More information

Humboldt squid

Quality mark Cultivation
/Keurmerk Wild
Green
Second choice
Avoid
Welzijn
Informatie over vissoort
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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.

 

Humboldt squid

The Humboldt or jumbo squid is a large species of squid that can reach up to 1,5 m in length and can weigh as much as 50 kilograms. This species can be found in the eastern part of the Pacific Ocean and can often be found hunting in groups of more than 1000 individuals. Its tentacles contain suckers with sharp teeth which they use to hunt.  

 

 

Humboldt squid

Dosidicus gigas
Origin

Pacific Ocean, southeast (FAO 87)

Farming- / Catch method

Purse seines, Handlines and pole lines (mechanised)

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

The stockStock:
The fish of a particular species reproducing in the same area in the same period. 
of the Humboldt squid is currently fished on a sustainableSustainable:
Meeting the needs of current generations without compromising opportunities for future generations. This also allows future generations to benefit from the same needs.
level. Due to the short lifespan of this species, population size can be highly variable. It currently appears that fishing pressureFishing pressure:
Fishing pressure is a result of the fishing effort/amount of fishing on a stock, which determines the fishing mortality. Fishing mortality is the share of the fish stock that dies annually as a result of fishing.
could have an impact on the reproductive capacity of this species.

The impact of pursePurse seines:
A ring net in which the net is circulated around a school of fish. Then the net is closed and taken in. This is also called 'purse seine'. 
seines and mechanisedMechanised hand lines and pole lines:
A collective name for pole lines, jigs and trolls. Jigs make use of lines with artificial bait that are moved up and down to imitate a prey.
handlines and pole-lines on the ecosystem seems minimal. In addition, these fishing methods do not come into contact with the seabed.

The jumbo squid is managed nationally by some 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.