Kwik'pak Salmon

The first news release from Alaska Department of Fish and Game for 2013

http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/static/home/news/pdfs/newsreleases/cf/261131306.pdf

By far the longest and most powerful river in Alaska, the Yukon is truly an awesome force. In late spring and summer, it spills over 1.5 million gallons of water into the Bering Sea…every second. In comparison, 500,000 gallons of water spill over Niagara Falls each second.

The mighty Yukon River cuts through the Alaskan landscape like a jagged tear on a map. Yet despite its well deserved, powerful reputation, it is part of a fragile ecosystem that must be protected.
For the Yupik people, taking care of nature is, if you will, second nature. They are committed to preserving the resources that have provided for their people for thousands of years to come.

Accordingly, Kwik’pak Fisheries, working in partnership with Alaska Fish and Game, recognizes and welcomes the responsibility we share to protect the environment and the future of our fishery.

Yukon River Salmon play a key role in a healthy diet – they have more Omega-3s than any other seafood. They are also a good source of Vitamin D which is associated with bone health, brain function and prevention of certain immune diseases.

Yukon River salmon travel up to 2,000 miles to reach their spawning grounds building up large amounts of rich oils and Omega-3 fatty acids to make this rigorous journey. This makes Yukon Salmon not only richer tasting, but better for you as well. These salmon are caught by Yupik Eskimo fisher men and women who have lived in this remote area for over 10,000 years.

Kwik’pak Fisheries is, in a manner of speaking, a community based business, formed by six local villages. We are working to build the regional economy by offering employment, training and educational opportunities to area residents and their families. In addition to work tied directly to our fishing and buying operations, Kwik’pak has helped other small businesses in the villages along the river.

The jobs provided by these activities enable Yupik families to continue the traditional lifestyle their people have practiced for thousands of years…fishing, hunting and living off the land.