[x]

If you have a few seconds just before you download the Guide, we'd really like to know a little more about you so that we can keep you up to date with our campaigns and other activities.

No thanks...
Read our data protection policy
Registered Charity England and Wales No. 1004005 | Scotland No. SC037480
[x]
Sole, Lemon (Microstomus kitt)

view larger image

Common name - Sole, Lemon
Scientific name - Microstomus kitt
Rating
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Caught at sea Demersal otter trawl, Danish seine
Capture Area North East Atlantic  FAO 27
Stock Area Iceland
Stock Detail Va
Summary
The Icelandic stock is increasing in size and appears to be healthy. The fishery does not appear to be detrimental to the stock and is well regulated. The least damaging catch method is Danish seine.
Biology
Lemon sole is a widely distributed flatfish in northern European waters. Sexual maturity occurs in males at 3-4 years and at 4-6 years in females. Lemon sole may live for about 17 years and can attain lengths of over 60cm. They spawn in spring and summer, April to August.
Stock Information
Groundfish survey indices show substantial increase in both the fishable stock and juvenile lemon sole since 2000. Danish seine CPUE has doubled since the period 1993-1998. The stock appears healthy and there is no indication that current fishing effort is unsustainable.
Capture Information
Roughly 50% of the lemon sole is caught with Danish Seine and 50% with demersal otter trawl. Trawling can be associated with benthic impact, bycatch and discards. However, Icelandic fisheries management prohibits discards so this is not a problem. Choose seine net caught where possible.
Alternatives
(Based on method of production, fish type, and consumer rating: only fish rated 3 and below are included.)
Read what the consumer pages of the Good Fish Guide say about this species.