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Squid (Loligo vulgaris, Loligo forbesi)

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Common name - Squid
Scientific name - Loligo vulgaris, Loligo forbesi
Rating
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Caught at sea Jigging
Capture Area North East Atlantic  FAO 27
Stock Area All Areas
Stock Detail I-IX
Summary
Loligo forbesi is the most common commercially-caught squid in UK waters, with seasonal catches for 1-3 months, usually in autumn or winter. The season differs around the coast and is associated with breeding behaviour. Loligo vulgaris tends to be more common in southern fisheries, especially in the Mediterranean, although practically they are not differentiated. Although squid are probably an under-utilised species in the UK, due to the absence of a targeted fishery, the majority of squid landings (both common species) are in Scotland, with around 82% of the UK total of 2,500t (value 6.1m) in 2009. Relatively little squid currently appears in UK outlets, with major markets predominantly European and overseas. ICES report that total landing of both squid species, plus A. subulata, was 7,063t in 2008 (ICES WGCeph, 2010).
Biology
Squid belong to a specialised group of molluscs, known as cephalopods, which includes octopus and cuttlefish. There are two main commercial squid species, Loligo forbesi (also commonly called the Atlantic, veined or long-finned squid) and Loligo vulgaris (the European or common squid). Both are members of the Loliginidae family and are widespread throughout the North East Atlantic and the Mediterranean. Although the ranges overlap significantly, the European squid tends to dominate in southern areas of the range and the Atlantic squid in the north. Squid have 8 arms plus two longer tentacles for prey capture. Like most cephalopods growth rates are high, and maximum length is around 600mm, with the mantle (triangular tube-shaped body) around 350mm. L. vulgaris is slightly smaller on average. Squid have short life spans, 2 to 3 years, reaching maturity at the end of the first year. There is a single breeding season from December to May throughout their range, and their seasonal inshore occurrence is thought to coincide with breeding behaviour. Between 5-10,000 eggs are typical. After mating and spawning females die, while males may live to breed for a second year. Cephalopods are thought to play an important role in oceanic and coastal food webs, both as prey and predators.
Stock Information
No assessment of stocks by ICES in North East Atlantic. Squid are a non-pressure or unprotected species, i.e. not subject to quota restrictions. There is no assessment of stocks by ICES and no fishery management is in place. Stock assessment, and therefore quota management for squid, is difficult for several reasons, including lack of clear cohort structure within populations/stocks and high environmental influence on breeding and recruitment. Squid stocks and their dynamics are thought to be more affected by environmental variables than fishing pressure per se. However, landings of squid worldwide have been increasing in recent years, possibly as a result of declining fish populations, and also as a consequence of ecosystem changes affecting squid abundance. Despite their high growth rates, short lifespan and other favourable fishery characteristics, better knowledge and some precautionary management appears justified. Distributions of the European squid and the Atlantic squid overlap extensively, with the European squid dominating in southern areas of the range and the Atlantic squid dominating in the north. The species are often caught together, and due to difficulties distinguishing the two species they are recorded together in landings data.
Capture Information
Jigging is a fairly specific capture method for squid, with unbaited lures being jigged in the water column and associated with lights for attracting the squid. It is more typically used where squid are being specifically targeted, as catches are efficient and largely bycatch free. There are small artisanal fisheries around the UK which specifically target squid with jigs. An example of such a fishery is the Sennan Cove squid fishery in Cornwall which uses small boats, known as punts, to go out and jig for squid.
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.