Saving Seafood

California’s Squid Fishery: The Largest in the U.S. and an Economic Powerhouse

November 25, 2024 — California holds a unique distinction in the United States as home to the largest squid fishery by both volume and revenue. While most Americans might think of squid as a side dish or appetizer at seafood restaurants, in California, market squid fishing has a deep-rooted history and serves as a significant contributor to the state’s commercial fishing economy. California’s market squid (Doryteuthis opalescens), commonly known as opalescent squid, not only drives revenue and jobs in the fishing industry but also exemplifies how sustainable practices are becoming integral to modern fisheries. From humble beginnings to MSC-certified status, California’s squid fishery is a fascinating example of how one invertebrate species has created waves in the fishing world.

The market squid fishery in California traces back to the late 1800s when it was first established by Chinese immigrant communities. Squid were traditionally caught along the Monterey coast and processed in drying sheds before being shipped to markets in Asia. By the early 20th century, Italian and Portuguese fishers had also joined the fishery, contributing their own techniques and expanding the industry’s reach. Over the decades, demand for California squid has grown substantially, both domestically and internationally.

While the fishery has had its ups and downs due to natural fluctuations in squid populations, advancements in fishing technology and increased demand in global markets has helped transform the fishery from a small-scale industry into a commercial powerhouse by the late 20th century. By the 2000s, California’s market squid fishery had not only stabilized but had become one of the largest and most profitable fisheries in the state. The industry now generates millions in revenue annually, rivaling other prominent California fisheries such as Dungeness crab. 

As of 2022, California’s market squid fishery reported an astonishing catch volume of over 147 million pounds, which translates to approximately $88 million in revenue. These numbers alone highlight the economic power of the fishery, yet it’s even more impressive when compared to other notable fisheries.

Read the full article at The Log

California market squid fishery nets MSC certification

August 17, 2023 — The California market squid (Doryteuthis opalescens) fishery, located off the West Coast of the U.S. state of California, has officially gained certification under the Marine Stewardship Council standard.

The fishery, which is the sole purse seine fishery specializing in squid in the U.S., started the MSC assessment process in 2022. Three companies, Del Mar Seafoods, Silver Bay Seafoods, and Lund’s Fisheries – as well as supplier Sun Coast Calamari, collaborated to start the process, which was conducted by independent certification body SCS Global Services.

Read the full article at SeafoodSource

California Market Squid Fishery Achieves MSC Certification of Sustainability

August 16, 2023 — The following was released by Lund’s Fisheries, Del Mar Seafoods, and Silver Bay Seafoods:

In a significant stride towards ocean conservation, the California market squid fishery has emerged as the latest to gain certification for sustainability under the rigorous standards set by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). The extensive evaluation was meticulously conducted by the distinguished independent third-party auditor, SCS Global Services, acting on behalf of industry leaders Lund’s Fisheries, Del Mar Seafoods, and Silver Bay Seafoods.

MSC certification, renowned for its exacting international sustainability benchmarks, represents a pivotal benchmark for responsible seafood sourcing. The certification underscores the fishery’s fulfillment of stringent criteria, including robust stock health, effective fisheries management policies, and minimal environmental impact, as stipulated by MSC guidelines.

“Over the course of 15 months, SCS Global Services assessed of the California market squid fishery, evaluating its fishing practices, environmental impact, and management system against the best practices set forth by the Marine Stewardship Council,” said Jason Swecker, SCS’ Managing Director of Seafood. “This MSC certification not only acknowledges the fishery’s achievement but also highlights the industry’s collective strides towards sustainability.”

SCS Global Services’ final report lauds the fishery’s strengths, highlighting “documented adaptable management strategies, regular management reviews,” alongside “rigorous dockside sampling, minimal bycatch, and the implementation of innovative ecosystem-based management strategies.”

Wayne Reichle, President of Lund’s Fisheries, underscored the significance of collaborative efforts, emphasizing, “Aligning with two esteemed California squid producers, alongside SCS and MSC, reaffirms our commitment to the enduring viability of the California market squid fishery. As pioneers in sustainable seafood, our legacy spans three generations, a testament to the dedication of our fishermen, plant employees, and valued customers. The MSC certification distinguishes us as the sole U.S. seafood producer engaged in harvesting, processing, and distributing all three MSC-certified domestic squid species.”

Carter Goetz, In-House Counsel for Del Mar Seafood, echoed the sentiment, stating, “At the core of our family-operated enterprise, spanning three generations, lies an unwavering devotion to sustainability and the preservation of our oceans. The MSC certification for the California market squid fishery epitomizes our continuous mission to foster a thriving future for both our enterprise and the marine ecosystem.”

Cora Campbell, President and CEO of Silver Bay Seafoods, said, “Silver Bay Seafoods participates in many MSC certified fisheries in Alaska. Expanding our relationship to encompass the California market squid fishery is a natural next step to offering our customers across the globe access to a full suite of certified products.”

With a century-old legacy, the California market squid fishery casts its footprint across both Northern and Southern California, notably in the vibrant locales of Monterey Bay and Ventura County. As the sole purse seine fishery specializing in squid in the nation, it stands as a beacon of responsible practices, exemplifying steadfast efforts to minimize bycatch and enhance industry-wide environmental stewardship. The global demand for market squid, particularly in Europe and Asia, amplifies its significance, further fueled by a burgeoning appetite for sustainably sourced squid domestically.

Alliance of Historic California Squid Producers Achieves MSC Certification

August 2, 2o23 — California’s historic market squid fishery is making history again: It has achieved Marine Stewardship Council certification.

The premier market squid fishery in California has a long history, dating back to the mid-1800s, when Chinese immigrants fished out of skiffs in Monterey Bay, using torches of burning fat pine to attract squid. Now, an alliance of six historic California squid processors recently announced that California’s market squid fishery has achieved MSC certification, the recognized pinnacle of sustainability in fishery management.

The California market squid purse seine fishery also is being evaluated under a different certifier, for a different client group.

The Alliance of California squid processors includes Cal Marine Fish Company, Monterey Fish Company, Southern Cal Seafood, Southern Coast Trading, Neptune Foods and J. DeLuca Fish Company. The group represents multiple generations of fish buyers and fishermen, dating back 80 years or more, who have produced the lion’s share of the market squid landed in the Golden State, according to a press release from the group.

Read the full article at Seafoodnews.com

Warmer ocean temperatures spawn California market squid boom

July 23, 2023 — U.S. West Coast fishers are enjoying a monumental season for California market squid.

A cool, wet beginning of the year has helped created ideal spawning conditions for the squid (Doryteuthis opalescens), which grow around eight to 10 inches and live six to nine months. With a geographic range stretching from Alaska to Mexico, California market squid spawn from April to November off the coast of California. Fishermen target the squid shortly after they spawn to ensure the health of the population. However, little is known about their population abundance as no study has ever been carried out by NOAA.

Read the full article at SeafoodSource

California Market Squid Fishery Begins MSC Assessment

November 23, 2022 — The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Fisheries Standard assessment process has begun for the California market squid fishery.

Over a month ago, SeafoodNews covered how squid purse seiners and processors in the state were looking to land MSC certification.

Del Mar Seafoods, Silver Bay Seafoods and Lund’s Fisheries, supplied by Sun Coast Calimari, have engaged with independent certification body SCS Global Services to complete the assessment of the fishery against the MSC Standard.

The aforementioned coalition explained that the California market squid fishery is the largest commercial squid fishery by tonnage in the U.S. with the squid serving as a popular option as calamari due to its flavor.

US squid catchers turn to innovation, MSC in push to boost consumption

May 13, 2019 — The US’ two largest squid catchers and suppliers are taking a similar tack when it comes to plans to boost consumption of their species: product innovation at home targeted at millennials, and the recent Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification of their fisheries to open up new markets, particularly in Europe.

The companies –Narragansett, Rhode Island-based The Town Dock and Cape May, New Jersey-based Lund’s Fisheries — recently teamed up to receive MSC approval for the US Northwest northern shortfin squid (Illex Illecebrosus) fishery. This comes nearly a year after obtaining the MSC’s stamp for the US Northeast longfin inshore squid (Loligo pealeii) bottom trawl fishery last year, the world’s first MSC certification for a squid species. The two firms also catch California market squid (Doryteuthis opalescens) and harvest or procure a wide range of other squid and fish species.

Americans don’t consume a lot of squids — in 2015, the average US consumer ate around four ounces per year, roughly equivalent to a serving of fried calamari rings. That’s where the opportunity lies, Jeff Reichle, Lund’s president, told Undercurrent News.

Read the full story at Undercurrent News