My commercial fishing career began in 1981. At that time I had no knowledge about navigation, tides, fishing methods and all the complexities of the ocean. Now, 30 years later, I am a well seasoned veteran, a “crusty ol’ sea dog”.

The Gulf of Alaska is a violent and cruel mistress and she has claimed countless lives. But, this part of the Pacific Ocean outside of Cordova, Alaska is home to the world famous Copper River Salmon. Our commercial fishery season runs from May through September and is referred to as the Copper River Gillnet Fishery. There is a fleet of approximately 500 boats and most Captains fish solo in well designed high performance boats built to withstand brutal seas and made for living aboard for long periods.

The salmon Fisheries in Alaska are termed limited entry which means that over 30 years ago the state set the number of licenses available to keep fisheries healthy and sustainable. The only way to acquire the right to commercially harvest Salmon is to purchase the license from another fisherman.

The State of Alaska continues to lead the world with very strict fish management policies to insure a robust and healthy ecosystem and sustainable resource.

I started selling fish in western Colorado following the 2003 commercial fishing season in Alaska. Every year after returning from a summer harvesting Copper River Salmon in the Gulf of Alaska numerous friends would ask about the possibility of obtaining fish for dining. As the number of requests increased it became obvious that a potential market existed in the Grand valley for providing premium wild Alaska seafood. My personal love for eating incredible seafood like king and sockeye salmon, blackcod and crab combined with passion for cooking and wine tasting and a 30 year history in the commercial fisheries made Jammin Salmon a natural business model . It has also been my desire to provide seafood at a reasonable cost well below true market value.

At the end of 2011 I decided to join forces with friend, chef and food lover, John Varga, in order to make Wild Alaska seafood more widely available to the western and eastern slopes and mountain towns of Colorado. We are dedicated to providing the opportunity for an exceptional dining experience with a variety of high quality seafood choices, recipes and preparation advice delivered to your doorstep. Bon appetite!

Mark Harrington