Genus Pollachius Higher classification Pollocks | Phylum Chordata Scientific name Pollachius pollachius Rank Species | |
 | ||
Similar Pollock, Atlantic cod, Pollocks, Common ling, Haddock | ||
Pollachius pollachius (Atlantic or European pollock) is a species of marine fish in the Pollachius genus. FAO uses the English name pollack for this species. Together with Pollachius virens, it may also be referred to as pollock. Other names include European pollock, lieu jaune, and lythe. It is common in the north-eastern parts of the Northern Atlantic, including the Bay of Biscay and North Sea. Adults can grow up to 130 cm (51 in) and weigh up to 18.1 kg (40 lb), although more commonly their maximum length is 75 cm (30 in).
Contents
Ecology and life history
Pollack are fast-growing and relatively short-lived. The maximum reported age is 15 years. They are said to spawn offshore, although their spawning grounds are poorly known; a study of a fjord population in Norway suggested local spawning.
Pollack are benthopelagic, that is, they live near the sea floor. They seem to be relatively sedentary.
Fisheries
Pollack is of value to fisheries, although it mainly represents bycatch. Landings data show two fairly distinct centres of distribution, one in the northern North Sea/Skagerrak extending north along the Norwegian coast and one between the English Channel, the Irish Sea, and the northern part of the French west coast. Total reported landings are on the order of a few thousand tonnes.
Pollack is an important species in recreational fisheries. In Norway, tourist fishers alone were estimated to catch 100 tonnes of pollack in 2009. In France, 3,500 tonnes of pollack were estimated to be caught in all recreational fisheries.
