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 arrived at the Alaska Air Cargo Warehouse at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport at around 6 a.m. on Tuesday May 17, 2011. Following the arrival of the ceremonial first fish, local executive chefs competed for the best salmon recipe in a "Copper Chef Cook-off."

Last year's Copper Chef Cook-off winner Pat Donahue from Anthony's Restaurants challenged executive chefs Robert Spaulding of Elliott's Oyster House and Jeff Maxfield from SkyCity at the Space Needle, and ... received first place. View the recipes online (PDF 79k).

Judging the entries were Seattle Mariner Hall of Famer Jay Buhner, the Discovery Channel's F/V Time Bandit deckhand Mike Fourtner and Alaska Airlines' vice president Joe Sprague.

Alaska Airlines' Boeing 737 plane touched down at dawn with fresh Copper River salmon from three seafood processors: Ocean Beauty Seafoods, Trident Seafoods and Copper River Seafoods.

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.