Alaska Rockfish and Atka Mackerel
The U.S. Alaska rockfish and Atka mackerel commercial fisheries were awarded continued certification in February 2025. The certificate encompasses Atka mackerel (Pleurogrammus monopterygius); Pacific ocean perch (Sebastes alutus); Dusky rockfish (Sebastes ciliatus) and Northern rockfish (Sebastes polyspinis). Certified Alaska rockfish and Atka mackerel fisheries employ pelagic and non-pelagic trawl gear as well as jig and longline gear. Fishing occurs in the federal waters of the United States Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and is jointly managed by the North Pacific Fishery Management Council and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). Protective parents, Alaska rockfish give birth to live young rather than laying eggs and defend them during early development after they are born.
Certification Reports
- Atka Mackerel and Rockfish Annual Surveillance Report – Aug 2024
- Atka Mackerel and Rockfish Annual Surveillance and Team Announcement – Feb 2024
- Atka Mackerel and Rockfish Annual Surveillance Report – July 2023
- Atka Mackerel and Rockfish Annual Surveillance and Team Announcement – Dec 2022
- Atka Mackerel and Rockfish Annual Surveillance Report – April 2022
- Atka Mackerel and Rockfish Annual Surveillance and Team Announcement – Dec 2021
- Atka Mackerel and Rockfish Annual Surveillance Report – May 2021
- Alaska Atka Mackerel and Rockfish Annual Surveillance and Team Announcement – 2021
Initial Certification:
- Final Certification Assessment Report for Atka Mackerel and Rockfish Fisheries Feb 2020
- Announcement of Initial Assessment, Team and Site Visit for Full Certification May 2019
Public Comment For RFM Full Assessment
- Public Comment for RFM Full Assessment Report for Certification of Alaska Atka Mackerel and Rockfish Fishery
- To register to comment or to submit a comment, contact: Anna Kiseleva:
DNV GL Business Assurance Norway AS
E-mail: Anna.Kiseleva@dnvgl.com
Tel. +47 993 18 529
Fishery Info
Alaska rockfish is harvested primarily January through November, though due to the wide array of species different varieties are harvested year-round in each region.
Alaska rockfish are harvested using a variety of gear types, including pelagic and non-pelagic trawling, jigging, and longlining.
Management of federal U.S. Alaska rockfish and Atka mackerel fisheries is conducted jointly by the North Pacific Fishery Management Council (NPFMC) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). In accordance with the requirements of the U.S. Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA), the NPFMC establishes science-based annual catch limits for federal Alaska pollock fisheries, and NMFS develops and enforces federal regulations.
Vessels harvesting rockfish and Atka mackerel that is certified by CSI under the Alaska rockfish and Atka mackerel certificate operate exclusively within federal waters of the United States Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and the state waters of Alaska, as well as home-porting in the U.S. state of Washington. U.S. federal and state laws regulate the treatment of workers on vessels that harvest certified Alaska rockfish and Atka mackerel.
Alaska rockfish is excellent whether sautéed, roasted, broiled or grilled, and perfect paired with rubs, marinades or sauces. This tender, mild and meaty fish is versatile and lean, makes a perfect beer battered taco and is great for marinating. Perfect for poaching, steaming and sautéing.
Wild Alaska rockfish is packed with lean, high quality protein.
Alaska Rockfish
Serving Size: 3oz (85g) cooked
Source: https://www.alaskaseafood.org/health-nutrition/nutrition-information/#wild-alaska-whitefish