In Strange Times, Copper River Salmon Fishery Trudges On In Opener

Here’s more from KTUU:

The Copper River fishery is managed by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game and the state is requiring any workers arriving in Alaska, from Outside, to self-quarantine for 14 days. 

Still, Cordova’s first positive case of coronavirus was an Ocean Beauty Seafoods worker who had traveled to the Prince William Sound community from Seattle. The worker was asymptomatic and his case was caught by his company’s routine testing of employees. The case highlighted fears by many in the community, and other fishing towns, who raised concerns about the large influx of people coming to the area from across the country.

In addition to concerns about slowing the spread of COVID-19, there is the added presser that fewer restaurants are open and able to buy the expensive fish, which means the product will be frozen and sold at lower prices.

The report also says the traditional Alaska Airlines delivery of some of the season’s first harvested salmon to Seattle chefs will be delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.