Super salmon catch, poor payoff

This year's Alaska commercial salmon catch exceeded 263 million fish, the second-highest total ever.

But the estimated ex-vessel value, at $414 million, was something of a disappointment.

The numbers are included in this press release from the Department of Fish and Game.

Last year's catch of less than 157 million salmon paid almost $577 million.

Bristol Bay's $197 million year

This year's Bristol Bay salmon harvest produced a near-record payoff to fishermen.

That's according to this season summary from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.