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  The case of the missing pollock

  The case of the missing pollock: Did they jump or were they pushed?

  Ken Weiss is absolutely right that global warming is having an impact on our oceans and fisheries (Migrating Alaskan pollock are creating the potential for a new dispute with Russia, L.A. Times).  

  With pollock, as with most fish, the impacts of global warming are compounded by decades of heavy fishing pressure.  The Alaska pollock caught in 2004 alone weighed twice as much as the entire population of New York City.

  Pollock populations in the eastern Bering Sea have declined  about 20% per year since 2003, with 2008 surveys looking even worse.  Species that feed on pollock, such as endangered Steller sea lions, are in jeopardy as well.

  The fishing industry has tried to have their fish and eat them too, blaming declines on climate change while refusing to take a more precautionary approach in the face of climate-driven uncertainty.  It's time for an ecosystem-based approach, starting with safer catch limits and establishment of no-take marine reserves.

  John Hocevar
  Oceans Campaign Director
  Greenpeace USAOn Migrating pollock could endanger Alaskan fishery, international relations posted 1 year, 1 month ago 2 Responses