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Pollachius virens is an important commercial fish species found in the North Atlantic Ocean. This species is known by several English common names-most notably “saithe,” “coalfish,” “coley,” and, in North America, “Atlantic pollock.” Understanding the English name for Pollachius virens involves exploring its usage in British and American contexts, as well as its significance in fisheries, gastronomy, and marine biology.
Pollachius virens is sold under several English names depending on the region. In the United Kingdom, it is commonly called saithe, coley, or coalfish, while in North America, it is generally referred to as Atlantic pollock. Both “coalfish” and “pollock” are used in the United States, where Pollachius virens is often grouped with its close relative Pollachius pollachius under the name “pollock.”
The name “coalfish” is thought to arise from the darker colour of its raw flesh compared to other white fish, a feature that gives it a distinctive appearance. “Coley” is also widely used in the UK fish industry and culinary settings. "Boston blue" is a less common trade name sometimes applied in the North American market.
The multiplicity of names reflects the fish’s wide-ranging distribution and culinary importance across Europe and North America.
Pollachius virens is a member of the cod family (Gadidae), sharing similarities with P. pollachius (European pollock) and Gadus species (true cods and Alaska pollock). Distinguishing features of P. virens include approximately equal upper and lower jaw lengths, a straight lateral line, and a body color that is bright silver with a very dark green back. The lateral line of P. virens differs from the noticeably kinked lateral line of P. pollachius.
Pečená treska: jednoduchý recept
P. virens typically has relatively smaller eyes and a firm, flaky flesh. The species can grow up to 130 cm in length and weigh as much as 32 kg, though most commercially caught specimens are between 55 and 120 cm in length.
While P. virens is often called pollock in the US, the Alaska pollock or walleye pollock (Gadus chalcogrammus) is a different species concentrated in the northern Pacific Ocean.
Atlantic pollock (Pollachius virens) inhabits both inshore and offshore zones of the North Atlantic, from the Barents Sea and Iceland to the Bay of Biscay in the eastern Atlantic, and from southwest Greenland and the Hudson Strait to North Carolina in the western Atlantic, though it is less common at the extremes of this range.
Saithe is both a demersal and pelagic fish and can be found at depths between the ocean’s surface to 450 metres, typically inhabiting 75-200 metres. The species displays notable seasonal migrations, moving into coastal areas during spring and returning to deeper waters in winter.
Large shoals form where there is abundant food. Juvenile saithe eat crustaceans and small fish such as sandeel; adults prefer krill and small fish like Norwegian pout and blue whiting.
Tmavá houbová omáčka: Tradiční postup
Coalfish is edible and has commercial value, although it is considered less valuable than premium whitefish such as cod and haddock. Saithe is often caught in mixed fisheries along with other groundfish such as cod and whiting.
Fishing methods include Danish seine nets, trawlers, long lines, and gill nets. The main fishing grounds for saithe are the Barents Sea, around Iceland, the Faeroe Islands, the North Sea, and the Celtic Sea. Annual landings in the eastern Atlantic have fluctuate between 300,000 and 700,000 tonnes between 1980 and 2017. In the western Atlantic, the commercial catch by USA and Canada varies from 5,000 to 45,000 tonnes per year.
| Fishing Grounds | Annual Landings (tonnes) (1980-2017) |
|---|---|
| Eastern Atlantic | 300,000-700,000 |
| Western Atlantic (USA, Canada) | 5,000-45,000 |
Saithe often congregate around fish farms and feed on uneaten salmon feed, which can affect the quality of the fish. Fishermen report that fish caught near farms are of lower quality in texture and taste.
The flesh of coalfish is characteristically darker than other white fish, turning clear white upon cooking. Its firm texture makes it versatile and easy to handle, suitable for deep frying, fishcakes, or croquettes. Saithe is highly appreciated in France, often salted and smoked to produce a salmon-like orange color.
The taste of Atlantic pollock is more characteristic and concentrated than with other white fish, making it a popular choice for those seeking a richer fish flavor. In several countries, including the United Kingdom, it is consumed as a cheaper, yet quality alternative to cod or haddock.
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Coalfish pollock is rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, B-vitamins, and selenium, providing several health benefits, such as reducing inflammation and improving heart health. The fish is also used in the production of domestic feline food products, highlighting its significance beyond human consumption.
The etymology of “Pollachius” is believed to come from a Scottish dialect word “podlock,” meaning bumpfish. “Saithe” is the reference word in Oxford English Dictionary, while “coalfish” appears in several British fisheries guides. "Pollock" as an English word may apply to both Pollachius virens and Polachius pollachius, leading to confusion in labeling, especially in commerce.
Historically, saithe was consumed as a less fashionable species, but its popularity has risen in recent years as overfishing of cod and haddock has shifted market preferences. It is now found in most supermarkets as fillets or freezer products.
| Region | Common English Name |
|---|---|
| United Kingdom | Saithe, Coalfish, Coley |
| United States & Canada | Atlantic pollock, Pollock |
| General Trade | Boston blue (rare) |
As a versatile and nutritious fish, Pollachius virens continues to play an important role in commercial fisheries and in the diets of many countries, sometimes overshadowed by its more expensive relatives but steadily gaining recognition in the global seafood market.
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