What are the projections for increased economic impacts of the 2004 salmon season?
A. The Oregon Salmon Troll Industry has already landed more than $1 million dollars (ex-vessel price) in the first four weeks of this season. With seven months remaining, it is obviously difficult to predict the actual economic impacts, but this is the best start in many years. The current price (ex-vessel) for Oregon wild salmon is $4.74/pound, compared to an average price in 2003 of $1.97/pound. Don Stevens, an Oregon salmon troll fisherman for 33 years, says he has never seen this kind of demand for Oregon wild salmon or the prices holding at this level. As always, supply and demand will dictate the price. The current ex-vessel value of Oregon’s Dungeness crab fishery for this season is approaching $35 million dollars. If you use a conservative multiplier of three, you can see the industry’s significant economic contributions not only to commercial fishermen, but the coastal communities they support as well.
