THE VALUE OF COMMERCIAL FISHERIES NEAR BRISTOL BAY, ALASKA

The report finds that commercial fisheries in the Bristol Bay base study area generate annual economic activity between $4.1 billion and $5.4 billion. Using a value-chain analysis and input-output modeling, the study tracks value from an average annual landings value of $463 million to a final retail value of $2.2 billion to $2.9 billion. The analysis emphasizes that the economic benefits extend globally, as permit holders reside in multiple U.S. states and international markets purchase the processed seafood. The authors argue that these figures provide strong economic support for protecting the region's marine ecosystems from threats such as climate change and infrastructure projects related to oil, gas, and mining.

• Commercial fisheries in the Bristol Bay base study area generate total annual economic activity estimated between $4.1 billion and $5.4 billion.
• Between 2005 and 2008, the average annual value of ex-vessel landings in the base study area was $463 million, with five species—salmon, pollock, King crab, Pacific cod, and halibut—accounting for nearly 95% of that value.
• Salmon is the most significant fishery in the region, representing 33% of the total landings value and the largest share of harvest-related employment.
• The economic impact of the fisheries extends beyond Alaska, as approximately 70% of the average landings value from 2005-2008 was held by permit holders residing outside the state.
• The estimated annual wholesale value of commercial harvests from the base study region ranges from $1.1 billion to $1.4 billion.
• The total economic output associated with the processing and wholesale of seafood harvested in Bristol Bay is estimated to be as high as $2.3 billion per year.
• The annual retail value of fisheries in the base study area, representing final consumer spending, is estimated to be between $2.2 billion and $2.9 billion.
• The report identifies climate change and potential infrastructure projects for oil, gas, and mineral development as primary threats to the region's pristine ecosystems and the livelihoods depending on them.
• The study notes that its economic estimates are conservative as they exclude non-monetized values such as biodiversity, ecosystem services, recreation, and cultural significance.

APA

Kruse, S., Sheeran, K., & Hesselgrave, T. (2011). THE VALUE OF COMMERCIAL FISHERIES NEAR BRISTOL BAY, ALASKA. WWF International. https://www.worldwildlife.org/documents/867/2o4rmixfhz_WWF_BristolBayEconoReport_final.pdf

Chicago

Kruse, Sarah, Kristen Sheeran, and Taylor Hesselgrave. THE VALUE OF COMMERCIAL FISHERIES NEAR BRISTOL BAY, ALASKA. WWF International, 2011. https://www.worldwildlife.org/documents/867/2o4rmixfhz_WWF_BristolBayEconoReport_final.pdf.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |last1=Kruse |first1=Sarah |last2=Sheeran |first2=Kristen |last3=Hesselgrave |first3=Taylor |title=THE VALUE OF COMMERCIAL FISHERIES NEAR BRISTOL BAY, ALASKA |publisher=WWF International |date=August 2011 |url=https://www.worldwildlife.org/documents/867/2o4rmixfhz_WWF_BristolBayEconoReport_final.pdf |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{kruse2011value, author = {Kruse, Sarah and Sheeran, Kristen and Hesselgrave, Taylor}, title = {{THE VALUE OF COMMERCIAL FISHERIES NEAR BRISTOL BAY, ALASKA}}, institution = {WWF International}, year = {2011}, month = aug, url = {https://www.worldwildlife.org/documents/867/2o4rmixfhz_WWF_BristolBayEconoReport_final.pdf}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }