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Squid
Squid, also known as calamari, are prized for their mild and subtly sweet taste. Hundreds of squid species inhabit the world’s oceans, although the majority of commercial catches are comprised of only a few species. Argentine squid (Illex argentinus)—One of several species of imported squid, Argentine squid is found off the eastern coast of South America, near Argentina and the Falkland Islands. Fishermen attract the squid with lights and catch them using jigging machines, which move fishing lines and lures up and down in the water column. There is also a bottom trawl fishery for Argentine squid on the Patagonian shelf. Catches in 2004 were the lowest on record, possibly caused by colder-than-normal sea surface temperatures. Management appears to be especially successful in the Falkland Islands, but illegal fishing hinders success in Argentine waters. California Market squid (Loligo opalescens)—This species’ range extends from southeastern Alaska to Baja California. In 2004, almost 41,000 MT (90 million pounds) were landed in California, worth $19.5 million, a substantial amount of which is used for bait. Fishermen draw schools of squid to the surface at night using high intensity lights, then catch them with purse and drum seines. Longfin squid (Loligo pealei)— Landings of this East Coast squid totaled 13,500 MT (30 million pounds) in 2004. The majority of catches were taken in Rhode Island, with lesser amounts from New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts. Longfin appears abundant and has recovered from its overfished status. It is mostly caught in otter trawls, but fishermen also utilize mid-water trawls, pound nets, and fish traps. Shortfin squid (Illex illecebrosus)— Also known as Northern shortfin squid, this highly migratory squid species generally supports a smaller market than other squid species, although catches in 2004 reached a record 25,400 MT (56 million pounds). Shortfin squid range from Labrador to Florida. Abundance fluctuates, but populations are believed to be healthy. Fishery managers limit catches as well as access to the fishery to prevent overfishing.CONSERVATION NOTESSquid are highly sensitive to changes in oceanographic conditions, such as sea temperature; recruitment and reproduction can fluctuate dramatically on a seasonal or annual basis. Such variability makes it difficult to assess the abundance of squid; the status of many populations is unknown. Squid live fast and die young; most species complete their entire life cycle within one year. This, along with the fact that most squid spawn year-round, makes these species inherently resilient to fishing pressure. Many predators, including marine mammals, seabirds, and fish rely on squid as an important source of prey. Fishery managers and scientists have not yet assessed whether squid populations are abundant enough to provide adequate amounts of prey while sustaining the fisheries.IN SEASON
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© 2006 Seafood Choices Alliance