APPENDIX III APPENDIX III 
Work is being carried out by NMFS to improve methods of 
utilizing species of fish that generally are neglected. Sever- 
al problems to overcome exist in their work: (1) bottom fish 
develop rancid flavors during frozen storage, and to a degree 
dependent on species, off-flavors or fishy flavors can de- 
velop, (2) resistance to using fish as a meat replacer or 
extender exists, and (3) it will be necessary to work with 
meat processors while they adjust to using fish in their 
products. 
Market development 
Many bottom species have the common characteristics of 
light-colored flesh, low oil content, good texture, and rel- 
atively mild flavor. The most acceptable of these are cod, 
haddock, both the Pacific Ocean perch and Atlantic Ocean 
perch, and a variety of flounders and soles. Few of the 
species of bottom fish that are underexploited by U.S. fisher- 
men have the desirable flesh characteristics of these species. 
Because the American consumer has refused to buy and use 
more than a few choice species of attractively displayed fish, 
these fish have not been harvested by our fishermen. 
An NMFS analysis of seafood industry representatives 
contacted in 1974 showed that Alaska-produced pollock would 
have competitors in the market place. Poultry, hamburger, 
bologna, vegetable proteins, other low-cost fish such as 
whiting, Atlantic Ocean perch, and local fresh species--al- 
most any protein food under $1 per pound retail--are major 
competitors. Most buyers questioned indicated that a reduction 
in price of seafood items would be needed to lower the 
difference between seafood and beef and poultry. 
Because the United States is so dependent upon foreign 
seafood imports, potential Alaska groundfish producers, with 
their relatively small initial production, will be extensively 
influenced by developments in world markets. The United States 
probably cannot compete in the pollock block market unless 
U.S. production costs can be competitive with Japan and other 
foreign suppliers to U.S. markets. The Republic of Korea, 
which is developing its North Pacific pollock fishery, is now 
competing with Japan in the Alaska pollock block industry. 
The Republic of Korea's pollock block prices in 1974 averaged 
10 to 20 cents less per pound than the Japanese product, al- 
though the quality reportedly was not always as good. 
130 
