Our Fish

The Resource

Discover the exquisite taste and unparalleled health benefits of sockeye salmon, brought to you by Sockeye Express. Our wild-caught sockeye is sustainably sourced from the pristine waters of Bristol Bay, Alaska, where they thrive in their natural habitat. From the moment our skilled crews bring the catch aboard, we use a meticulous process to ensure that every fillet we offer is of the highest quality, bursting with rich flavor and essential nutrients. On this page, well take you on a journey to learn the unique features of Bristol Bay, the nutritional value of our product, and the careful steps we take to deliver the freshest tasting, most delicious salmon to your table.

Bristol Bay

Bristol Bay, located in southwestern Alaska, is home to the largest wild salmon run in the world. The bay itself is approximately 250 miles long and 180 miles wide, a rich and diverse ecosystem that supports a variety of wildlife. The area is largely free of development, leaving the lakes and rivers in pristine condition. For thousands of years the indigenous Yupik, Dena'ina, and Aleut peoples have relied on the salmon for subsistence and cultural practices.
Today, Bristol Bay is still a vital source of wild salmon, with up to 80 million fish returning each year to spawn. The sustainability of the Bristol Bay fishery is essential to the regional economy and the world's food supply. The fishers who operate in these waters understand the importance of responsible fishing practices and work tirelessly to ensure the long-term health of the fishery.
Through close monitoring by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, the Bristol Bay fishery has maintained a sustainable harvest for over 130 years. The fishery's success can be attributed to careful management practices. These measures ensure the long-term viability of the fishery and the preservation of the natural resources that support it.

Healthy never tasted so good.

Wild-caught salmon is one of the healthiest foods available. It is an excellent source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and a wide range of vitamins and minerals. Eating wild-caught salmon can help reduce the risk of heart disease, lower blood pressure, and improve brain function. Omega-3 fatty acids found in sockeye can also help reduce inflammation, improve joint health, and may even reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.
Additionally, wild-caught salmon is a great source of vitamin D, which is important for maintaining healthy bones and teeth, and can also help boost immune function. It is also rich in vitamin B12.
Compared to farmed salmon, wild-caught Alaskan salmon is often lower in calories, higher in protein, and contains fewer contaminants. The combination of high-quality protein, healthy fats, and a wide variety of vitamins and minerals make wild-caught Alaskan salmon an excellent choice for anyone looking to improve their overall health and well-being.

Premium quality begins at the catch.

Aboard the NEZZEN, as with all premium market Bristol Bay fishers, we pride ourselves on proper handling of our catch, we utilize a variety of methods to deliver the best quality sockeye to market every summer. We fish short sets, which means the fish are brought aboard as quickly as possible, ensuring that they are fresh and of the highest quality. To further maintain quality once the fish is aboard, we use salmon slides and deck mats to minimize contact with deck, reducing the likelihood of any damage or contamination. The fish are immediately bled to ensure the best possible taste and texture, and to minimize bruising and other defects. We then sort the fish evenly into refrigerated holds until delivery. Our processor sets the gold standard for quality practices in Bristol Bay and they utilize flash freezing and vacuum sealing to lock in the fresh from the Bay taste. Our fillets are guaranteed to be frozen only once, which preserves the texture and flavor, giving our customers a true premium quality experience when they enjoy our fillets.
It is an absolute privilege to for us to participate in the Bristol Bay sockeye run, out of respect to the resource this amazing fishery provides, we treat our fish with the utmost care.

Sustainability is key.

Bristol Bay's sustainable fishing practices are reflected in the careful management of the fishery, which is closely monitored to ensure the escapement of spawning salmon into the lakes. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game sets daily fishing times based on the number of escapement, ensuring that only surplus fish is harvested, while maintaining enough for the next generation to spawn. This management style is possible due to the unique habitat of Bristol Bay which allows the salmon to live out its natural (fresh water-salt water-fresh water) life cycle and continue to thrive. This sustainable approach ensures that the salmon population in Bristol Bay remains healthy and abundant, providing a reliable source of wild salmon for generations to come.
Sustainability is crucial because it preserves the delicate balance of the ecosystem, maintains the carrying capacity of the lakes, protects all species in the regional food web, and ensures a steady supply of seafood for future generations. With over-fishing and unsustainable threatening marine life worldwide, Bristol Bay's sustainable approach is an example of how we can protect the environment and still meet the growing demand for wild-caught seafood. By choosing to support sustainable fisheries like Bristol Bay, consumers can make a positive impact on the planet and ensure future generation can enjoy the same bountiful salmon as we enjoy today.