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Winkle (Littorina littorea)

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Common name - Winkle
Scientific name - Littorina littorea
Rating
  • 1
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  • 5
Caught at sea Hand-gathering
Capture Area North East Atlantic  FAO 27
Stock Area All Areas
Stock Detail I-IX
Summary
Most winkles are collected or gathered by hand, which is a selective method of harvesting that causes less habitat disturbance. Minimum landing sizes for winkles vary between regions, but selecting larger, mature winkles (over 2cm) allows for them to have spawned. Choose winkles harvested by hand-gathering methods in areas which are well managed. Ask your fishmonger for details.
Biology
Winkles are gastropod molluscs (having a one-piece coiled shell) that graze on a range of algae. All species of winkle have distinct males and females. The shell size can attain about 3.5cm in length, but is usually about 2.5cm. Both males and females reach maturity at 1-1.2cm. Winkles usually live about 3 years but can survive for 4-5 years. They inhabit rocky shores in all but the most exposed coastlines, and in sheltered conditions can be found in sandy bays and mudflats, particularly in estuaries, and they are quite tolerant of brackish conditions. They are mainly intertidal but can be found at depths of 60m at the northern end of its range.
Stock Information
Winkles occur throughout the UK, although they are rare in the Channel Islands and the Isles of Scilly. Their distribution extends from Spain in the south to the White Sea (Russia) in the north. There are currently no assessments of winkle stocks in the UK. There is an important fishery for winkles in Scotland, with a reported 200 tonnes exported to the continent each year. It is likely, however, that the actual harvest is under-recorded. The level of commercial harvesting in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is lower, but it is likely that similar under-recording occurs here.
Capture Information
Hand picking or gathering causes less disturbance to the habitat on which winkles occur, and allows for a greater size selectivity. In some coastal waters of England and Wales it may be the only method permitted, e.g. Kent and Essex Sea Fisheries District. A closed season for winkles is also enforced here from 15 May to 15 September.
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.