Distribution data indicate that populations on Georges Bank and in the western Gulf of Maine are discrete from wolffish in the Browns Bank-Scotian Shelf area. Wolffish are sedentary and rather solitary in habit, and populations tend to be localized. Little is known about the biology of this species. They prey heavily on shellfish. Wolffish have been taken primarily as bycatch in the otter trawl fishery, although the species has been an intended component in some mixed trawl fisheries.
Recreational catches are insignificant.
The species is not presently managed. Since 1970, the U.S. nominal commercial catch has been about evenly divided between Georges Bank and the Gulf of Maine. Total Georges Bank-Gulf of Maine landings increased from 200 mt in 1970 to approximately 1,200 mt in 1984, and have since declined sharply to less than 500 mt annually since 1992. Landings were approximately 300 mt in 1998, the lowest since the early 1970s. Canadian landings have been insignificant in recent years.