How Is Fresh Halibut Shipped? FAQ

When it comes to answering FAQs like “How is fresh halibut shipped?” Prime Fresh Handling digs into the many years of experience we have to bring the answer to this, and more, to our readers and customers. Shipping seafood of any kind can be tricky and, if not done right, possibly smelly and messy work. Have no fear. Prime Fresh offers high-quality services to ensure that smelly and messy stay out of the process. 

Let’s dive into some of the most frequently asked questions about fresh halibut. 

What Is Halibut Fish?

Halibut is a large fish that is part of the flounder family. They live on the bottom of the seabed and can be found in the North Pacific, North Atlantic, and Arctic Oceans. There are three different halibut types or species:

• Pacific
• Atlantic 
• Greenland Halibut (Turbot)

Pacific halibut is the main source of proteins for Alaska Natives and Canadians’ First Nation coastal communities. It can also be found from California to the Bering Seas in Alaska. Their population also reaches all the way to Russia and Japan, but the fish there are handled in different stocks. 

Atlantic halibut can be found from Virginia to Disko Bay in Greenland. It is also one of the largest flatfishes in the world, with the possibility of reaching up to 15 feet in length. 

Greenland halibut (Turbot) is a predatory fish that can be found in depths of up to 3,300 ft below the surface. An interesting fact about this halibut type is that it is a right-eyed fish. As it continues to develop, the left eye will migrate across the skull toward the other eye on the right side. 

What Is the Packaging For When Halibut Is Shipped?

When dealing with shipping any kind of fresh fish, the packaging and cooling technology are extremely important. Starting off with an insulated styrofoam cooler packed inside a corrugated cardboard box that has rags lining the inner walls is the best way to go. The rags for the inner walls will catch runoff from any ice melting or ice packs that could cause damage to the outer layers of the packaging. 

How to Keep Halibut Fresh?

Most shipping companies offer specially designed cold shipping containers and boxes. Some of the containers come with cold chain management technology, like a one-time chilling unit that will be activated once packed up. If the company you use doesn’t offer that technology, then here are other ways to keep halibut types cool:

• Wet Ice
• Dry Ice
• Gel Packs

If the dry ice method is chosen, be sure not to use it in an airtight container. Dry Ice releases carbon dioxide, which will cause a rise in pressure to the point where the package could explode. Shipping companies have rules and regulations to follow, especially when it comes to using dry ice. Ensure you are familiar with these before starting the process. 

Contact Prime Fresh Handling

If there are further questions about our seafood logistics or our work in other industries, contact us today! Our care for our readers is as high quality as the services we provide.