Sablefish

Skilfish, Skil, Coalfish, Sable, Black cod, Gindara

Gindara

Sablefish can be found in deep water sandy bottom habitats throughout the North Pacific ranging as far west as Japan, north to the Bering Sea and south to central Baja California. Their centre of abundance is primarily the Gulf of Alaska extending into northern British Columbia. Most sablefish captured in Canada are caught year-round using traps (70%) and longlines (30%). They are a SeaChoice “Best Choice” as the bycatch rate is low and the management includes 100% observer coverage on all sets, dockside monitoring, and scientifically derived catch limits.

The intrinsic rate of increase for sablefish is unknown. However, sablefish have a moderate age at first maturity, with 50% of females reaching maturity at 6.5 years of age and 50% of males reaching maturity at 5 years of age.

Alaskan sablefish are the subject of regular stock assessments and considerable academic research. Alaskan fisheries data is collected via logbooks and on-board observers. In addition to catch data, Alaskan managers regularly collect abundance indices and age data.

The amount of bycatch taken when longlining varies with the location and the skill of the fishermen. When fishers are able to set the line in a school of sablefish, almost every hook will hold a sablefish—a highly desirable state of affairs for the fishermen, who make more money on sablefish than on any other groundfish species.

The Alaskan sablefish fishery occurs primarily in deep muddy or sandy bottom habitats which are moderately resilient to fishing. Studies and modeling suggest that removal of sablefish does not have adverse impact on ecosystem structure and function in Alaska.

The Alaskan sablefish fishery is well managed, monitored, and laws are well enforced. In 1995, Alaskan authorities introduced a limited-access fishery, governed by individual fishing quotas which guarantee each permit holder a share of the year’s total allowable catch. When the total allowable catch has been reached, the fishery is closed. Stock abundance, catch, effort and length data are collected, and there are enforcement field offices in every coastal state.

Where is this sablefish from?

How was it caught?

Contaminant levels do not warrant a consumption advisory.

Yes. The bottom longline sablefish fishery in the Bering Sea and the Gulf of Maine was certified by the Marine Stewardship Council in May 2006.