Cod: Pacific

Pacific cod, Grey cod, True cod

Pacific cod is a moderately long-lived species that reaches maturity at an early age and grows quickly.  There are several gear types that are used in the Alaskan and Canadian fishery, each with their own habitat effects.  Hook and line, or jigging are deemed the least damaging of the gear types used, while traps, pots, and bottom longline all have varying degrees of bycatch levels and/or habitat effects.  Trawling for Pacific cod is also widespread and is considered damaging to seafloor habitats. Pacific cod are also act as important prey for marine mammals like sea lions, and various species of sea birds.

The Pacific cod fishery is the second largest fishery in Alaskan waters.

Pacific cod reach maturity at a relatively early age, and is a fast-growing, moderately long-lived species with a maximum age of 25 years. As a species with high reproductive potential and a high growth rates, Pacific cod is considered inherently resilient to fishing pressure.

Spawning stock biomass in Alaska is above estimated stock limits. Although biomass levels are high, it has exhibited long-term declines over the last 20 years. Until biomass trends fall below acceptable levels, the Pacific cod stock levels in Alaska are considered healthy.

The bycatch of seabirds is the primary concern in the Pacific Cod longline fishery. Various species of Albatross and other seabirds will often dive for the baited lines as they are being deployed. Bycatch of various species of finfish has also been documented resulting in a moderate conservation concern of the bottom longline in the Pacific Cod fishery.

Although bottom longlines have limited contact with the seafloor, both the hooks and lines may snag on bottom structure as the gear is set and retrieved. Fixed gear such as longlines and pots has also been shown to affect the benthos, but it is unlikely that these fisheries have resulted in widespread ecosystem effects. Habitat effects from longline gear are considered of “moderate” concern.

Management of Pacific cod in Alaskan waters includes measures to limit effort and the amount of Pacific cod caught. Mandatory observer coverage in the federal fisheries ensures that bycatch of other commercially valuable species, as well as protected species, is monitored. Management has attempted to protect the diversity and abundance of species by closing sensitive areas to damaging fishing practices such as trawling. These management practices are deemed highly effective.

What gear type was used to catch this fish? Is this an Atlantic or Pacific cod?

Atlantic cod are a seafood species to avoid. Pacific cod caught using pots, jigging, or bottom longlining are a “best choice”. Trawl-caught Pacific cod are of “moderate” conservation concern.

Contaminant levels do not warrant a consumption advisory.

Yes. Yes. The Pacific Cod bottom hook and line (longline) fishery of the Pacific Ocean-eastern Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands was certified to the standard of Marine Stewardship Council in February 2006.