Producing high-value pollock products such as fish sandwiches sold in restaurant chains such as McDonald's has been the primary focus of Alaska pollock producers this year, and, as a consequence, surimi production is slipping while wholesale costs for the product remain high.

Data from the Genuine Alaska Pollock Producers (GAPP) trade group show surimi production is 7 percent behind last year's levels through late July. GAPP data also show surimi production lagging behind 2021 levels since June, when "B" season fishing started.