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.

Pot and jig gear are generally considered to have very low bycatch levels and rank as a low conservation concern.

Jigs or hook and line gear are considered to have little impact habitat and ecosystems because they rarely come into contact with the sea floor and are a low conservation 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 jig and hook and line fishery of the Gulf os Alaska was certified as sustainable to the standard of the Marine Stewardship Council on January 22nd 2010.