters will have spent months preparing vessels, equipment and teams so all are ready to work, from the first catch through to the end of the season in autumn.
Before things start to get too busy, Cordova resident and solo-fisherman Thea Thomas shares the ways she prepares for and works during the salmon run. Originally from Oregon, Thomas relocated to Alaska to pursue a role in Aquaculture – having earned her Masters in Biology. She felt so passionately about, “the best food in the world”, bought a boat in 1987 and never left!
Alaska’s cobalt blue tide water glaciers and snow-capped mountains continue to draw the next generation of fishermen too. “Each season there are always new faces in the fishery. I find it so heart warming that many young people are still choosing a lifestyle of independence, self-sufficiency and time at sea that commercial fishing provides,” says Thomas.
Here’s what Thomas has planned for the season ahead…
How long have you fished the Prince William Sound waters?
I have been gillnetting for Copper River and Prince William Sound salmon since 1987. I have a 32' bowpicker which I fish alone, there is no team. The fishery is highly competitive, so I say alone, but if there are fish around there are plenty of other boats.
What sort of maintenance work happens in the months before the run starts?
In the fall, I perform all the engine maintenance as well as mend all my gillnets for the coming season. Good equipment is one of the keys to success. Breakdowns are very expensive in terms of repairs and lost fishing time.
What do you look forward to the most at this time of year?
The first of the season is a time of rekindling old friendships as people return to town coupled with the excitement and bustle as the harbour comes to life, as well as the awe and gratitude that once again the salmon are returning.
Are there any unique ways your community celebrates the start of the salmon run?
There has long been a tradition to celebrate the "First Fish" whether it is at home with friends or at fancy restaurants in Seattle or Anchorage.
What happens to your catch once you're headed back to land?
The minute the salmon come over the roller they are bled and immersed in slush ice. I deliver the salmon to a tender where they are kept in refrigerated sea water until delivered to the processing plant. In the plant the fish are headed, gutted and boxed to be flown fresh to markets or later put in the freezer for later shipment.
It's a lot of work – physical and logistically – what do you do in your 'down time' or at the end of the day or weekend to relax?
When I have time off, not repairing my boat and nets, I visit with friends, hike, go bird watching or often play disc golf.
What's your favourite catch and how do you like to cook it and serve it?
My favourite is marinated grilled Copper River King salmon. I have a special marinade of frozen limeade, olive oil, soy sauce, garlic and fresh rosemary which is always a winner.
Want to see the start of the salmon run for yourself? Keep an eye out on the Alaska Seafood UK instagram account in May – we’ll be on the ground at the start of the salmon run and will be sharing from the water!