Sockeye Salmon

(Oncorhynchus Nerka)

Other names
Sockeye, Reds, Red Salmon

Availability
Septmeber - October

Depth of catch
Shallow to 200 fathoms.

Characteristics
Commercially caught sockeye range in weight from 2 to 9 pounds and are graded according to size: 2-4 lbs., 4-6 lbs., and 6-9 lbs. Fresh sockeye (dressed, steaks, fillets) are available locally during the season, but the majority of the fish is either frozen or canned, depending on the processor's assessment of the market.

Range of shelf life
Three to 7 days, depending on the quality of handling the fish has received.

How to store
Whole fish should be buried in ice with the belly cavity full of ice, since this is where deterioration happens most quickly. Adding ice to the belly slows this enzymatic process.