Theragra chalcogramma is a saltwater fish that thrives in seas, oceans, and gulfs. It is broadly distributed with greater populations existing in the outer shelf and slope regions of oceanic waters. These fish, semi-demersal in some regions and pelagic in others (due to feeding on a variety of pelagic and demersal prey), are able to survive in large estuaries, coastal areas, and open basins. Alaska pollock are limited to northern regions reflecting this species' limited temperature tolerance. They can only withstand a range of ten to twelve degrees Celsius (Bailey 1999). Common trends exhibit an age-dependent depth distribution. Fish less than one year old live throughout the water column, one-year-olds live at bottom trawls, two- to three-year-olds live higher in the column, and fish at least four years old display demersal behavior. The thermal range of these fish decreases with age. Younger fish have a greater range of temperature tolerance than older fish, which remain at lower depths where the temperature is a constant one to six degrees Celsius (Avdeev 2001).
Range depth: 1280 (high) m.
Average depth: 366 m.
Habitat Regions: polar ; saltwater or marine
Aquatic Biomes: pelagic ; benthic ; coastal
Other Habitat Features: estuarine
Theragra chalcogramma feeds on both fish and invertebrates (Bailey 1999). The diet of this fish varies by developmental stage, season, and body size. Larvae tend to consume zooplankton such as larval copepods, while older T. chalcogramma tend to eat larger food items such as adult Acartia and Pseudocalanus. In winter, adult pollock feed mostly on fishes and euphausiid krill. In spring, T. chalcogramma feed on Appendicularia. In summer, the diet consists of euphausiids and copepods and in autumn, they feed on mainly euphausiids (Kooka 1998). Large T. chalcogramma have a diet rich in small pollock (specifically in the eastern Bering Sea) and shrimp. In areas where the juvenile population is extremely large, such as in the eastern Bering Sea, cannabalistic adults prey on the juveniles. Smaller-sized individuals are more likely to consume copepods and euphausiids (Avdeev 2001).
Animal Foods: fish; aquatic crustaceans; other marine invertebrates; zooplankton
Primary Diet: carnivore (Piscivore , Eats non-insect arthropods)
In the Bering Sea, Theragra chalcogramma plays a key role as both predator and prey. The reproductive success of stellar sea lions is dependent on T. chalcogramma (Avdeev 2001).
Predator-prey interactions for T. chalcogramma fluctuate with seasonal conditions. One-year-old pollock occupy different areas depending on temperature. This change in local abundance affects the annual populations of other species in the region.
When infected with the parasitic copepod Haemobaphes diceraus, there is a decrease in the body weight of T. chalcogramma as well as an increase in the weight of its spleen. If T. chalcogramma is infected during the juvenile stage of development, it suffers from delayed maturity, and if it is infected as an adult, it experiences a decrease in reproductive success (Bailey 1999).
Ecosystem Impact: keystone species
Commensal/Parasitic Species:
This species is a valuable fish for fisheries on the Russian, Japanese, and Korean coasts. The fish is sold frozen, as fillets, fish sticks, surimi, and roe in Japan (Love 1996). The desire for this fish has gone up in recent years; however, it still lacks appreciation on the North Californian coast where its abundance is high. In addition to being used for food, it is also utilized for fish meal and industrial products.
Positive Impacts: food
There are no adverse effects of Theragra chalcogramma on humans (Kooka 1998).
Newly fertilized pelagic eggs of Theragra chalcogramma are approximately 3.4 mm in diameter. The eggs hatch in approximately 28 days at a temperature of three degrees Celcius. The length of each larva when it settles out is 3.8 to 5.1 centimeters (Love 1996). The larval developmental stage is considered complete within approximately 50 days. Females grow at the same rate as, or slightly faster than, males. Immature fish swim towards the surface at night to capture prey. The pre-spawning stage begins at age 2 years. Female T. chalcogramma reach maturity at three to four years at an average length of 36 centimeters, while males mature at ages four to five years (Bailey 1999).
This species is not threatened and is not listed on the 2004 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species nor is it listed as endangered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The most important site of reproduction for this species, the Shelikof Strait in the Gulf of Alaska, has an annual period of time in which fishing is prohibited. This enforced fishing restriction was put in place to prevent potential decreases in this species due to this region having such a large T. chalcogramma density during spawning season (Bailey 1999).
US Federal List: no special status
CITES: no special status
Limited information pertaining to the communication and perception of Theragra chalcogramma exists. Most schooling fish, however, use visual cues for schooling and feeding (Bailey 1999).
Communication Channels: visual
Perception Channels: visual ; tactile ; chemical
Theragra chalcogramma (Alaska pollock) occupies a wide geographic range and is found in a polar climate across the northern Pacific Ocean, from 68° north to 34° north, and from 129° east to 120° west (Kooka 1998). Alaska pollock inhabit a broad niche spanning the North Pacific, from the eastern Paleartic region to the western Neartic. North American populations lie along the west coast from northern California to northwest Alaska with major populations located southeast of Alaska and Canada and in the western-central Gulf of Alaska. Alaska pollock populations span the coastline of West Asia to South-West Asia and South Asia with the largest populations concentrated in the northwestern Bering Sea, the western Bering Sea, eastern Kamchatka, and the northern Sea of Okhotsk.
Biogeographic Regions: nearctic ; palearctic ; pacific ocean (Native )
The mortality coefficient for Theragra chalcogramma is 0.3 on the eastern Bering Sea shelf (0.3 implying that that the annual natural morality rate is 30%) and 0.2 on the Aleutian Basin. Theragra chalcogramma usually lives from 12 to 16 years. The oldest T. chalcogramma ever reported was 31 years old (Bailey 1999).
Range lifespan
Status: wild: 31 (high) years.
Typical lifespan
Status: wild: 12 to 16 years.
Average lifespan
Status: captivity: 17 years.
Theragra chalcogramma has an olive-green belly. Its dorsal side displays a gradually darkening color scheme from the bottom to the top, eventually fading to a dark brown. This fish exhibits characteristic blotches all over its entire body, which is slender with a large head. The head consists of various lateral pores, large eyes, and a protruding lower jaw which lacks a barbel (Bailey 1999). Theragra chalcogramma can be recognized by its two anal fins, three widely dispersed fins on its back, and outstretched pelvic fins. The fins are all a dark grey to black color. A lateral line runs across the fish to its caudal fin. At three to five years old, the average length of this fish is 30.5 centimeters (Harmann 2005). By the time it reaches ages of eight to twelve years, the average length is about 61 centimeters. The maximum length of T. chalcogramma is 91 centimeters. Weights of this fish range from 600 grams to 800. The maximum weight was recorded at 1400 grams (Cohen 1990).
Range mass: 600 to 800 g.
Range length: 30.5 to 91 cm.
Average length: 61 cm.
Other Physical Features: ectothermic ; bilateral symmetry
Sexual Dimorphism: sexes alike
Theragra chalcogramma larvae are preyed on by northern rockfish, polka-dot snailfish, and atka mackeral. One-year-olds are preyed on by greenland turbot, plain sculpin, and arrowtooth flounder. Those that are two years old are hunted by greenland turbot, bigmouth sculpin, sablefish, pacific cod, plain sculpin, pacific halibut, and great sculpin. Adult T. chalcogramma fall prey to yellow irish lords and plain sculpin (Cohen 1990; Kooka 1998). In the Gulf of Alaska, T. chalcogramma is the primary prey of stellar sea lions (Cohen 1999).
Known Predators:
These fish spawn in large groups. The mating system of Theragra chalcogramma consists of females releasing their eggs and then males randomly fertilizing them (Love 1996). Females are referred to as batch spawners that release eggs every few days for one month per year.
Mating System: polygynandrous (promiscuous)
Spawning of Theragra chalcogramma occurs in water depths of 90 to 200 meters. Spawning, which occurs for an entire month, is annual and the peak spawning season fluctuates from region to region. Early spawning, in the months of February, March and April, occurs in the Bering Sea. Later spawning, in the months of April, May, and June, occurs further inward over the continental slope and shelf. Spawning fish (three- to four-year-old females and four- to five-year-old males) and pre-spawning fish (two-year-old females) swim high to mid-water in dense schools. The amount of eggs that each female holds is proportional to her body size. Females of approximately 60 centimeters produce 500,000 to 600,000 eggs while females with lengths of 40 to 45 centimeters produce about one third of that. The largest of females have been known to produce up to one million eggs (Harmann 2005). Theragra chalcogramma eggs, which are transported by currents, are planktonic (Love 1996). The eggs take anywhere from 9 to 28 days to hatch.
Breeding interval: Theragra chalcogramma spawn once yearly
Breeding season: March to August in eastern Bering Sea and January to March in Aleutian Basin
Range number of offspring: 100,000 to 1,000,000.
Range gestation period: 9 to 28 days.
Range age at sexual or reproductive maturity (female): 3 to 4 years.
Range age at sexual or reproductive maturity (male): 4 to 5 years.
Key Reproductive Features: iteroparous ; seasonal breeding ; gonochoric/gonochoristic/dioecious (sexes separate); sexual ; fertilization (External ); broadcast (group) spawning; oviparous
Besides the energy put into gamete production and spawning, Theragra chalcogramma makes no investment in its offspring.
Parental Investment: no parental involvement
Mintay (lat. Theragra chalcogramma)— Treskakimilər fəsiləsinə daxil olan, soyuq suları sevən balıq növü. Onlar əsasən Sakit okeanın şimal hissəsində yayılmışdır. Atlantik və Sakit okeanın ən qiymətli qida resursu hesab edilir[1].
Balıqların maksimal uzunluğu 91 sm, çəkiləri 3,85 kq təşkil edir. Maksimal ömür müddəti 15 ildir[2]
Bu balıqlar soyuq sularda (2 - 9 °C) yaşayırlar. Əsasən 200 - 300 metr arası sularda yaşasalarda bəzən 500—700 dərinliyə qədər enə bilirlər. Kürü tökmə zamanı dayaz sulara qədər qalxırlar ki, burada dərinlik 50-100 metrdir. Yetkinlik yaşına 3-4 illiyində çatırlar.
Onların əsas qidasını planktonlar təşkil edir. Sürünün həcmi artdıqca onların qida rasionu dəyişə bilir. Məsələn onlar Moyvaların kürü və balalarını və kalmarları belə yeyə bilirlər.
Ov mövsündən və populyasiyadan asılı həyata keçirilir.
Mintay (lat. Theragra chalcogramma)— Treskakimilər fəsiləsinə daxil olan, soyuq suları sevən balıq növü. Onlar əsasən Sakit okeanın şimal hissəsində yayılmışdır. Atlantik və Sakit okeanın ən qiymətli qida resursu hesab edilir.
Der Pazifische Pollack (Gadus chalcogrammus, Syn.: Theragra chalcogramma[1][2][3]), auch Pollack, Pollock oder (in Abgrenzung zum atlantischen bzw. europäischen Pollack) Alaska-Pollack genannt, ist ein Fisch aus der Familie der Dorsche. Im Handel wird er fast ausschließlich unter dem Handelsnamen Alaska-Seelachs verkauft.[1]
Der Lebensraum des Pazifischen Pollacks sind die Küstengebiete des nördlichen Pazifiks. Dort lebt der Fisch in Schulen in Nähe zum Meeresboden, steigt jedoch zur Nahrungssuche bis in oberflächennahe Gewässer auf.[2] Er erreicht Körpergrößen von bis zu 105 cm bei einem Gewicht von etwa 6 kg.[2][4] Das maximale Alter wird auf 28 Jahre beziffert.[3]
Der verbreitete Name „Alaska-Seelachs“ ist insoweit irreführend, als diese Tierart nicht zu den Lachsen zählt, die zur Familie der Salmoniden („Forellenfische“, „Lachsfische“) gehören, sondern zu den dorschartigen Fischen. Bei diesem Namen (wie beim ebenfalls als Seelachs bezeichneten Köhler) handelt es sich um eine historische Handelsbezeichnung aus der Zeit, in der Dorscharten erstmals als Lachsersatz genutzt wurden. Die Lebensmittelindustrie übernahm den historischen Namen, um die zumeist mit diesen Fischen produzierten Fischstäbchen besser vermarkten zu können.[5][6] Auch die Bezeichnung Pazifischer Pollack ist nicht eindeutig, da der Fisch nicht zur Gattung Pollachius gehört, sondern zur Kabeljau-Gattung Gadus. Versuche, andere Handelsnamen zu etablieren, um die Zugehörigkeit zur Familie der Dorsche hervorzuheben, wie Schneedorsch (engl. snow cod)[7] oder Alaska-Seedorsch konnten sich bislang nicht durchsetzen. In Deutschland ist es seitens der Bundesanstalt für Landwirtschaft und Ernährung offiziell explizit untersagt, den Fisch – trotz der Zugehörigkeit zur Kabeljau-Gattung Gadus – als Kabeljau zu vermarkten.[1]
Die Art ist zudem zu unterscheiden von dem im Nordost-Atlantik und Mittelmeer vorkommenden Pollack (Pollachius pollachius; auch Steinköhler, Kalmück oder Kohlmaul) aus der Familie der Dorsche und vom im Handel unter dem Namen Seelachs verkauften Köhler (Pollachius virens) aus derselben Gattung, der im Englischen ebenfalls als „pollack“[8] oder „pollock“ bezeichnet wird.
Vom Aussehen her ähnelt der Pazifische Pollack den anderen Arten der Kabeljau-Gattung Gadus, nur dass er deutlich kleiner ist (ein synonymer wissenschaftlicher Name ist Gadus minor, wortwörtlich: Kleiner Kabeljau). Er hat einen langgestreckten Körper, durchschnittlich erreicht er eine Länge von 30 bis 50 Zentimeter. Seine Farbe ist olivgrün bis braun am Rücken und an den Seiten silbrig. Sein charakteristisches Erkennungsmerkmal ist eine kupferfarbene, geschwungene Seitenlinie an der Körperseite mit marmorierter, teilweise fleckiger Färbung. Auf diese nimmt auch sein wissenschaftlicher Name Gadus chalcogrammus Bezug, wortwörtlich: Kupferlinien-Kabeljau (chalcogrammus von griechisch chalcos (Kupfer) und gramma (Zeichnung)).[3] Die fleckige Färbung dient der Tarnung vor Fressfeinden am sandigen Meeresgrund.[9] Aufgrund seiner im Vergleich zur Körpergröße überdimensional großen, nach außen gerichteten Augen wird er auf Englisch auch big-eye pollock (wortwörtlich Großaugen-Pollack) oder walleye pollock (Schielender Pollack) genannt.[3]
Der Pazifische Pollack ist ein Gruppenfisch. Der einzelne Fisch lebt in sehr großen Gruppen, sogenannten Schulen, mit anderen Individuen zusammen. In der Gruppe geht er auf Nahrungssuche. Noch größere Gruppen Alaska-Seelachs treffen beim Laichen zusammen, normalerweise in einer Wassertiefe von 50 bis 250 Metern.[3]
Pazifischer Pollack lebt semi-pelagisch, das bedeutet, dass der Fisch einen Teil seiner Lebenszeit im Freiwasserbereich (Pelagial) verbringt, den anderen Teil in Bodennähe. Der ausgewachsene Fisch lebt in einer Wassertiefe von 100 bis 300 Meter. Ausgewachsene Tiere können aber auch im Oberflächenwasser angetroffen werden. Der Fisch macht täglich vertikale Wanderungen im Wasser, wobei er seiner Nahrung folgt.[3] Das heißt, er beginnt in der Nähe des Meeresbodens und wandert nachts zum Fressen bis an die Oberfläche. Auch im Sommer, wenn sich mehr Nahrung, zum Beispiel Zooplankton, im oberen Wasserbereich sammelt, kommt der Pazifische Pollack weiter nach oben. Mit höherem Alter verbringt er mehr Zeit in Bodennähe.
Als Jungfisch frisst er vor allem Krill, Zooplankton und andere Krustentiere. Erwachsene Tiere fressen vor allem kleine Fische, darunter auch Jungtiere der eigenen Spezies.[9]
Der Pazifische Pollack gilt als besonders fruchtbar. Ein Weibchen legt pro Jahr bis zu 15 Millionen Eier. Pazifischer Pollack ist ein schnell wachsender Fisch mit relativ kurzer, durchschnittlicher Lebenszeit von 12 Jahren und gilt damit als besonders produktiv.[9]
In den Jahren um 1970 erlangte der Pazifische Pollack in der Fischindustrie eine sehr große Bedeutung, die bis heute anhält.[2] Nach der Peruanischen Sardelle bildet der Pazifische Pollack die Grundlage für die zweitgrößte Fischerei der Welt.[10]
In der EU ist Deutschland der größte Abnehmer für Filet des Pazifischen Pollacks. Er ist seit über 10 Jahren unter den drei meistverzehrten Speisefischarten in Deutschland und führte die Liste viele Jahre lang an, zuletzt 2018, wo er mit 18,4 % (vor Lachs mit 15,4 %) den größten Anteil am gesamten Fischkonsum in Deutschland hatte.[11] 2016 lag der Verbrauch in Deutschland bei 188.374 Tonnen.[10] Die Alaska-Pollack-Produkte werden im Einzelhandel meist tiefgefroren angeboten, vor allem in Form von Fischstäbchen und Schlemmerfilet. Ein weiteres Produkt, das meist aus Pazifischem Pollack besteht, ist das Krebsfleischimitat Surimi.[10]
Vier Bestände des Pazifischen Pollacks sind verzeichnet und werden befischt.[10]
Im Fanggebiet Nordost-Pazifik (FAO 67):
Im Fanggebiet Nordwest-Pazifik (FAO 61):
Da der Pazifische Pollack in großen Schwärmen im freien Wasser, dem sogenannten pelagischen Bereich des Ozeans (Pelagial), vorkommt, werden für diesen Bereich ausgelegte, pelagische Schleppnetze (Schwimmschleppnetze) eingesetzt. Dieses Fanggerät ist für den Einsatz im mittleren Teil des Wasserkörpers, entfernt vom Meeresgrund, konstruiert. Sie gelten als schonend für die Meeresumwelt.[17] Grundschleppnetze sind für die vom Marine Stewardship Council als nachhaltig zertifizierten Alaska-Seelachs-Fischereien hingegen verboten und werden nicht verwendet.[17]
In allen Wildfischereien besteht die Möglichkeit, andere Fische als die gezielt befischte Art zu fangen. Die Alaska-Seelachs-Fischerei in Alaska (Fanggebiet FAO 67) hat jedoch mit konstant beibehaltenen 1 Prozent eine der niedrigsten Beifangrate der Welt.[18][19] 99 Prozent des Fangs besteht hier aus der gezielt befischten Art (Pazifischer Pollack).
Die beiden US-Fischereien im Nordostpazifik sind seit 2005 vom Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) als nachhaltig wirtschaftend zertifiziert.[18][20] Sie gehören damit zu den ersten MSC-zertifizierten Fischereien überhaupt. Die russische Fischerei im Ochotskischen Meer ist seit 2013 vom MSC zertifiziert.[21]
Trotz der MSC-Zertifizierung ruft Greenpeace seit Herbst 2009 dazu auf, wegen Überfischung keinen Pazifischen Pollack oder Produkte mit der Bezeichnung „Alaska-Seelachs“ zu kaufen und zu konsumieren. Diese Einschätzung bleibt jedoch nicht unwidersprochen – nach offiziellen Quellen wie dem Thünen-Institut des Bundesministeriums für Ernährung und Landwirtschaft sollen alle Bestände des Pazifischen Pollacks in einem guten Zustand sein.[2]
Pazifischer Pollack gehört zu den fettarmen Speisefischen. Er hat einen Eiweißanteil von 23,5 Gramm bei einem Fettanteil von 0,8 Gramm. Trotz des geringen Fettgehalts enthält Pazifischer Pollack aber vergleichsweise viel Omega-3-Fettsäuren, nämlich 0,3 Gramm pro 100 Gramm Fisch.[22]
Der Pazifische Pollack (Gadus chalcogrammus, Syn.: Theragra chalcogramma), auch Pollack, Pollock oder (in Abgrenzung zum atlantischen bzw. europäischen Pollack) Alaska-Pollack genannt, ist ein Fisch aus der Familie der Dorsche. Im Handel wird er fast ausschließlich unter dem Handelsnamen Alaska-Seelachs verkauft.
Der Lebensraum des Pazifischen Pollacks sind die Küstengebiete des nördlichen Pazifiks. Dort lebt der Fisch in Schulen in Nähe zum Meeresboden, steigt jedoch zur Nahrungssuche bis in oberflächennahe Gewässer auf. Er erreicht Körpergrößen von bis zu 105 cm bei einem Gewicht von etwa 6 kg. Das maximale Alter wird auf 28 Jahre beziffert.
Минтай (лат. Theragra chalcogramma) – треска балыктарынын бир түрү.
The Alaska pollock or walleye pollock (Gadus chalcogrammus) is a marine fish species of the cod genus Gadus and family Gadidae.
It is a semi-pelagic schooling fish widely distributed in the North Pacific, with largest concentrations found in the eastern Bering Sea.[3]
Alaska pollock was long put in its own genus, Theragra, and classified as Theragra chalcogramma, but research in 2008 has shown it is rather closely related to the Atlantic cod and should therefore be moved back to Gadus, where it was originally placed.[4][5] In 2014, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced that the official scientific name for the fish was changed from Theragra chalcogramma back to its original taxon Gadus chalcogrammus, highlighting its close genetic relationship to the other species of the cod genus Gadus.[6] Since 2014, registries of scientific names for fish species (e.g. the United Nations’ ASFIS list and the World Registry of Marine Species (WoRMS) have largely adopted the Gadus chalcogrammus name.[7][8]
The change of the official scientific name was followed by a discussion to change the common name as well, to highlight the fish as a member of the cod genus.[6][9] The common names "Alaska pollock" and "walleye pollock", both used as trade names internationally, are considered misleading by scientific and trade experts, as the names do not reflect the scientific classification.[10][11][12] While belonging to the same family as the Atlantic pollock, the Alaska pollock is not a member of the genus Pollachius, but of the cod genus Gadus. Nevertheless, alternative trade names highlighting its placement in the cod genus, such as "snow cod",[13][14][15] "bigeye cod",[14] or direct deductions from the scientific names such as "copperline cod" (gadus meaning 'cod', Latin: chalco- from Greek: khalkós meaning 'copper', and Greek: grammí meaning 'line'[16]) or "lesser cod" (from the synonymous taxon Gadus minor) have yet to find widespread acceptance.[9] The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration even states that "[the common name] might never change, as common names are separate from scientific names".[9]
In addition, Norwegian pollock (Theragra finnmarchica), a rare fish of Norwegian waters, is likely the same species as the Alaska pollock.[4]
The speckled coloring of Alaska pollock makes it more difficult for predators to see them when they are near sandy ocean floors.[17] They are a relatively fast-growing and short-lived species, currently representing a major biological component of the Bering Sea ecosystem.[3] It has been found that catches of Alaska pollock go up three years after stormy summers. The storms stir up nutrients, and this results in phytoplankton being plentiful for longer, which in turn allows more pollock hatchlings to survive.[18] The Alaska pollock has well-developed drumming muscles[19] that the fish use to produce sounds during courtship, like many other gadids.[20][21]
The primary factor in determining the foraging behavior of the Alaskan pollock is age. Young pollocks can be divided into two sub-groups, fish with lengths below 60 mm (2+1⁄2 in) and fish greater than 60 mm. Both groups mainly feed on copepods.[22] However, the latter group will also forage for krill.[22] Therefore, food depletion has a larger effect on smaller pollock.[22]
The variation in size of each subgroup also affects seasonal foraging behavior. During the winter, when food is scarce, foraging can be costly due to the fact that longer hunting time increases the risk of meeting a predator. The larger young pollocks have no need to hunt during the winter because they have a higher capacity for energy storage, while smaller fish do not, and have to continue foraging, putting them at greater risk. To maximize their chances of survival, large pollock increase their calorie intake in autumn to gain weight, while smaller ones focus solely on growing in size.[23]
Alaskan pollock exhibit diel vertical migration, following the seasonal movement of their food. Although pollocks exhibit vertical movement during the day, their average depth changes with the seasons. Originally, the change in depth was attributed to the amount of light or water temperature, but in fact, it follows the movement of food species.[24] In August, when food is abundantly available near the surface, pollocks will be found at shallower depths. In November, they are found deeper along with their planktonic food source.[24]
The Alaska pollock's main habitats are the coastal areas of the Northern Pacific, especially the waters off Alaska (Eastern Bering Sea, Gulf of Alaska, Aleutian Islands) as well as off Russia, Japan and Korea (Western Bering Sea and Sea of Okhotsk). The largest concentrations of Alaska pollock are found in the eastern Bering Sea.[3]
Very small populations of fish genetically identical to Gadus chalcogrammus are found in the Barents Sea waters of northern Norway and Russia.[25] This fish was initially described as its own species under the taxon Theragra finnmarchica by Norwegian zoologist Einar Koefoed in 1956.[26] The common name used for the fish was "Norway pollock". Genetic analyses have shown that the fish is genetically identical to the Alaska pollock. It is therefore considered to be conspecific with the Pacific species and is attributed to Gadus chalcogrammus. The history of the species in the Barents Sea is unknown.[27]
The initial specification as an own species by Koefoed was based on two specimens landed in Berlevåg, northern Norway, in 1932 (hence the Norwegian name, Berlevågfisk). Based on morphological differences, Koefoed considered Theragra finnmarchica a new species, related to but separate from the Alaska pollock.[26] Just seven specimens of the fish are known to have been caught between 1957 and early 2002 in the Arctic Ocean.[28] In 2003 and 2004, 31 new specimens were caught. All specimens were large (465–687 mm (18+1⁄4–27 in) in total length) and caught in the coastal waters between Vesterålen in the west and Varangerfjord in the east. By 2006, 54 individuals had been recorded.[4] Sequencing of mitochondrial DNA of two specimens of Theragra finnmarchica and 10 Theragra chalcogramma (today: Gadus chalcogrammus) revealed no significant genetic differences, leading Ursvik et al.[29] to suggest that T. finnmarchica and T. chalcogramma are the same species. An analysis of a much larger sample size (44 T. finnmarchica and 20 T. chalcogramma) using both genetic and morphological methods led to similar conclusions.[4] While the putative species could not be separated genetically, they showed some consistent differences in morphology. Only one characteristic showed no overlap. Byrkjedal et al.[4] conclude that T. finnmarchica should be considered a junior synonym of T. chalcogramma. These analyses also suggest that T. finnmarchica is a near relative of the Atlantic cod, and that both Alaska and Norway pollock should be moved to genus Gadus.[4]
Norway pollock (Theragra finnmarchica) was listed as Near Threatened in the 2010 Norwegian Red List for Species[30] based on criteria D1: "Very small or geographically very restricted population: Number of mature individuals". The IUCN Red List currently lists Alaskan pollock as Near Threatened in Europe.[1]
The Alaska pollock has been said to be "the largest remaining source of palatable fish in the world".[32] Around 3 million metric tons (3,000,000 long tons; 3,300,000 short tons) of Alaska pollock are caught each year in the North Pacific, from Alaska to northern Japan. Alaska pollock is the world's second most important fish species, after the Peruvian anchoveta, in terms of total catch.[33]
Alaska pollock landings are the largest of any single fish species in the U.S, with the average annual Eastern Bering Sea catch between 1979 and 2022 being 1.26 million metric tons.[34] Alaska pollock catches from U.S. fisheries have been relatively consistent at approximately 1.3 million tons a year, on average 92 percent from the Bering Sea and 8 percent from the Gulf of Alaska[35].[36] Each year's quota is adjusted based on stock assessments conducted by the Alaska Fisheries Science Center to prevent overfishing.[37] For example quotas were reduced from 2008-2010 in the Bering Sea due to stock declines.[33][38]
Independent certification groups have hailed the fishery as an example of good management. For example, the Gulf of Alaska and Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands fisheries were separately certified as "sustainable" by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) in 2005, and were certified in 2010 and 2016.[39] The fisheries received a combined re-certification in 2020.[40] The Marine Conservation Society rates Alaska pollock harvested from the Gulf of Alaska, Bering Sea, and Aleutian Islands as sustainable, but not those from the Western Bering Sea in Russian waters.[41]
In 2021, the MSC awarded the U.S. trade associations Association of Genuine Alaska Pollock Producers (GAPP) and At-Sea Processors Association with its Ocean Champion Award that recognizes organizations for meeting MSC's commitment to a healthier ocean and a more transparent supply chain. The MSC recognized Alaska pollock from U.S. fisheries as one of the "healthiest" and "most sustainable sources" of protein.[42][43]
Compared to other cod species and pollock, Alaska pollock has a milder taste, whiter color and lower oil content.
High-quality, single-frozen whole Alaska pollock fillets may be layered into a block mold and deep-frozen to produce fish blocks that are used throughout Europe and North America as the raw material for high-quality breaded and battered fish products. Lower-quality, double-frozen fillets or minced trim pieces may also be frozen in block forms and used as raw material for lower-quality, low-cost breaded and battered fish sticks and portions.
A life-cycle assessment on the carbon footprint of Alaska pollock, performed by a sustainability consulting firm, showed that Alaska pollock fillet has a lower carbon footprint and delivers more protein per kilogram of greenhouse gas emissions than many other animal proteins, including beef, chicken, cod, and even plant-based options.[44][45]
Alaska pollock is commonly used in the fast food industry in products such as McDonald's Filet-O-Fish sandwich,[46][47] Burger King Big Fish Sandwich, Wendy's Crispy Panko Fish Sandwich,[48] Arby's King's Hawaiian Fish Deluxe,[49] Arby's Crispy Fish Sandwich,[50] Arby's Spicy Fish Sandwich,[51] Long John Silver's Baja Fish Taco,[52] Bojangles Bojangular,[53] Birds Eye's Fish Fingers in Crispy Batter,[54] 7-Eleven's Fish Bites,[55] White Castle's Panko Breaded Fish Sliders,[56] and Captain D's Seafood Kitchen.[57] Some of these items are seasonal offerings to coincide with the Lent calendar where seafood demand is higher.
Single-frozen Alaska pollock is considered to be the premier raw material for surimi. The most common use of surimi in the United States is "imitation crabmeat", though it is often seen labeled in retailers and grocers as "surimi seafood" sticks, flakes, or chunks.[58][59] There are five main forms of surimi seafood: chunk, leg, flake, salad, and shred.[60] Surimi made from minced Alaska Pollock retains the aforementioned carbon footprint advantage.[44][61]
Pollock roe is a popular culinary ingredient in Korea, Japan, and Russia. In Korea, the roe is called myeongnan (명란, literally 'Alaska pollock's roe'), and the salted roe is called myeongnan-jeot (명란젓, literally 'pollock roe jeotgal'). The food was introduced to Japan after World War II, and since has been called mentai-ko (明太子) in Japanese. A milder, less spicy version is usually called tarako (鱈子, literally 'cod's roe'), which is also the Japanese name for pollock roe itself. In Russia, pollock roe is consumed as a sandwich spread. The product, resembling liquid paste due to the small size of eggs and oil added, is sold canned.
Alaska pollock is considered the "national fish" of Korea.[62][63] The Korean name of the fish, myeongtae (명태,明太), has also spread to some neighbouring countries: it is called mintay (минтай) in Russia and its roe is called mentaiko (明太子) in Japan, although the Japanese name for the fish itself is suketōdara (介党鱈). In Korea, myeongtae is called thirty-odd additional names, including saengtae (생태, fresh), dongtae (동태, frozen), bugeo (북어, dried), hwangtae (황태, dried in winter with repeated freezing and thawing), nogari (노가리, dried young), and kodari (코다리, half-dried young).[63]
Koreans have been eating Alaska pollock since the Joseon era. One of the earliest mentions is from Seungjeongwon ilgi (Journal of the Royal Secretariat), where a 1652 entry stated: "The management administration should be strictly interrogated for bringing in pollock roe instead of cod roe."[64] Alaska pollocks were the most commonly caught fish in Korea in 1940, when more than 270,000 tonnes were caught from the Sea of Japan (East Sea).[65] It outnumbers the current annual consumption of Alaska pollock in South Korea, estimated at about 260,000 tonnes in 2016.[66] Nowadays, however, Alaska pollock consumption in South Korea rely heavily on import from Russia, due to rises in sea water temperatures.[67] In 2019, South Korea imposed a total ban on pollock fishing "to help replenish depleted stocks" of the fish.[68]
The Alaska pollock or walleye pollock (Gadus chalcogrammus) is a marine fish species of the cod genus Gadus and family Gadidae.
It is a semi-pelagic schooling fish widely distributed in the North Pacific, with largest concentrations found in the eastern Bering Sea.
El abadejo de Alaska o colín de Alaska (Theragra chalcogramma) es una especie de Actinopterygii de la familia de bacalaos, los Gadidaes. El abadejo común es de la misma familia, pero son de dos géneros distintos. El abadejo de Alaska de mayor longitud registrado fue de 91 centímetros, el más pesado de 3.850 gramos y el de mayor longevidad de 15 años. Es una raza bentopelágica, no migratoria, de aguas salobres de hasta 1.280 metros de profundidad. Se distribuye entre el pueblo de Kivalina en Alaska, a través del mar del Japón meridional y mar de Ojotsk de las costas de Asia oriental hasta el pueblo de Carmel en California.[1] La mayoría del la pesca de esta especie ocurre en el Mar de Bering entre el distrito autónomo ruso de Chukotka y el estado de Alaska.[2]
La coloración moteada hace que sea más difícil, para los depredadores, verlos cuando están cerca del fondo del mar. Son una especie de relativamente rápido crecimiento y de vida corta, que actualmente representan un componente biológico importante del ecosistema del Mar de Bering.[3] Se ha descubierto que las capturas de abadejo de Alaska suben tres años después de veranos tormentosos. Las tormentas[4]agitan los nutrientes, y esto provoca que el fitoplancton sea abundante durante más tiempo, lo que a su vez permite que más crías de abadejo sobrevivan.[5] El abadejo de Alaska tiene músculos tambores bien desarrollados que utiliza para producir sonidos durante el cortejo , al igual que muchos otros gádidos.[6][7]
En comparación con el abadejo, el abadejo de Alaska tiene un sabor más suave, es de color blanco y tiene menor contenido de aceite, por lo que su carne se considera de alta calidad.[8]
Este pescado es el ingrediente más común para los palitos de cangrejo. También forma parte de varios platos coreanos, entre ellos el ggakdugi, guk y el sundae.
La especie Theragra chalcogramma es comúnmente usada en la industria de la comida rápida por ejemplo, en McDonald's,[9] y Dairy Queen.[10] Es también ampliamente utilizada en la cocina japonesa y rusa.
Datos: Q846231
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El abadejo de Alaska o colín de Alaska (Theragra chalcogramma) es una especie de Actinopterygii de la familia de bacalaos, los Gadidaes. El abadejo común es de la misma familia, pero son de dos géneros distintos. El abadejo de Alaska de mayor longitud registrado fue de 91 centímetros, el más pesado de 3.850 gramos y el de mayor longevidad de 15 años. Es una raza bentopelágica, no migratoria, de aguas salobres de hasta 1.280 metros de profundidad. Se distribuye entre el pueblo de Kivalina en Alaska, a través del mar del Japón meridional y mar de Ojotsk de las costas de Asia oriental hasta el pueblo de Carmel en California. La mayoría del la pesca de esta especie ocurre en el Mar de Bering entre el distrito autónomo ruso de Chukotka y el estado de Alaska.
Theragra chalcogramma Theragra generoko animalia da. Arrainen barruko Gadidae familian sailkatzen da.
Theragra chalcogramma
Le Colin d'Alaska (Theragra chalcogramma) ou lieu d'Alaska, Goberge de l'Alaska (Canada) est une espèce de poissons marins de la famille des Gadidae qui se rencontre dans le nord de l'océan Pacifique.
Contrairement à ce que son nom vernaculaire pourrait suggérer, il n'appartient pas au même genre que les Colins d'Atlantique, nom générique donné aux poissons du genre Pollachius.
Cette espèce se rencontre dans le Pacifique, de Kivalina en Alaska jusqu'à Carmel-by-the-Sea en Californie, et vers l'ouest jusqu'à la mer du Japon. C'est une espèce non migratrice qui est présente entre 0 et 1 280 m de profondeur.
Theragra chalcogramma mesure 90 cm pour une masse de 3,85 kg, à maturité sexuelle à 3 ou 4 ans. Il peut atteindre l'âge de 30 ans et une longueur de 130 cm pour une masse de 18 kg[1].
Le Colin d'Alaska est la première espèce animale aquatique la plus pêchée au monde[2]. Les captures de Colin d'Alaska au nord de l'océan Pacifique de l'Alaska au Japon se sont montées à 6 millions de tonnes en 1990, puis se sont maintenues depuis les années 2000 à 3 millions de tonnes par an. La pêche de Colin d'Alaska par les États-Unis représente 1,5 million de tonnes par an et est pratiquée essentiellement dans la mer de Béring[1].
Comparé au Colin, le Colin d'Alaska a un goût plus doux, une couleur plus blanche et contient moins d'huile. Il est consommé en filets, bâtonnets panés, surimi, etc.
Il est utilisé en restauration rapide pour les recettes à base de poisson comme le Filet-O-Fish de McDonald's.
Theragra chalcogramma
Le Colin d'Alaska (Theragra chalcogramma) ou lieu d'Alaska, Goberge de l'Alaska (Canada) est une espèce de poissons marins de la famille des Gadidae qui se rencontre dans le nord de l'océan Pacifique.
Contrairement à ce que son nom vernaculaire pourrait suggérer, il n'appartient pas au même genre que les Colins d'Atlantique, nom générique donné aux poissons du genre Pollachius.
Aljaška kolja (lat. Gadus chalcogrammus), vrsta morske ribe iz porodice Gadidae. Raširena je po sjevernom Pacifiku, od Kivalina u Aljaski pa do Japana i Kalifornije.
Naraste maksimalno do 91.0 cm, a najveća izmjerena težina je 3.9 kg. [1]
Aljaška kolja (lat. Gadus chalcogrammus), vrsta morske ribe iz porodice Gadidae. Raširena je po sjevernom Pacifiku, od Kivalina u Aljaski pa do Japana i Kalifornije.
Naraste maksimalno do 91.0 cm, a najveća izmjerena težina je 3.9 kg.
Alaskaufsi (fræðiheiti Gadus chalcogrammus) er fiskur af þorskaætt. Alaskaufsi er mikilvægur matfiskur og er einn af stærstu fiskstofnum heims. Hann er mikið notaður í surimi framleiðslu í Japan. Árið 2009 var Alaskaufsi í 4. sæti yfir mest veiddu fiskitegundir heims í tonnum:
Alaskaufsi (fræðiheiti Gadus chalcogrammus) er fiskur af þorskaætt. Alaskaufsi er mikilvægur matfiskur og er einn af stærstu fiskstofnum heims. Hann er mikið notaður í surimi framleiðslu í Japan. Árið 2009 var Alaskaufsi í 4. sæti yfir mest veiddu fiskitegundir heims í tonnum:
Perúansjósa 6.910.467 Randatúnfiskur 2.599.681 Síld2.509.260 Alaskaufsi2.499.100Gadus chalcogrammus[1][2] (Pallas, 1814) spesso noto con il sinonimo di Theragra chalcogramma, conosciuto commercialmente come merluzzo d'Alaska[3] o pollack d'Alaska[3] è un pesce osseo di mare della famiglia Gadidae.
L'aspetto di questo animale si può dire intermedio tra quello del merluzzo bianco, rispetto al quale è più allungato, e quello dei Pollachius. Ha tre pinne dorsali, separate da uno spazio, e due pinne anali. Le pinne pettorali sono ampie; le pinne ventrali hanno un filamento. La pinna caudale è tronca. Sul mento è presente un brevissimo barbiglio. La bocca è ampia, incisa quasi orizzontalmente. La linea laterale si interrompe all'altezza della prima pinna dorsale, lungo il resto del corpo è interrotta a brevi intervalli e non continua. Alcuni canali sensoriali della linea laterali sono presenti sul capo. Il colore è bruno o olivastro sul dorso, argenteo sui fianchi e biancastro sul ventre. Sui fianchi sono in genere presenti macchie irregolari di colore bruno, talvolta raggruppate in una fascia longitudinale. Le pinne sono scure[1][4].
La taglia massima è di 91 cm, il peso massimo noto di 3,9 kg.[1]
È endemico del nord dell'Oceano Pacifico a sud fino al mar del Giappone e alla città di Carmel-by-the-Sea in California. Le segnalazioni dal golfo di California sembrano essere erronee. Vive in acque profonde tra 30 e i 1280 metri ma di solito si trova sopra i 400 metri. Fa vita demersale e affronta migrazioni giornaliere verso la superficie[1][4].
La longevità massima nota è di 28 anni[1].
Il krill rappresenta una frazione importante della dieta dell'adulto, che consuma inoltre gamberetti, misidi, ammoditi, sperlani, salmoni, aringhe e capelin[1][4].
La riproduzione avviene nei mesi invernali a profondità da 50 a 250 metri; durata e periodo variano con la latitudine, all'estremo nord, ad esempio, avviene fino ad agosto. Per la frega si riuniscono banchi imponenti. La fecondità è impressionante: una femmina depone fino a 15 milioni di uova. L'accrescimento è molto rapido e la maturità è raggiunta a un'età di 3/4 anni, quando la lunghezza del pesce è di 30–38 cm[1][4].
Il pollack d'Alaska costituisce una delle specie ittiche demersali più catturate nel mondo e uno dei prodotti della pesca più importanti in assoluto. Le quantità pescate hanno visto un incremento continuo fino al 1986 quando è iniziato un trend negativo che però sembra essersi interrotto da metà degli anni '90. I banchi di pesca più ricchi sono situati nel mar di Bering e nel golfo dell'Alaska. Le tecniche di pesca più usate sono le reti a strascico, le reti da circuizione e i palamiti mentre le reti da posta sono usate di rado e solo in zone costiere. Gli stati che catturano le maggiori quantità sono la Russia e gli Stati Uniti[4].
Gli stock del mar di Bering[5] e del golfo dell'Alaska[5] sono dotati della certificazione MSC di sostenibilità della pesca. Per questa pesca sostenibile l'impiego di reti a strascico è proibito[5] per il grave impatto che ha sull'ecosistema dei fondali. Vengono usate reti da traino pelagiche, ossia sospese nell'acqua senza toccare il fondo.
Le carni sono buone e sono il principale costituente del surimi. Viene frequentemente esportata congelata in Europa come filetti, bastoncini di pesce e molte altre preparazioni[1].
Nonostante il nome comune possa indurre in inganno, non è un pesce del genere Pollachius; la specie non è pertanto da confondersi con il Pollachius pollachius, che ha un nome comune simile, pollack.
Gadus chalcogrammus (Pallas, 1814) spesso noto con il sinonimo di Theragra chalcogramma, conosciuto commercialmente come merluzzo d'Alaska o pollack d'Alaska è un pesce osseo di mare della famiglia Gadidae.
Pollock Alaska atau pollock walleye (Gadus chalcogrammus,[1][2] dahulunya Theragra chalcogramma) adalah spesies ikan laut dalam famili ikan kod Gadidae. Pollock Alaska adalah ikan kawanan semipelagik tersebar secara meluas di Lautan Pasifik Utara dengan tumpuan terbesar ditemui di timur Laut Bering.[3]
Walaupun dalam famili yang sama dengan pollock Atlantik, pollock Alaska itu bukan ahli yang sama bagi genus Pollachius. Pollock Alaska telah lama dimasukkan ke dalam genus sendiri Theragra, tetapi kajian lebih terkini telah menunjukkan ia lebih berkait rapat dengan ikan kod Atlantik dan harus berpindah semula ke genus Gadus iaitu genus yang sebelumnya.[4][5] Tambahan pula, pollock Norway (Theragra finnmarchica), ikan jarang di perairan Norway, adalah berkemungkinan spesies yang sama sebagai pollock Alaska.[4][6]
Pollock Alaska telah dikatakan menjadi "baki sumber terbesar ikan sedap di dunia."[8] Kira-kira 3 juta tan pollock Alaska ditangkap setiap tahun di Pasifik Utara dari Alaska ke utara Jepun. Pollock Alaska adalah spesies ikan kedua paling penting di dunia dari segi jumlah tangkapan.[9]
Berbanding dengan pollock, pollock Alaska mempunyai rasa yang lebih ringan, berwarna lebih putih dan kandungan minyak yang lebih rendah.
Filet pollock Alaska beku berkualiti tinggi mungkin dilapiskan ke dalam acuan blok dan dibeku untuk menghasilkan blok ikan yang digunakan di seluruh Eropah dan Amerika Utara sebagai bahan mentah untuk dilapisi serbuk roti berkualiti tinggi atau saduran tepung.
Pollock Alaska beku dianggap sebagai bahan mentah utama bagi surimi; penggunaan surimi yang paling biasa di Amerika Syarikat adalah "tiruan ketam".
Pollock Alaska biasanya digunakan dalam industri makanan segera, dalam produk seperti Filet-O-Fish McDonald,[10] Arby's Classic Fish sandwich,[11] Taco Ikan Baja Long John Silver,[12] dan Jejari Ikan dalam Saduran Rangup Birds Eye.[13]
Telur ikan pollock digunakan dalam hidangan Jepun tarako and mentaiko.
Pollock Alaska atau pollock walleye (Gadus chalcogrammus, dahulunya Theragra chalcogramma) adalah spesies ikan laut dalam famili ikan kod Gadidae. Pollock Alaska adalah ikan kawanan semipelagik tersebar secara meluas di Lautan Pasifik Utara dengan tumpuan terbesar ditemui di timur Laut Bering.
Walaupun dalam famili yang sama dengan pollock Atlantik, pollock Alaska itu bukan ahli yang sama bagi genus Pollachius. Pollock Alaska telah lama dimasukkan ke dalam genus sendiri Theragra, tetapi kajian lebih terkini telah menunjukkan ia lebih berkait rapat dengan ikan kod Atlantik dan harus berpindah semula ke genus Gadus iaitu genus yang sebelumnya. Tambahan pula, pollock Norway (Theragra finnmarchica), ikan jarang di perairan Norway, adalah berkemungkinan spesies yang sama sebagai pollock Alaska.
명태(明太, 영어: Alaska pollock, walleye pollock)는 대구과에 딸린 물고기이다. 동해, 일본 북부, 오호츠크해, 베링해 등의 북태평양 해역에 분포한다. 한국에서는 조선시대 함경북도 명천(明川)의 태(太)씨성을 가진 사람이 물고기를 잡아 관찰사에게 반찬으로 내놓았는데, 그 물고기의 이름을 몰라 명태라고 지어주었다고 한다. 어린 개체는 노가리라 부른다.[1] 반건조한 명태는 코다리, 하얗게 말린 명태는 백태(白太)라고 한다. 또한 건조 과정에 따라 이름이 바뀌는데 얼어붙었으면 동태라고 불린다. 명태는 동해에서 27만 톤 이상 잡힐만큼 1940년에 한국에서 가장 흔한 물고기였다. 그러나, 명태의 새끼인 노가리 남획과 지구 온난화로 대한민국은 현재 명태의 대부분을 수입에 의존하고 있다.[2]
조선시대 함경북도 명천(明川)에서 사는 태(太)씨성을 가진 사람이 물고기를 잡아 관찰사에게 반찬으로 내놓았는데, 관찰사가 태씨성을 가진 사람에게 물고기의 이름을 물어보았으나 그도 모른다고 하자 관찰사는 명천의 첫글자인 명자와 태씨성을 가진 사람의 성인 태자를 따서 그 물고기의 이름을 명태(明太)라고 지었다고 전한다.
조선시대에는 명태를 명태라 부르지 않고, 무태, 무태어로도 불렸다. 명태가 명나라 태조와 음이 비슷해서 금기시되기도 했다. 1530년 편찬된 <신증동국여지승람>에는 무태어(無泰魚)로 수록되었으며, 명태는 ‘명천 사는 태씨 어부’ 이야기 전에도 무태어로 나타난다.[3] 조선 후기의 문신이자 학자인 홍양호(1724∼1802년)가 쓴 <이계집>에도 명태를 무태어(無泰魚)로 표기한다. <이계집>에 "청어 등은 그물로 잡고, 무태어는 낚시로 잡으며(無泰魚以釣)"라 하였다.[3] 민간에서는 명태라는 말을 계속 사용했지만, 명나라의 눈치를 본 조선 왕조의 관리들은 명태라 하지 않고 무태어라 불렀다.
등지느러미는 3개, 뒷지느러미는 2개로 체고는 다소 낮고 몸은 측편되어 있다. 눈은 크며 머리의 등쪽 가장자리와 접한다. 아래턱이 위턱보다 앞쪽으로 돌출되어 있으며, 아랫턱의 앞끝에는 1개의 흔적적인 수염이 있다. 가슴지느러미는 비교적 길어서 제1등지느러미 기저의 뒤끝을 지나며, 꼬리지느러미는 수직형이다.
몸 등쪽은 연한 갈색 혹은 청색 바탕에 폭이 좁은 파상 무늬의 암갈색 세로띠가 3줄 가량 머리 뒤쪽에서 꼬리까지 길게 뻗어 있으며 배쪽은 희다. 가슴지느러미는 검다.
주로 대륙붕과 대륙사면에 서식한다. 산란은 1~5℃에서 이루어지며, 산란기는 12~4월이다. 먹이는 주로 작은 갑각류(요각류, 젓새우류, 단각류 등)와 작은 어류(때로는 명태 치어와 알도 먹음) 등을 먹는다. 주낙이나 그물을 이용해 잡고 연중 대부분의 시기에 포획이 이루어진다.
대구는 위턱이 앞쪽으로 돌출되어 있는 반면에 명태는 아랫턱이 앞쪽으로 돌출되어 있어 잘 구별된다.
임하일기에는 명태, 신증동국여지승람에는 무태어(無泰魚)라고 기록되어 있다. 난호어목지에는 명태어라 하며, 생것을 명태, 말린 것을 북어라 한다고 적혀있다.
명태는 모든 부위가 요리에 사용되는 생선이다. 생태찌개, 생태매운탕, 황태구이, 황태찜, 북엇국, 북어무침, 술안주로 좋은 노가리 등으로 다양하게 조리된다. 단백질이 풍부하며, 알과 창자는 각각 명란젓, 창란젓으로 이용된다.
한국 사람들은 조선시대부터 명태를 즐겨먹고 있다.
노가리
한국 동해에서 27만톤 이상이 잡히던 흔한 물고기 명태의 어획량이 대폭 감소했다. 해양수산부의 통계자료에 의하면 1981년에는 14만톤의 어획량을 기록했지만 2010년대에 들어서는 연평균 2톤 가량의 어획량을 기록했다.[4]
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