Pollock Conservation Cooperative Research Center
2000 Awarded Research Projects
Analysis of hydrographic data collected by the Pollock Conservation Cooperative Research Center in the Bering Sea
David Musgrave and Hank Statscewich
Award: $23,133
Estimated Completion: December 31, 2001
Abstract
We analyzed records of salinity and temperature collected on Pollock fishing boats in the Southeast Bering Sea during the fishing seasons of 2000 and 2001. We hoped to use statistical analysis techniques to elucidate correlations of the water mass structure with catch and by catch data. The salinity and temperature data are collected from Conductivity-Temperature-Depth (CTD) recorders attached to fishing nets during normal fishing operations. We are in the process of evaluating the utility of using water mass characteristics to identify regions of high catch and by catch.
In 2001, the catch quotas for Bering Sea Pollock are 1.4 million metric tons, which will account for three-quarters of the Bering Sea ground fish catch in U.S. waters. Pollock is harvested exclusively with trawl nets from vessels that process at sea and by catcher boats that deliver to mother ship vessels and to shore-based processors. Pollock products include surimi, fillets roe and fishmeal.
Alaskan Pollock, Theragra chalcogramma, weigh 1/2 to 2 pounds and average 12 to 20 inches in length. These Pollock are members ofthe cod family and are commonly referred to as Walleye Pollock. Alaskan Walleye Pollock represent the world's most abundant food fish and is second only to Peruvian anchovy in global landings since 1993.
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