Unalaska is number #1 fishing port for 20th year


Wednesday, July 22 2009
Unalaska, AK – Unalaska/Dutch Harbor is the number one fishing port in the nation for the amount of fish landed for the 20th year in a row. It remains number two for the value of the fish. In 2008 fishermen unloaded 612.7 million pounds of fish and shellfish worth $195 million dollars. That's $20.9 million dollars more than 2007 even though they caught 164.4 million pounds less. The number one port for landing value is still New Bedford, Massachusetts, with a landing value of $241.3 million dollars. The numbers are compiled by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. They say part of Unalaska's continued success is due to the catch share, or quota programs. Other Alaskan ports with high rankings include Kodiak, which is ranked 5th for landings and third for value, Naknek-King Salmon ranks seventh for value and Cordova ranks tenth for value.