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Mushy Halibut Syndrome Causes Fishing FrustrationFirst there were restrictions on king salmon, now there is a problem with halibutRelated Content
ANCHORAGE - It’s a frustrating time to be a fisherman in Alaska. First there were restrictions on king salmon, now there is a problem with halibut. The concern is over a condition that is being called "mushy halibut syndrome." State Fish and Game officials said they are seeing more of the problem in Cook Inlet, especially in the waters off Ninilchik and Homer. Lab tests indicate the problem is a form of malnutrition – not a parasite or disease. “It’s not a disease that is going to be contagious or hurt people if they eat the fish,” said Sportfish spokesperson Ken Marsh. “But the fish aren’t very pleasant to eat. They don’t firm up, even when you put them in the oven.” Halibut with the syndrome tend to have flesh that is gelatinous, soft and flabby. They may seem more lethargic after being caught and can even look wrinkly. Biologists said the best advice for people who suspect they have a fish that isn’t healthy, is to throw it back. “If it doesn’t seem to be a healthy robust halibut, if it seems mushy or flabby, go ahead and let it go and catch yourself a healthy one. It’s not like every other fish has this, maybe one in ten, maybe one in twenty. The next fish you catch is probably going to be a good one,” said Marsh. Marsh said the condition is a cycle and seems to run in pockets. Moving even a half-mile away from a spot where a bad fish was caught will likely have better results. Marsh said so far the problem has been confined to smaller fish and that no commercially caught halibut have been reported as having the condition. |
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AnnieP said on Monday, Jul 9 at 9:16 AM
Sounds like Kudoa to me. Common parasite in wild fish. Nice try at claiming it isn't to keep marketing a poor product.
95913435common said on Friday, Jun 29 at 9:55 AM
Remember the major natrual and human misshap in Japan? This is the result.
94955081pionyr17 said on Thursday, Jun 28 at 9:41 AM
the halibut are suffering from pollution and toxins that affect what they eat.energy and mining are destroying our planet, but lets keep right on poluuting,tearing at the earth, dumping and poisoning the water.remember profits are all that matter!!
94846036steve ellis said on Thursday, Jun 28 at 9:28 AM
Mr Wheelers comment reflect a lack of knowledge about longline halibut harvesting. I have not seen wasted halibut nor do I know anyone that does. Yes there are some wasted on huge dragnet boats as bycatch. That seems to be a problem that won't go away. But don't paint the people that catch your halibut with the same brush. There is little waste on a halibut catcher.
94844636bobbing for apples said on Thursday, Jun 28 at 12:34 AM
Wow. You are an idiot!!! Where did your stupidity come from, William? I have to admit, you made no point, your idea is of the moronic trailer trash, no brain idiot I have ever even read. I have become dumber, for having read it. I can tell, you have NO idea of what happens on a boat. I have NEVER heard of what you have stated, and I have commercial fished for 20 yrs. I have seen the chaters use chumming, but what you have come up with...well, it's stupid.
94804416William Wheeler said on Wednesday, Jun 27 at 7:43 PM
I'm sure this has nothing to do with commercial fishermen dumping thousands of pounds of halibut bycatch chummed up, destroyed, & thrown back into the food chain... No couldnt possibly be that... Right... As long as they get to keep the best of the catch for that premium dollar... Who cares if the species is destroyed in the process year after year? Whatever. Will serve them all right when they loose their livelihoods as they over-fish the species to extinction in the region. Companies need to stop rewarding these captns that are only bringing in the choice meat of the catch for the highest bounties. Behind them are thousands of dead younger halibut that will never replenish the species after being through the bycatch processing. Insist on better bycatch monitoring and heftier penalties for the blatant waste of useable fish (just not as valuable cause not big enough for top bounty).
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