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European squid

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General

Squid & Octopuses

Squid and octopuses belong to the group of cephalopods (Cephalopoda). Two distinct species can be found, the octopuses (eight-legged) and the squids (ten-legged). European squid and cuttlefish are most common in the Northsea. Although, squid are physically related to snails and shellfish their ‘lifestyle’ is more similar to that of fish. Many squids species swim in large groups and undertake vast seasonal migrations. Squids lay eggs in the mid-water column and hunt for fish and are food for larger fish and sea mammals. Octopuses often occur more on the seabed.

 

European squid

The European squid can be found from the North Sea up to the west coast of Afrika and can be found at depths between 0 and 500 metres. These squid reproduce in shallow coastal waters and have an average lifespan of 2-3 years. The mantle of the European squid can reach up to 40 cm in length excluding its 10 tentacles.  

European squid

Loligo vulgaris
Origin

Atlantic Ocean, northeast (FAO 27)

Farming- / Catch method

Pelagic trawls, Scottish seining/flyshoot

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Fish stocks and fishing pressure
Ecosystem effects
Fishery management
Final assessment
Explanation assessment

Overall, the status of the stockStock:
The fish of a particular species reproducing in the same area in the same period. 
of the European squid is unknown. Research suggests a slight downward trend in the population in the North Sea and a slight upward trend in the English Channel.

ScottishScottish seines:
A fishing technique whereby a net with a long line (the seagulls) is pulled through the water on both sides. The ship is slowly steaming forward when getting in. Also called flyshooting
seines, or flyshoot, are likely to impact other species, including endangered and protectedProtected species:
Many marine species are protected from deliberate or intentional disturbance, capture, injury and killing, and in some cases possession or sale. Species are often protected if they play an important role in the ecosystem or are sensitive to fishing. These marine species are protected regardless of whether they are inside or outside marine protected areas.
species. However, research shows that bycatchBycatch:
Species caught next to species targeted for fishery. By-catches can consist of non-commercial species and species that are too small, and can be kept (this part is sometimes called by-product) or thrown back into the sea (discards). 
of sharks and rays is less common than previously thought. Because these fisheries largely target data-poor species, their impact on other fish species in the ecosystem is still relatively unknown. The pelagicPelagic trawls:
In pelagic trawling, a trawl is pulled through the water column. The net is not towed across the seabed.
trawl fishery is unlikely to have a major impact on the ecosystem and other species, but may produce a high proportion of discardsDiscards:
Unwanted by-catch, which is thrown back because there is no quota, the market price is too low, or the fish is below the legal minimum landing size. Discards can be alive or dead.
.

Despite the economic and ecological value of the squid, this species is not managed with specific management measuresManagement measures:
For fisheries, management measures can affect the amount of fish that can be caught, the type of gear that can be used and where fishing is and is not allowed.
. The managementManagement:
The regulations surrounding fisheries and aquaculture that ensure that production is carried out within legal frameworks and that sustainability can be assured.
of this species is not effective.

This assessment was made in part under the Knowledge Project VISwijzer and Flyshoot Fish, with the objective of gathering more information on data-poor fish species such as red gurnard.

European squid

Loligo vulgaris
Origin

Atlantic Ocean, northeast (FAO 27)

Farming- / Catch method

Bottom trawls

  • Jan
  • Feb
  • Mar
  • Apr
  • May
  • Jun
  • Jul
  • Aug
  • Sep
  • Oct
  • Nov
  • Dec
Fish stocks and fishing pressure
Ecosystem effects
Fishery management
Final assessment
Explanation assessment

Overall, the status of the stockStock:
The fish of a particular species reproducing in the same area in the same period. 
of the European squid is unknown. Research suggests a slight downward trend in the population in the North Sea and a slight upward trend in the English Channel.

BottomBottom trawls:
A fishing technique in which cone-shaped nets terminating in a codend are dragged through the water column or along the bottom.
trawls are likely to cause significant negative impacts on the ecosystem by interacting with benthic habitats and species. Bycatch of other species, including endangered and protectedProtected species:
Many marine species are protected from deliberate or intentional disturbance, capture, injury and killing, and in some cases possession or sale. Species are often protected if they play an important role in the ecosystem or are sensitive to fishing. These marine species are protected regardless of whether they are inside or outside marine protected areas.
species, is likely and often documented.

Despite the economic and ecological value of the squid, this species is not managed with specific management measuresManagement measures:
For fisheries, management measures can affect the amount of fish that can be caught, the type of gear that can be used and where fishing is and is not allowed.
. The managementManagement:
The regulations surrounding fisheries and aquaculture that ensure that production is carried out within legal frameworks and that sustainability can be assured.
of this species is not effective.

ASC label

Fish with the ASC label is farmed in a sustainable manner.

MSC label

Fish with the MSC label is caught sustainably.

Good fish

This fish is not being overfished or is being responsibly farmed, with minimal impact on the environment.

Second choice

This fish is a second choice. There are still some improvements to be made in this fishery or fish farm.

Avoid

Do not buy this fish. It's being overfished or the way it's farmed or caught has a negative impact on the environment.

Welfare

There is fish available of this species that is farmed or caught using high welfare standards.

GlobalG.A.P.

GlobalG.A.P. certified farms are doing a step in the right direction in terms of sustainability. A few species with this label are getting a better score on the VISwijzer.

Organic

Organic standards are the strictest when it comes to fish feed. They also require certain measures for animal well-being.

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