Unalaska, AK – The North Pacific Fishery Management Council will adopt the 2009 pollock quota at their meeting later this week. Monday the council heard a recommendation from the Scientific and Statistical Committee. They suggested an 18 percent cut in quota for 2009, from 1 million tons down to 815 thousand. Though organizations like Greenpeace say the cut is not enough, it is supported by the Marine Conservation Alliance, a coalition of harvesters, processors, and communities. The fishery also maintains certification from the Marine Stewardship Council.

This and next years' pollock quota cuts are attributed to what scientists call a downturn in the natural population fluctuation cycle. Fishery management biologist Jim Ianelli says that the number of adult fish is lower this year but the younger fish populations are strong. The recommended quota for 2010 is much higher than for 2009. Scientists estimate that the population rebound will allow for a quota of 1.23 million tons of pollock. However that recommendation will depend on stock assessment data collected next summer.