Alaska Flatfish

U.S. Alaska flatfish commercial fisheries were awarded continued certification in December 2024. The complex includes the following Bering Sea / Aleutian Islands (BSAI) and Gulf of Alaska (GOA) fisheries:

Vessels operating in certified Alaska flatfish fisheries primarily employ non-pelagic trawl gear, although longline gear is used to target Greenland turbot. Fishing occurs primarily in the federal waters of the United States Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and is jointly managed by the North Pacific Fishery Management Council (NPFMC) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). Flatfish start life shaped like normal fish, but flatten within a few weeks of hatching. All flatfish have both eyes on one side of their head so they can see even when buried on the seafloor.

Certification Reports

Fishery Info

When and Where They’re Harvested

U.S. Alaska flatfish are harvested throughout the year in the Gulf of Alaska and the Bering Sea/Aleutian Islands.

How They’re Harvested

Alaska flatfish are harvested primarily by using non-pelagic trawl gear.

How The Fishery Is Managed

Management of federal U.S. Alaska flatfish 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 (NSA), the NPFMC establishes science-based annual catch limits for federal Alaska flatfish fisheries, and NMFS develops and enforces federal regulations. In the Bering Sea, Alaska flatfish quota is allocated between fishing cooperatives, including to benefit Western Alaska communities via the Community Development Quota (CDQ) program.

How vessel labour is regulated

Vessels harvesting flatfish that is certified by CSI under the Alaska flatfish 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 flatfish.

Taste And Texture

All the various species of Alaska sole/flounder have a delicate, mild flavor perfect for poaching, sautéing, or steaming. This lean whitefish is forgiving and versatile in the kitchen.

Source: https://www.alaskaseafood.org/

Nutrition

Alaska flatfish is packed with lean, high-quality protei, is easily digestible, and has all nine amino acids the body can’t produce itself — a complete protein of the highest quality.

Alaska Sole

Serving Size: 3oz (85g) cooked

Calories

70

Protein 13g

Fat2g

Saturated Fat0g

Sodium90mg

Cholesterol50mg

Omega-3s DHA+EPA255mg

Vitamin B121.1mcg

Vitamin A10mcg

Vitamin D3.0mcg

Selenium28mcg

Potassium170mcg

Iron0.2mg

Calcium 20mg

Source: https://www.alaskaseafood.org/health-nutrition/nutrition-information/#wild-alaska-whitefish

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