The stock of Alaska pollock is in good condition. Both in the Gulf of Alaska and in the eastern Bering Sea, biomass is at sustainable levels and fishing pressure is low, although there are concerns about the future development of the stock in the Gulf of Alaska.
In fisheries using trawl nets such as midwater otter trawls, the bycatch of vulnerable ETP species, such as Chinook salmon and Steller sea lions, is an important concern. Less than 10% of the catch is discarded and approximately 98% of the catch consists of Alaska pollock. Although the fishery is pelagic (midwater), the fishing gear regularly comes into contact with the seabed and can disturb vulnerable seabed habitats and the food web. CO₂ emissions and the risk of lost fishing gear are average.
The stock is well monitored in both areas through extensive observer programmes and regularly updated stock estimates. Management is generally effective and based on scientific advice, but in the Gulf of Alaska measures for vulnerable species have proved less effective since the permitted bycatch limit for Chinook salmon was exceeded for the first time in 2024. In the eastern Bering Sea, measures to protect vulnerable species are more effective, although climate change remains a growing concern.
Due to differences in management and stock status, Alaska pollock from the Northwest Pacific scores higher (green) than Alaska pollock from the Northeast Pacific (yellow).
MSC-certified alaskan pollock is available from at least a few fisheries.