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Atlantic Pollock fish identification, its habitats, characteristics, fishing methods.
Atlantic pollock, Pollachius virens, is a gadoid species inhabiting both sides of the North Atlantic.
They are most common on the Scotian Shelf, Georges Bank, in the Great South Channel, and in the Gulf of
Maine. Pollock are a schooling species and are found throughout the water column. With the exception of
short migrations due to temperature changes and north-south movements for spawning, pollock are fairly
stationary in the Gulf of Maine and along the Nova Scotian coast. Adult pollock can attain maximum
lengths of 120 cm, but are usually less than 110 cm.
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Atlantic pollock, Also known as Saithe, Pollack, common pollock, coal fish, Boston bluefish and
blue cod. Atlantic pollock is found on both sides of the North Atlantic Ocean, in the northwest
Atlantic were distributed from the Delmarva Peninsula north to the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the
Grand Banks with the highest abundance areas in the Western Scotian Shelf and the Gulf of Maine.
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Description
A member of the cod family, pollock is a long, thin, big-eyed fish ranging from 4 to 35 lbs. They have a
small chin barbel, like the whiskers on a catfish. It is distinguished from its cousins by its greenish
hue, by having a pointed snout and a projecting lower jaw, a more rounded body, and a forked rather than
a square tail. The Atlantic pollock is olive green above, paling on the lower sides to a yellow-gray,
and finally to silver gray on the belly. Its lateral line is white, and it has a small barbel on its
chin. Pollock averages 4 to 15 pounds (1 to 7 kg) and 2 to 3 feet (50 to 90 cm) long and can grow to 40
pounds. Atlantic pollock are brownish-green on the back and slightly paler on the belly.
Habitats
Atlantic pollock adults show little preference for bottom type. They are found at high salinities, 31-34
ppt, and temperatures of 0-14 C, although they tend to avoid temperatures > 11 C and < 3 C. They inhabit
a wide range of depths, 35-365 m, but most occur within the 137 m depth contour and depths of 100-125
m are preferred. Adults tend to inhabit deeper waters in spring and summer than in winter and they are
typically found further offshore than juveniles.
Pollock initially inhabit the water column and therefore feed on pelagic prey. The primary prey of
small larvae (4-18 mm) are larval copepods while larger larvae (> 18 mm) feed primarily on adult
copepods. The primary prey of juvenile pollock are crustaceans. Euphausiids, in particular
Meganyctiphanes norvegica, are the most important crustacean prey of juveniles. Fish and mollusks make
up a smaller proportion of the juvenile diet; however, in some cases fish may play a more important
role in the diet. The diet of adults is comprised of, in order of decreasing importance, euphausiids,
fish and mollusks. Norvegica is the single most important prey item and Atlantic herring is the most
important fish species.
Spawning:
Male pollock reach sexual maturity at 58 cm and 4-7 years, at a larger size and older age than
females, 62.5 cm and 5-7 years. Spawning takes place from September to April, when the water column
cools to near 8 C, and peaks when temperatures
are approximately 4.5-6 C. Most spawning occurs within a comparatively narrow range of temperatures.
Spawning time is more variable in northern sites than in southern sites. In the Gulf of Maine spawning
occurs from November to February, peaking in December. On the Scotian Shelf, spawning occurs from
September to April and peaks from December to February. Spawning occurs over hard, stony or rocky
bottom.
Pollock eggs are spawned over broken substrate at salinities of 32-32.8 ppt. They are pelagic and
free-floating, usually are in water 50-250 m in depth. Larvae are also pelagic, commonly found at
temperatures of 3-9 C, and normally occur from the shore out to the 200 m depth contour, but could be
in waters as deep as 1550 m. Juveniles are seen over a wide variety of substrates, including sand,
mud, or rocky bottom and vegetation. They are found at temperatures ranging from 0-16 C and prefer
salinities of around 31.5 ppt. Inshore subtidal and intertidal zones are utilized by age 0+ and 1+
juveniles and serve as important nursery areas. Age 2+ juveniles move offshore, inhabiting depths of
130-150 m.
Fishing Methods:.
Pollock are aggressive, strong fighters that frequently strike at fast moving lures. Anglers pursue
pollock from party boats, private boats or shoreline. Inshore fishing lasts from spring to very late
fall, depending upon water temperatures, the presence of bait fish and the fortitude of the angler.
The larger pollock tend to gather in deeper, more offshore waters, while younger fish ("harbor
pollock") frequent areas of the shoreline. In deeper water, pollock are taken with the same tackle and
rigs as those used for cod. Pollock most frequently strike during the flutter downward. While most
pollock are caught on jigs and teasers, they are also taken with bait, such as clams with entrails
hanging off the hook or 1 by 3 inch strips of fish.
In inshore areas, pollock are particularly active around breakwaters and other structures during
moving tide. Early morning and evening produce the best results, but pollock can be caught throughout
the day. Smaller inshore pollock are often pursued with lighter spinning outfits spooled with 12 to 15
pound test monofilament line. One quarter to 2 ounce lures such as streamers, lead heads, mackerel
jigs, Kastmasters and small plugs that resemble sand eels all catch fish. A small strip of squid or
other bait added to a metal lure can increase the angler's success.
Pollock Recepies
The pollock's light flaky flesh can be substituted for cod or haddock in most recipes. Pollock can be
poached, baked, broiled, grilled or put into fish chowders. Because it has about a third more fat than
cod, it's more forgiving and flavorful. Fillets roast, broil, and saut�e very nicely. Use the cooked
meat, mixed with a potato-and-herb mixture, to make batter-dipped deep-fried fritters.
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