SEAFOODNEWS.COM by John Sackton February 19, 2014 — It looks like the pollock fleet – both the catcher processors and shoreside producers – are really getting good roe recoveries this year.
Latest figures show that as of Feb 8th 2014, roe production was already 3580 tons. But what is impressive is that this was produced alongside 33,672 tons of surimi, deep skin, and boneless fillets.
For comparison, through February 16, 2013, 43,190 tons of fillets and surimi were produced, but only 2772 tons of roe.
This means, based on production reports, that roe recoveries are running 66% better than last year, at least at this time.
Earlier in the season, some of the pollock boats held off fishing while waiting for roe to mature. It appears that this strategy has paid off in spades, if these numbers are to be believed.
Last year, poor roe production coupled with weak prices hurt the bottom line of almost all pollock producers.
Although it is too early to get price indications on roe this year, it appears that the supply out of Alaska will take a big jump.
This story originally appeared on Seafood.com, a subscription site. It is reprinted with permission.