Alaska's Sustainable Whitefish Fisheries

Resource Management All the species of white fish in Alaska are caught in the Bering Sea and in the Gulf of Alaska by the use of sustainable methods which allow for the long-term conservation of fish stocks. Scientists at the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) conduct thorough, ongoing studies of all aspects of the biology of Alaska whitefish species, including their biotic and physical environment in the Gulf of Alaska and the Bering Sea. Other successes and benefits of the Alaska IFQ system are: the fisheries are closely and carefully monitored by NMFS scientists and law enforcement personnel natural variability is explicitly taken into account, because IFQ shares are percentages of the annually variable TACs, rather than for a certain amount of fish; an individual's fractional share remains constant, but the total, science-based quota varies in accordance with the natural fluctuations of the fish populations far less fishing gear is left on the fishing grounds because the fishery is less frantic than in previous years; this reduces unwanted catch by abandoned gear. seafood quality is better because steady landings allow for better on-boat handling and prompt processing; this also reduces waste