Head-and-gutted Pacific ocean perch in flash freezer trays.

Flash frozen Pacific ocean perch.

Like other rockfishes, POP is a lean fish with a snowy white flaky flesh. It is available fresh and frozen in a variety of product forms.

Head-and-gutted and flash frozen in large quantities, POP have garnered a relatively low ex-vessel price ($0.08-0.12/lb). Reportedly, the price has reached around $0.20/lb. Under the Gulf of Alaska Groundfish rationalization plan, now in its infancy, it is hoped that higher prices are yet to come and the fishery will be more evenly distributed in time and space. At $0.20/lb, the Alaskan Pacific ocean perch fishery is worth approximately $15 million.

Contact:
Dana Hanselman
Auke Bay Laboratories
Alaska Fisheries Science Center, NOAA Fisheries

Ted Stevens Marine Research Institute
17109 Pt Lena Loop Rd
Juneau AK 99801
Dana.Hanselman@noaa.gov