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Seafood Watch - Seafood Guide

Pollock

©Scandinavian Fishing Yearbook/www.scandfish.com

SEAFOOD	RATING	MARKET NAMES	WHERE CAUGHT	HOW CAUGHT
Pollock		Imitation Crab, Surimi	Alaska	Wild-caught

Pollock

Pacific pollock populations in the Gulf of Alaska and Bering Sea are well-managed, healthy and abundant. They’re ranked as a “Best Choice”. The fishery is certified as sustainable to the standard of the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC).

Consumer Note

Pollock

is sold as fillets; in frozen fish products including fish sticks; and is used in a broad range of formed fish “paste” products such as imitation crab

(surimi), scallops and shrimp.

Summary

As the most abundant groundfish species found in the Bering Sea and the second-most abundant in the Gulf of Alaska, pollock supports one of the largest single-species fisheries in the world. Pollock reach sexual maturity at an early age and produce large numbers of young-- traits that help them withstand high levels of fishing. They are mostly fished using mid-water trawling

gear, which, relative to bottom trawls, has less impact on marine habitats and catches lower quantities of bycatch.

There is still conflicting evidence regarding the role of pollock fisheries in the decline of the endangered Steller's sea lion and the Northern fur seal.

Scientific Reports About Our Ratings

Pollock Seafood Watch Report

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