Salmon fishing and tender boat owners can look to the state in 2006 for funds to help upgrade equipment to improve salmon quality, according to an Alaska Department of Commerce press release.

The Alaska Salmon Vessel Quality Upgrade Program will give fishermen dollar-for-dollar matching funds up to $25,000 for projects like installing freezers, coolers, ice machines, hold insulation and refrigerated sea water systems.

A total of $1 million in salmon revitalization funds, part of Gov. Frank Murkowski’s Fisheries Revitalization Strategy, will go to assist salmon fishermen and tender owners across the state for improvements to their vessels.

Applications will be accepted from Jan. 1 until May 1, 2006, and can be obtained from the department’s Web site or by calling (907) 465-2023.

“There is a growing worldwide awareness that Alaska’s salmon has superior health benefits, taste and quality,” Commerce Commissioner Bill Noll said. “If Alaskans are able to ensure a consistent, top-notch product, we will continue to grow our domestic and international salmon sales.”

Alan Austerman, fisheries adviser to Murkowski, cited a 67 percent increase statewide in the ex-vessel value of salmon from 2002 to 2004.

“This program is a way for us to build on that success,” Austerman said.