The Yukon River is the longest salmon river in the world originating from the remote Choda Glacier in British Columbia, crossing the state of Alaska and emptying into the Bering Sea some 2300 miles later. The Yukon provides the main “highway”, the primary route of transportation for this remote, roadless area of Alaska. During the winter months the river is frozen over the area is accessible only by air.
It is believed the Yupik people in this area are the oldest inhabitants of North America, having crossed the Bering land bridge from Siberia over 10,000 years ago. Fishing has been the lifeblood of the Lower Yukon and salmon are revered as a most precious resource. The village residents depend on subsistence fishing for their personal use and commercial fishing for badly needed income.
By now, most everyone knows that Omega-3s are good for you. They protect your heart, support a strong immune system, contribute to brain development and promote good mental health. But did you know that one of the best sources of Omega-3s is wild salmon from the Yukon River in Alaska? It is believed that the longer the distance a salmon must travel upriver from the ocean, the more Omega’s they store in their meat. Since the Yukon is the longest Salmon river, the fish carry the most Omega’s than any other salmon.
Just one 3.5 oz. serving of wild Yukon River salmon contains up to 5.2 grams of beneficial Omega-3s, making this very special salmon. New dietary guidelines encourage everyone, from pregnant women and nursing mothers, to children, adults and seniors to eat two servings of seafood a week, with at least one of those servings an oily fish such as Yukon River Salmon.
While fish oil capsules have gained in popularity over the years, nutritionists find that our bodies absorb almost twice as many nutrients from food as they do from supplements.. A small serving (100 grams) of Yukon River salmon can not only deliver the same amount of Omega-3 as 10 average-potency fish oil capsules, but has 50% of the recommended daily allowance of Vitamin D. This so-called “sunshine vitamin” is now associated with bone health, brain function and the prevention of certain immune diseases.
The Yupik Eskimos who live in the small villages along the Yukon River view their salmon runs as a precious resource. Today, they continue their commitment to preserving what has provided for their people for thousands of years.
The Yukon River salmon runs are managed by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. In addition to being certified as sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council and the Global Trust. Salmon from the Yukon River also meet and are certified to the rigorous United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) standards.
Kwik’pak, the brand name for Yukon River Salmon, was the first wild salmon producer to join forces with Trace Register in order to provide full Traceability. Today, supply chain traceability helps buyers and consumers trust that the fish they have purchased is authentic Yukon River Salmon. It also helps ensure that the Yupik Eskimo fishermen and women are getting a well-deserved premium for their superior salmon.
Northeast Seafood is also a Trace Register Client, helping to maintain the links between fisherman and consumers for transparency thru the entire process.
To learn more about Kwik’pak Fisheries please visit Www.kwikpaksalmon.com
Sustainability Director
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