Stock Identification

The ABL Stock Identification Program provides research information required in regional, national, and international agreements and treaties on the management of Pacific salmon. Legislation mandating this research includes the Pacific Salmon Treaty and the North Pacific Anadromous Stocks Act. Products include briefings, technical reports and peer reviewed manuscripts, and software such as
stock composition estimation programs. Program activities are designed to determine status of populations, identify stocks to the region or country of origin, determine population and stock utilization of ocean rearing areas, assess interceptions, and determine stock production. Information provided is used by

• NMFS management and enforcement,
• U.S. Department of State,
• Alaska Department of Fish and Game,
• North Pacific Fishery Management Council,
• Pacific Salmon Commission,
• North Pacific Anadromous Fish Commission (NPAFC),
• and other international commissions.

The five Pacific salmon species in the Alaska Region are one of the most valuable natural resources in the United States. Salmon in Alaska contribute to the food supply, economy, and health of the country, and help reduce the trade deficit. The commercial fishing and fish processing industries rank as the largest nongovernmental employer in Alaska—annual sales value exceeds income generated by tourism, mining, or forest products. The Pacific salmon resource provides national and international recreational opportunities and is an integral part of Alaska native culture and heritage.

Recent Activities:

• Genetics Laboratory Studies
• Eastern Bering Sea Juvenile Salmon Surveys
• Radio-tagging Study on Yukon River Chinook Salmon

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