The southern blue whiting (Micromesistius australis) is a codfish of the genus Micromesistius, found in the southern oceans with temperatures between 3 and 7 °C, at depths of 50 to 900 m. Its length is commonly between 30 and 60 cm, with a maximum length of 90 cm.[1] Maximum weight is at least 1350 g.[2]
In Canada, according to Canadian Food Inspection Agency regulations and the list of acceptable fish species names, "Micromesistius australis" (or southern blue whiting) can also be referred to as blue cod.[3][4] This well-known species is part of the family Gadidae and is a very versatile fish. It is most commonly filleted and served breaded or battered, but it is also well-suited to pan frying, oven baking and steaming. It has flaky white fillets and mild flavor with broad appeal to children and adults alike.
M. a. pallidus occurs around the South Island of New Zealand. Some evidence indicates southern blue whiting in this area may actually comprise multiple stocks.[5]
New Zealand southern blue whiting were the first blue whiting fisheries in the world to gain Marine Stewardship Council certification, the ‘gold standard’ for sustainable fisheries performance.[6]
^"Southern blue whiting". CFIA Fish List. Canadian Food Inspection Agency. 7 July 2010. Retrieved 6 December 2014.
^"Blue cod". CFIA Fish List. Canadian Food Inspection Agency. 7 July 2010. Retrieved 6 December 2014.
^Hanchet, S. (1999). "Stock structure of southern blue whiting (Micromesistius australis) in New Zealand waters". New Zealand Journal of Marine and Freshwater Research. 33 (4): 599–609. Bibcode:1999NZJMF..33..599H. doi:10.1080/00288330.1999.9516903.
Tony Ayling & Geoffrey Cox, Collins Guide to the Sea Fishes of New Zealand, (William Collins Publishers Ltd, Auckland, New Zealand 1982) ISBN0-00-216987-8
