Family Gadidae - cods

All cod fishes live in the cold waters of the northern Hemisphere, in the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. These are deep water fishes commonly found at depths greater than 500 meters. Cod fishes have supported large commercial fisheries for Europe and North America but over fishing in recent decades has caused declines in the fishery. Cods also support large commercial fisheries in the Pacific and currently stocks are stable.

Pacific tomcod- Microgadus proximus

Remarks: Juveniles of this member of the cod family can be found during all seasons in the bay. Anglers seldom catch tomcod in the bay but the larger individuals are worth keeping. Outside the bay these fish are numerous and serve as prey to a host of predators.

Identification: The only fish in the bay which will have three separate dorsal fins and two anal fins. A small barbel is located on the chin. Body color is brown or olive above and white below with a length of 30cm.

Range: Bering Sea to central California remaining near the bottom to a depth of 219m.