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Common name - Cod, Pacific Cod
Scientific name - Gadus macrocephalus
Average rating
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Visit Fishonline for the full range of options available for this species.
Consumer Information
A member of the cod family it is a moderately fast growing, short-lived species compared to other American bottom-dwelling fish. The Pacific cod fishery is reported to be well-managed with healthy stocks. Two Pacific cod fisheries in the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands, involving longline, trawl, pot and jig, and another in the Gulf of Alaska have been certified as an environmentally responsible by the Marine Stewardship Council. Choose Pacific cod with the Blue Tick logo on the packaging.
Summary
Pacific cod is fished by the US, Canada, Russia, South Korea, North Korea and China, however the US, Canada, Russia and China catch the majority. The Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands and Gulf of Alaska fisheries for Pacific cod are well managed in terms of stock, which is within safe biological limits and close to precautionary limits. However there is variance in the ecosystem impacts of the fisheries. Pacific cod from Canada, the high seas and the Russian EEZ has low stock levels, IUU concerns and uncertainties/discrepancies in stock assessment. and is not recommended. Choose Cod caught by longline in the Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands as this has the least impact on the environment and a higher target for stock status. Much of the cod caught in the Gulf of Alaska and Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands is MSC accredited, choose fish from here where possible.
Alternatives
(Based on method of production, fish type, and consumer rating: only fish rated 3 and below are included.)
Visit Fishonline, the website for the seafood industry, for more detailed information about this species.