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The Story Behind Pollock Fishing, The Northwest's Other Big Catch

Pollock — it’s not something you put on your grocery list or order at a restaurant. But you’ve probably eaten a lot of pollock, which makes up the largest fishery for human consumption. Fake crabmeat in sushi rolls, McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish Sandwich and Burger King’s Premium Alaskan Fish Sandwich are all made up of pollock. And the same goes for just about every fish stick.

These silvery fish, which get to be shy of 5 pounds before they’re caught, supplies 40 percent of the world’s whitefish. Most of the people who bring this food to the table are Northwest fishermen, and their catch nets huge profits for Seattle-based companies.

Read more on our companion site, Quirksee.org >>>

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Jennifer Wing is a former KNKX reporter and producer who worked on the show Sound Effect and Transmission podcast.