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Pollack or Lythe (Pollachius pollachius)

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Common name - Pollack or Lythe
Scientific name - Pollachius pollachius
Rating
  • 1
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  • 5
Caught at sea Longline, Gill net, Handline, Rod & line
Capture Area North East Atlantic  FAO 27
Stock Area All Areas
Stock Detail I-IX
Summary
Pollack is taken as bycatch in directed trawl fisheries for cod and saithe and by hook and line. The best choice to make, in terms of selectivity and sustainability, is hand- line caught pollack. Avoid eating immature fish (below 50cm) and during its breeding season (January to April). For more information on line caught and tagged pollack from Cornish waters, see www.linecaught.org.uk.
Biology
Distributed throughout the northeast Atlantic, pollack is a warm, temperate species belonging to the cod family. It is found close to the shore with a preference for wrecks and rocky bottom. It usually occurs at 40-100 m depth but is found down to 200m. A maximum size of 130 cm, a maximum weight of 18 kg and a maximum age of 15 years are reported. Growth is rapid, approaching 10 cms per year. It migrates into deeper water as it grows. Maturity occurs at approximately 3 years. It spawns between January and April. Young of the first year are particularly common close inshore and may therefore be protected from fisheries in the early life stages. Species can reach a length of 120-130cm and an age of more than 8 years.
Stock Information
Although there is no assessment of stocks by ICES in the northeast Atlantic, it is a 'pressure stock', i.e. subject to quota restrictions and technical measures in EU waters. For the first time in 2011 ICES analysed data for pollack in the North Sea. However there is insufficient information to evaluate stock trends and exploitation status. Some length frequency data from landings are available for recent years, but data on life history parameters are missing. Data on growth and maturity, as well as more information from the fisheries are needed. Therefore, ICES advises that catches should not be allowed to increase in 2012.
Capture Information
Handlining is one of the most sustainable and species selective fishing methods available. Line-caught pollack taken by handliners fishing in Cornish waters is tagged, as part of a scheme to provide line-to-plate traceability and assure consumers of its sustainability. Although the minimum landing size for pollack in EU waters is 30cm, it does not typically mature below 50cm.
Alternatives
(Based on method of production, fish type, and consumer rating: only fish rated 3 and below are included.)
Read what the consumer pages of the Good Fish Guide say about this species.