This study describes and analyzes the distribution system for marketing of fresh and frozen Pacific salmon as it existed during the period immediately prior to this research, which was conducted from the fall of 1968 to the spring of 1970. The system is composed of two channels: one for negotiation and exchange and the other for the physical distribution of the product itself. While there are many common elements between these systems each channel performs separable functions. The exchange channel is supply oriented because of the uncertainty of provision of adequate volume of fish to meet market demands. There is little dominance by individual firms over channel operations other than that exerted by processors who exercise a primary decision role in the buying, selling, and determination of product form. This power is limited by the presense on the buying side of large retail food chains, which are in turn balanced by the presense of significant export markets.