ALASKA OR WALLEYE POLLOCK

BIOLOGY A member of the cod family, it is found throughout temperate and colder waters of the North Pacific. The species grows rapidly and is sexually mature at around 3 years. It spawns in early spring from January to April. Can grow to about 90 cms and attain a typical age of 15 years. Found in depths down to 900 metres. It is also called walleye pollock because of its large distinctive eyes. STOCK OR FISHERY DETAIL Detail for stocks assessed in North East Atlantic only Detail for stocks assessed in North East Atlantic only STOCK INFORMATION Alaska pollock is the largest whitefish fishery in the world, with the most productive fisheries in the Bering Sea. Stocks in Alaskan waters (Gulf of Alaska, Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands) are managed by a system of Total Allowable Catches and quotas set by US North Pacific Fisheries Management Council, which account for about 30% of all fish landed in the U.S. by weight. Since 1991 the fishery has been completely American and is acclaimed as an exemplary model of a responsibly managed fishery. In 2005 the Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands pollock fishery became the 11th fishery in the world to be certified to the MSC Standard. The Gulf of Alaska pollock fishery was also certified by the MSC as a responsible fishery in April 2005. CAPTURE OR FARMING INFORMATION By-catch of Steller's sealions, designated as an endangered species in 1990, has been the subject of much controversy between environmentalists and fishermen. Measures to protect sealions, including observers on board all vessels to monitor by-catch levels, have since been implemented by National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS).The fishery in Alaska in winter targets fish for their roe, which is extracted from the fish and salted for export to Japan. Fish carcasses are discarded or used for fishmeal. ADVICE Alaska pollock fisheries are well managed by a system of Total Allowable Catches and quotas. Although by-catch is problematic in pelagic trawl fisheries, measures are in place to reduce impact of fishery on protected species. In 2005, the Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands pollock fishery became the 11th fishery in the world to be certified to the MSC Standard. The Gulf of Alaska pollock fishery was also certified by the MSC as a responsible fishery in 2005. Eat Alaskan pollock from MSC certified fisheries only..