SEATAC, Wash. -- The fresh Alaska salmon season has begun for seafood lovers in Seattle with the arrival of a plane with about 20,000 pounds of Copper River salmon.

An Alaska Airlines flight with the salmon on board was delayed because it took cargo workers longer than expected to load the fish, said KIRO 7 Eyewitness News reporter Jeff Dubois.

There was between 30,000 and 33,000 pounds on the first shipment, more than four times last year's shipment.

This has become an annual tradition. The first fish arrive in the morning are on restaurant menus and plates by lunch in some Puget Sound spots.

The coveted Copper River Salmon is known around the world for its rich, nutty flavor.

Last year, it was about $50 a pound. It's expected to be cheaper this year -- probably $20 to $30 a pound -- because of the higher catch and the economy, Dubois said.

UW football coach Steve Sarkisian caught the ceremonial first Copper River salmon off the plane.