| Market Names |
Pollock, Atlantic Pollock |
| Where Caught |
Eastern Canadian Coast, Gulf of Maine, Norway, Iceland |
| How Caught |
Wild captured by bottom trawl and gillnets |
Atlantic Pollock
Atlantic Pollock (Pollachius virens) is a member of the Cod family. It is found on both sides of the Atlantic in the cooler northern waters along the Canadian coast to New England, from Northern Norway to the Bay of Biscay, and Iceland. It is wild captured and fished commercially and recreationally.
Atlantic Pollock is not the same species as the Pacific Pollock (Theragra chalcogramma). Atlantic Pollock is larger with grayer flesh and a higher oil content than Pacific Pollock. A majority of Pollock landed in the United States is Pacific Pollock. Atlantic Pollock has been overfished but new management rules that began in May 2010 aim to end overfishing of this species. The Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood WATCH® rates Atlantic Pollock caught by gillnet and purse seine in Norway as a “Best Choice.” Wild caught Atlantic Pollock from the U.S. and Canada is a “Good Alternative” because the populations are abundant “but are caught using gear that impacts the seafloor or other marine life.” The Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood WATCH® rates Atlantic Pollock caught by gillnet from Iceland and caught by trawl and Danish seine from Norway as “Good Alternative.” However, trawl and Danish seine caught Atlantic Pollock from Iceland is rated “Avoid” because of “low population abundance and severe habitat impacts.”
| Sources | |
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Species NamePollachius virens |
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SourceAtlantic Pollock is found on both sides of the North Atlantic; from Nova Scotia to New England in the West and from Northern Norway to the Bay of Biscay and around Iceland in the east. It is caught in the United States, Canada and Norway. |
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SeasonalityFrozen Atlantic Pollock is available year round. Fresh Atlantic Pollock is typically available year-round. Pollock are managed under the New England Fishery Management Council’s Northeast Multispecies Fishery Management Plan (FMP). This complex plan regulates catch limits as well as days at sea. |
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Fishing MethodAtlantic Pollock is wild captured by bottom trawls and gillnets. It is also fished recreationally. There is no commercial aquaculture of Atlantic Pollock. |
| Features | |
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FlavorAtlantic Pollock has a mild and delicate flavor and flaky texture. It is fishier and has higher oil content than Pacific Pollock. |
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Dietary InformationAtlantic Pollock is a good source of protein and selenium while remaining low in fat. Per 100g raw, edible portion: Source: USDA |
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AppearanceAtlantic Pollock has a brownish-green back that fades to yellow-gray on the sides and silver-gray on the belly. It is larger than Pacific Pollock and also has greyer, blue-gray flesh. |
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FormFresh Atlantic Pollock is most generally available in a skinless and boneless fillet form, although H&G is available. Frozen is packed both cello 10/5# and shatter pack 3/20#. |
| Uses | |
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PreparationAtlantic Pollock can be steamed, fried, broiled, boiled, microwaved, or baked. |
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SubstitutionAtlantic Pollock can be substituted for Cod and Haddock. |
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HandlingFresh or defrosted Atlantic Pollock should be refrigerated at 30-34 degrees F. Whole fish should be surrounded with fresh ice in a perforated pan which allows any water to drain away from the product for maximum shelf life. Never directly ice an Atlantic Pollock fillet. Filleted product should be stored in a sealed plastic container and surrounded with ice. Frozen Atlantic Pollock should be kept frozen until prior to use. It is recommended to defrost in a 34-36 degrees refrigerator overnight to retain best quality, although running under cold water in a sealed plastic bag will expedite defrosting. Do not refreeze or allow to sit in water. |
| Market | |
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Sizes and CutsFresh Atlantic Pollock is generally graded ocean run with the skinless boneless fillets ranging between 2 and 4 pounds. Frozen cello pack Pollock are generally pack 1-3 fillets per cello, while shatter packs are graded 8-16 ounces and 16-32 ounces. |
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Pricing ScaleAtlantic Pollock is a very reasonable fish with the limited fresh production commanding a higher price that will experience significant price fluctuations. Frozen Atlantic Pollock remains quite stable in price. Due to market and currency fluctuations, please contact your Seattle Fish Company of New Mexico associate for up-to-date market information, availability and current pricing information. |
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Shelf LifeAtlantic Pollock which has been handled and stored properly should retain optimum quality for 3-4 days. Frozen can be commercially stored for up to one year. Once defrosted Atlantic Pollock which has been handled and stored properly should retain optimum quality for 3-4 days. |