Pacific Cod

Pacific cod, sometimes called gray cod, is brown or gray with black spots. Pacific cod range from the Bering Sea to Southern California and all the way west to the Sea of Japan. They can grow up to six feet in length and live up to 20 years. Pacific cod migrate seasonally from the upper continental shelf in winter to shallower waters in the summer. It is on this continental shelf edge where pacific cod spawn, typically when the females are four to five years old. Pacific cod prey upon clams, worms, shrimp and juvenile fish.

Overall availability

Pacific cod is primarily fished in Oregon and Washington. Harvest in California is minimal and only occurs on the north coast. Cod is sold fresh or frozen, whole or filleted and is available year-round.

Management

Like other groundfish, Pacific cod is caught with longline and bottom trawl gear. The Pacific cod fishery on the West Coast is managed by NOAA Fisheries and the Pacific Fishery Management Council under the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan.