Our Philosophy
Wild salmon is good for the planet and good for you.
We Believe In: Protecting a Keystone Species
Pacific salmon are a keystone species, meaning that they play a critical role in maintaining the overall health and function of an ecosystem. In fact, their impact on a local ecosystem is greater than would be expected based on their relative abundance. How? Every part of their lifecycle is heavily interconnected with the surrounding environment and at least 137 different species (both flora and fauna) depend on the marine-rich nutrients that wild salmon provide. Learn more from the Wild Salmon Center.
The crew at The Harbor Fish Company is committed to protecting salmon habitat so that salmon may flourish for generations. That’s why we’re donating a percentage of all sales to the Wild Salmon Center - a non-profit organization leading the charge on protecting the strongest wild salmon rivers of the North Pacific. When you protect salmon habitat, you protect wild runs, forests, food, water, communities, and economies.
We Believe In: Advocating for Wild-Caught Salmon
Wild salmon is just that – wild. These fish spend their lives in the wild, maturing at a natural pace while eating a wild, marine diet and swimming through the cold waters of the Pacific Ocean - exactly as they’ve done for thousands of years. Farmed fish are raised in open-net pens or closed-container systems, like holding tanks. Open-net pens are problematic because escaping fish may breed with wild fish, which reduces the genetic diversity and fitness of wild populations. Escaped fish may also spread parasites or other diseases among wild communities. Both open-net pens and closed-container systems often result in overcrowding and pollution. Overcrowding may cause rampant disease and parasitic outbreaks that require chemical interventions. Pollution may lead to contaminated waterways, depleted aquatic oxygen levels, and the release of noxious gases. Farmed salmon are also often fed or injected with growth hormones and dyes that turn their flesh the bright red color of a wild fish.
Our wild-caught Alaska salmon are always free of antibiotics, added hormones, dyes, and other chemicals. Learn more about wild versus farmed salmon from the Wild Salmon Center.
We Believe In: Supporting Sustainable Fisheries
The State of Alaska serves as the emblem of sustainable fisheries management. Alaska has adopted the most progressive and strict policies in fisheries management and has codified sustainability into state law (State of Alaska Constitution and the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Management & Conservation Act). Wild seafood is one of Alaska’s most precious and important natural resources. Therefore, Alaska is committed to enacting a fisheries model that promotes responsible, sustainable, and healthy practices. Doing so ensures that the marine ecosystems may thrive, yielding bountiful foods for generations to come. Alaska’s laws also ensure that all wild Alaska seafood is traceable and handled with respect. This ensures that fishermen and processors are held accountable for the high quality of their catch. Learn more about Alaska’s standards from Alaska Seafood - a public-private partnership between the State of Alaska and the Alaska seafood industry.
We are proud to be Alaskan fishermen, delivering you the best wild salmon from the top sustainable resource.
We Believe In: Providing a Natural Superfood
Salmon are the superfood of the sea! Loaded with nutrients and antioxidants, these fish have nourished communities since time immemorial. A single salmon contains essential omega-3 fatty acids, protein, Vitamins B-12 & B-6, Vitamin D, Selenium, Vitamin E, Vitamin A, Potassium, Iron, Copper, Zinc, Calcium, and more! Why are these nutrients important? Simply because they support heart, eye, muscle, nerve, blood, bone, nervous system, and immune system health. They also improve skin imperfections and may contribute to improved cognitive function!
We believe salmon is good for the heart, mind, and soul. Check out the species profile brochures located in our Online Shop to learn more.
We Believe In: Investing in Our Local Economies
Fishing is a way of life for the people of Alaska and Washington. Many fishing operations are family-owned, passed down from one generation to the next. These families have formed an intimate relationship with salmon, the marine environment, and their coastal communities. It's imperative that we support fishing families to ensure generations of sustainability. When you purchase salmon directly from a fishing family, you are supporting a community-based fishery that directly enhances the social, ecological, and cultural fabric of our coastal community. Learn more from the Local Catch Network.
The Harbor Fish Company is a family-owned operation, founded by the fishermen who live and work in the communities where we fish. We are committed to the long-term health of our coastal ecosystems and we believe that connecting you to a direct source of wild salmon fosters and strengthens our local community.