Atka Mackerel

14

Atka mackerel can live up to 14 years.

1990

Despite the long culinary history of Atka mackerel worldwide, the US commercial fishery has only been operating since 1990.

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The Alaska Atka mackerel fishery is certified under two independent certification standards for sustainable fisheries, RFM & MSC.

Atka mackerel is packed with long chain omega-3 fatty acids DHA & EPA.

• The high oil content in Atka mackerel is largely composed of omega-3 fatty acids. The omega-3’s in Atka Mackerel are primarily DHA and EPA, the most studied, beneficial, and readily usable by the body.
• Benefits of DHA & EPA Omega 3s:
  • Improved heart health
  • Improved brain function
  • Vital nutrient for growth and development of prenatal babies and infants

DV = Daily Value // 3.0 oz = 85g Source: USDA Standard Reference Release 28

Wild Alaska Atka mackerel is harvested primarily from September through November in the Bering Sea.

Alaska Atka mackerel are harvested by trawling and jigging.

In Alaska, protecting the future of both the Atka mackerel stocks and the environment takes priority over opportunities for commercial harvest. The Alaska population of Atka mackerel is estimated from scientific research surveys. Managers use survey data to determine the “TOTAL AVAILABLE” population, identify the “ALLOWABLE CATCH” and set a lower “ACTUAL CATCH” limit to ensure that the wild population in Alaska’s waters will always be sustainable.

• Atka Mackerel are an important food for the endangered western Steller sea lion, a fact managers take into consideration when setting the catch limits by spacing out the harvest both geographically and temporally

Certification

The Alaska Atka mackerel fishery is certified under two independent certification standards for sustainable fisheries:

• Alaska Responsible Fisheries Management (RFM)
• Marine Stewardship Council (MSC)

Wild Alaska Atka mackerel is available frozen year round.

Due to its high oil content, Japanese followed traditional methods of salting and drying Atka Mackerel in the sun to prevent spoilage. Now a beloved dish, the practice continues today simply for the flavor.

Find Alaska Atka mackerel in your local grocer in the frozen section Unsure about origin? Just #AskforAlaska.
Purchase directly from sellers using our supplier’s directory (search for “sells to consumers”).

Look for convenient frozen fillets of wild Alaska Atka mackerel in your local grocer. This mild but flavorful whitefish has a high oil content, so is difficult to overcook. Perfect for grilling, broiling and frying.