Alaska Airlines Delivers Season's First Copper River Salmon

The annual rite of spring continues as Alaska Air Cargo flies the season's first catch of prized Copper River salmon from Cordova, Alaska, to Seattle and points beyond.

The first shipment is scheduled to arrive at the Alaska Air Cargo Warehouse at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport at around 6:30 a.m. Tuesday, May 17, 2016. Following the arrival of the ceremonial first fish, local executive chefs will compete for the best salmon recipe in a "Copper Chef Cook-off".

In an event hosted by John Curley and Chef Tom Douglas, James Beard Nominee and last year’s winner Ethan Stowell of Ethan Stowell Restaurants, John Howie of Seastar Restaurant and Raw Bar, John Howie Steak, and Sport Restaurant Bar and Chef Sam Buckhart of Etta’s Seafood will compete for the title of Copper Chef. With 30 minutes to prepare salmon caught less than 24 hours earlier, our Chefs will be judged by a celebrity panel of judges.

Judging the entries will be Seattle Mariner Hall of Famer Jay Buhner, Seahawks Ring of Honor Quarterback Jim Zorn, Alaska Airline flight attendant and winner of ABC’s The Bachelor Lauren Bushnell and astronomer Mike Kentrianakis.

Every year, Alaska Air Cargo plays a significant role in supporting the Alaska seafood industry, which is recognized worldwide for its sustainable fishing practices. Last year, the carrier flew more than 25 million pounds of fresh Alaska seafood to the Lower 48 states and beyond.