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Cuttlefish
Sepia officinalis
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BIOLOGY
Cuttlefish belong to a specialised group of molluscs, known as cephalopods, which includes octopus and squid. They move into shallow coastal waters to breed in spring and summer. Females only breed once, and die soon after laying their eggs, which are known as 'sea grapes'. Cuttlefish can attain body lengths of up to 30cm.
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ADVICE
Taking cuttlefish in traps is generally a more selective fishing method and less damaging than trawl fishing. However, cuttlefish are caught in traps when they come into inshore waters to lay their eggs and when eggs are laid on the traps they are destroyed during harvest. Where available, look for cuttlefish taken in fisheries where measures have been adopted to protect cuttlefish eggs, e.g. Brittany. These measures include leaving egg encrusted cuttlefish traps in sheltered areas of the sea to allow the eggs to hatch, and providing a removable surface on the outside of the traps on which cuttlefish can lay their eggs. Cuttlefish also taken as bycatch in trawl fisheries.
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