Alaska pollock, also known as walleye pollock and gadus chalcogrammus, is a relatively short lived and fast growing species reaching sexual maturity at 3-4 years. Unlike the Atlantic cod which is infamously known for being overfished and whose fishery has collapsed, the Alaska Pollock fishery is the second largest fishery in the world with a net worth of 1.9 billion dollars. Over 3 million tonnes are harvested annually via pelagic trawling and specifically the Alaskan fishery harvest nearly 1.2 million tonnes a year. The remaining biomass is fished by somewhat poorly managed russian federation vessels. However, I will only speak to the Alaskan fishery.
The North Pacific Management Council which comprises stakeholders, fishers, and scientists set the annual allotted catch rate. With 100% observer coverage due to fisher and community cooperation, the Alaskan Fisheries science centre, which is a part of the american national fisheries service, assigns scientifically trained professionals to be onboard commercial vessels to monitor the catch and subsample data.
Furthermore they not only analyze fishery effects on adults but emphasize the future impacts on the next generations. For example, abnormally warm weather which may negatively impact juvenile survival will lead the council to adjust the catch rate based on where future population trends may be tending towards! Additionally, the ecosystem roles of alaska pollock are taken into consideration to ensure that food web effects are minimized.
In the most recent annual stock assessments, the population has been listed as above average with no signs of stocks being overfished, subject to overfishing, or even approaching overfished status.
Moreso, this fishery has been identified as an MSC certified fishery for 15 years in a row and evidenced by that there are independent studies which show that bycatch remains less than 1% and that the population remains stable. This also makes pelagic trawling appear somewhat targeted, and limits the effect on other species. Additionally, unlike bottom trawling, contact with the sea floor almost never happens and damage to the benthos is unlikely.
This fishery is an amazing example of how large economically important powerhouses may still be sustainably managed. With strong community support and engagement, they were able to achieve 100 percent coverage meaning that scientists would know what was going in and out of the ecosystem for monitoring and even regulation. Furthermore the data could be used to create comprehensive plans which would protect food web interactions, future population trends, and the local economy.
