Billion-Dollar Fish

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Alaska pollock is ubiquitous in the seafood industry, often found in dishes like California rolls and fish sticks, making it the most lucrative fish harvest in the U.S. with an annual value exceeding one billion dollars. However, the pollock population has plummeted by over half in recent years, raising alarms about a potential collapse of the fishery. Understanding the dynamics of this fishery involves recognizing the natural history that makes pollock both desirable and vulnerable to overfishing. The author explores the intricate science, politics, and economics surrounding Alaska pollock in the Bering Sea, tracing the fishery's development and the political maneuvers that have shaped its management. He highlights the perspectives of various stakeholders, including fishermen, politicians, environmentalists, and biologists, and incorporates insightful interviews with figures from Greenpeace activists to fishing industry lawyers. This multifaceted approach sheds light on the challenges facing the pollock fishery and underscores the urgent need for sustainable management practices to prevent its demise.