Bristol Wave Seafoods

The Longline Cod Fishing Process: From the Bering Sea to the Freezer Hold

Setting Gear

Bait is added to each hook by a machine called an auto-baiter. A “longline” is attached to buoys at each end and fed out into the waters of the Bering Sea, with thousands of individual baited hooks attached.

Frontier Explorer Setting 1

Frontier Explorer Setting 2

Frontier Explorer Setting 3

Frontier Explorer Setting 4

The Roller

As the line is hauled back onboard the vessel, the deckhands man the “roller,” ensuring that each fish makes it onto the conveyer system and into the factory.

Frontier Spirit Hook Through

Frontier Spirit Roller

Frontier Explorer Hook Through

Bleeding

As fish enter the factory, the blood is drained to preserve the quality of the final product.

Frontier Explorer Bleeder

Frontier Spirit Bleeder

Heading

After each fish has been bled, the heads and collars are removed.

Frontier Explorer Collars

Frontier Mariner Collars

Panning

The processed fish are sorted by size in metal pans and quick frozen for packaging.

Frontier Explorer Panning

Frontier Mariner Panning

Freezer Break & Bagging

The frozen fish blocks are passed quickly through water and knocked clear of the pans so they can be packaged.

Frontier Spirit Freezer Break 1

Frontier Spirit Freezer Break 2

Frontier Spirit Freezer Break 3

Frontier Explorer Freezer Break 1

Frontier Explorer Freezer Break 2

Frontier Spirit Bagging

Remember that everything you charge will be collected back later, so it’s best to limit purchases to what is necessary. If you’re not sure what you need, our experienced crew members and officers can help.