Scientific Name: Pleuronectes quadrituberculatus

US Market Names: Plaice

Canada Market Names: Plaice, Alaska Plaice

Flesh & Flavour: Alaska Plaice flesh is moderately oily - white - tender and offers a mild flavour.

Similar to other members of the Flatfish Family - Alaska Plaice have eyes on the same side of their head. Alaska Plaice can grow to be 60 cm long - however, the majority of landings are approximately 30 cm long.

Alaska Plaice live on the bottom of the continental shelf - at depths up to 1,968 feet. This Flatfish finds its home in the Northern Pacific Ocean - ranging from the Gulf of Alaska in the east - to the Chukchi Sea in the north – and the Sea of Japan in the west.

In general - Pacific Flatfish populations - including Alaska Plaice are considered healthy. The most common method of catch for this species is bottom-trawling. This fishing method may result in considerable habitat degradation and has significant bycatch concerns. Still - Pacific Flatfish are a good alternative to Atlantic Flatfish species - which are overfished.

Fishy Fact: Although considered one of the better-quality Flatfish species in Alaska - Plaice are not the target species for many commercial fisheries? The majority of landings are accidental - caught by trawlers who are targeting other bottom fish.