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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

The Alaska pollock fishery is generally well managed. However, there are concerns about trawling impacts, bycatch and overall population status. This results in a “Good Alternative” ranking. The fishery is certified as sustainable to the standard of the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC).

Consumer Note

Pollock

is typically sold frozen as fish sticks or fillets. It’s also available as fish “paste” products such as imitation crab (surimi), scallops and shrimp.

Summary

The Alaska pollock fishery is one of the largest single-species fisheries in the world. A member of the cod

family, pollock reach maturity at an early age and produce plentiful young—traits that help them withstand intense fishing.

Pollock populations are moderately healthy, but their numbers have been declining. Pollock are now at their lowest levels in over 20 years.

The fishery uses midwater trawling

gear that’s designed to not impact the seafloor. However, these midwater nets contact the seafloor an estimated 44% of the time—resulting in severe damage to seafloor habitats of the Bering Sea.

Bycatch rates in the pollock fishery are generally low, but in recent years, the fishery has caught large numbers of Chinook salmon

from stocks that are experiencing dramatic declines. It's unclear the extent to which the pollock fishery is contributing to these declines.

There’s also conflicting evidence about the role of the pollock fishery in the decline of the endangered Steller sea lion and Northern fur seal, both of which rely heavily on pollock for food. It’s critical that these impacts be explored further.

Despite these concerns, some aspects of pollock fishery management are progressive and precautionary. Management has taken steps toward an ecosystem-based approach that, relative to other fisheries worldwide, is considered highly effective.

In this complex situation of positive management and negative impacts, Alaska pollock is ranked as a “Good Alternative.”

Scientific Reports About Our Ratings

Pollock Seafood Watch Report

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