The fifth annual Alaska Wild Salmon Day is Monday, August 10. The day was officially declared Alaska Wild Salmon Day in 2016 when Alaska Governor Bill Walker signed HB 128 into law at the 2016 Juneau Maritime Festival, an annual event that pays homage to Juneau’s rich fishing industry.
Wild salmon plays a unique role in the lives of nearly all Alaskans – from subsistence, commercial, and sport fisherman to everyday Alaskans sharing a salmon meal with their family. The holiday is of special importance this year as the COVID-19 pandemic reminds Alaskans of their unique relationship with salmon as food security, job security, and healthy outdoor recreation when normal summer sports and other family activities have been restricted.
Alaska salmon account for more than 95 percent of the U.S. catch and, according to the National Fisheries Institute, salmon is one of the top two most popular fish in the U.S.
The Alaska Center is hosting virtual distance festivities to celebrate Salmon Day on Monday, from 12:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m. The online event aims to bring together artists, activists, and community members for a celebration of art, action, and inspiration – all with Alaska wild salmon at heart. The event will be held via Zoom, and there is an online link to register.