Silver Bay Seafoods will be offering support and buying salmon from harvesters in Cordova during the 2026 season, but only processing the catch in Seward and Valdez.
That’s due to low salmon forecasts, according to the company.
“Silver Bay Seafoods will be buying salmon in all Prince William Sound drift and seine fisheries in 2026 and we will continue to provide fleet services in Cordova,” Branson Spiers, chief operating officer for Silver Bay, said on Feb. 24. “Given the low salmon forecasts in PWS, we’ve developed an operational plan that prioritizes fishermen opportunity and economics, with processing planned in Valdez and Seward.”
In 2027, Silver Bay expects to see higher forecasts and will adjust its operational plans accordingly, the company said.
Silver Bay officials announced plans to continue to provide markets and full fleet support for Cordova harvesters earlier this month, even given the 2026 forecast for a very low number of pink salmon in Prince William Sound this year – especially for the Prince William Sound Aquaculture Association, which is predicted to have a run of 6.4 million humpies, compared to the 28 million fish forecast in 2025.
Cordova City Council members expressed concern over the forecasts at their Feb. 18 regular meeting. Council Member Kasey Kinsman said he doesn’t fault Silver Bay, but wanted to convey his gratitude for the local processors that continue to operate.
“Thank you for choosing to operate in Cordova, even in what might be a devastatingly forecasted year for the 2026 season,” Kinsman said. “Thank you for choosing to keep your doors open, thank you for choosing to keep people employed.”
Most of this year’s harvest will go to cost recovery.
Valdez has a better forecast of roughly 10.8 million fish, although they are still waiting on the official numbers, and more common property opportunity is expected to be available at the Valdez Fishery Development Association.
Meanwhile, Silver Bay said it plans to have a crew of about eight employees providing facility operations and fleet support, including ice, fuel and gear for Cordova fishermen.
Usually Silver Bay would have close to 250 people at the plant, so there will be fewer people spending money at shops in town, said Cordova Mayor Kristin Smith.
“Everyone is kind of shocked and concerned after learning that Silver Bay will not process salmon here this year,” she said. “We hope they come back in 2027.”
