Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Perciformes
- Family
- Gadidae
- Genus
- Gadus
- Species
- chalcogrammus, Theragra chalcogramma,
Habitat
Alaska pollock inhabit the cold waters of the North Pacific Ocean, primarily over the continental shelf at depths from 100 to 300 meters. They prefer pelagic environments with temperatures around 0-10°C and are commonly found in areas with high productivity, such as the Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska.
Diet
Juvenile Alaska pollock feed mainly on zooplankton like krill and copepods, while adults consume small fish such as capelin and herring, as well as squid and shrimp. They are opportunistic predators that feed in schools, often at night when they rise to shallower waters. Feeding activity peaks during the summer months when prey is abundant.
Behavior
Alaska pollock are highly schooling fish that form large aggregations for protection and feeding, often migrating seasonally to follow food sources or spawning grounds. They are primarily nocturnal feeders but remain active throughout the day in deeper waters, and they exhibit acoustic behaviors like sound production for communication. Territorial behavior is minimal, as they rely on numbers for safety rather than individual defense.
Fishing
Target Alaska pollock in the productive waters of the North Pacific, including the Bering Sea, Gulf of Alaska, and areas like Kachemak Bay, at depths of 100 to 300 meters over the continental shelf, where they form large schools in cold waters around 0-10°C. Use effective techniques like jigging or trolling with medium-weight tackle, such as 20-30 pound test line, sturdy rods, and reels to handle their schooling behavior; pair this with lures that mimic small fish or shrimp, like vertical jigs, soft plastics, or metal spoons, and bait options including herring strips or squid pieces for reliable strikes. The best season is summer when feeding peaks on abundant prey, with optimal times at night when they move to shallower waters, though winter spawning periods from January to April can also offer opportunities in deeper zones. Record sizes include the IGFA all-tackle world record of 22 pounds 2 ounces (10.06 kg) caught in 1989, with typical adults reaching 40-80 cm and up to 90 cm. These fisheries are managed through science-based quotas and assessments to maintain sustainable populations, ensuring Alaska pollock supports conservation by funding habitat restoration and marine protected areas via angler license fees and excise taxes on fishing gear, promoting catch-and-release practices where appropriate to bolster long-term stock health.
Conservation Status
Listed as Not Evaluated by IUCN.