These large carnivorous fish eat primarily fish and crustaceans and live in close association with the sea floor (demersal). Populations in the southern part of Puget Sound have been described as near extinction and the population in the North Puget Sound is depressed. The 2000 status review of Pacific Cod from Puget Sound found the loss of major known spawning locations in Puget Sound, the declining trends in Pacific cod abundance from Puget Sound to Southeast Alaska, and the lack of understanding about the effects of potential risk factors alarming. South and Central Puget Sound populations of this fish are listed as candidates for listing by Washington state.