Technical Report No. 447 1974 •

Home , Berryteuthis, Galiteuthis armata, Hooked squid, Squid as food

FISHERIES RESEARCH BOARD OF CANADA TECHNICAL REPORT NO. 447 1974 •

... FISHERIES RESEARCH BOARD OF CANADA Technical Reports

FRB Technical Reports are research documents that are of sufficient importance to be preserved, but which ·for some reason are not appropriate for primary scientific publication. No restriction is placed on subject matter and the series should reflect the broad research interests of FRB.

These Reports can be cited in publications, but care should be taken to indicate their manuscript status. Some of the material in these Reports will eventually appear in the primary scientific literature.

Inquiries concerning any particular Report should be directed to the issuing FRB establishment which is indicated on the title page. FISHERIES AND MARINE SERVICE TECHNICAL REPORT NO. 44 7

THE SQUID OF BRITISH COLUMBIA AS A POTENTIAL FISHERY RESOURCE -

A PRELIMINARY REPORT

S.A. Macfarlane and M. Yamamoto

Fisheries and Marine Service Vancouver Laboratory Vancouver, B.C. TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page No. I. INTRODUCTION 1

II. BIOLOGICAL ASPECTS 3

III. COMMERCIAL ASPECTS 8 A. Fishing Methods 8 B. International Squid Fisher,y 15 c. Status of Squid in British Co1uabia 19

IV. NUTRITIONAL ASPECTS 27 v. PROCESSING 28

VI. DISCUSSION 30

VII. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 32

VIII. REFERENCES 33 1.

I. INTRODUCTION

Available catch statistics from 1965 through 1971 indicate • that world-wide landings of squid totalled roughly 700,000 metric tons annually. An additional 100,000 metric tons of cuttlefish and about 160,000 metric tons of octopus were also landed annually.

Apart from the well-established squid fishery in the Monterey area of California and the relatively minor inshore squid fishery off Newfoundland, the North American fishing industry has tended to ignore the possibility of further exploitation and utilization of this resource. It is obvious that poor market demands in past years have had a depressing efl'ect upon any possibility of expanding the North American squid fishery.

Indeed, this poor demand for squid is reflected in prices paid to Cali- fornian fishermen in 1969-1970, namely, 2-4¢ per pound. Canned squid and frozen squid prices brought about 10¢ per pound. In the past year, however, a dramatic increase in u.s. squid prices has occurred. Prices paid by British Columbia fishing firms for frozen Californian squid in 1973 were about 23¢ per pound; the opening price in 1974 soared to about 43¢ per pound. Frozen imported squid currently retails for 79¢ per pound locally. If the steady increase in the price of imported squid should conti~ue, it immediately suggests the feasibility of harvesting and utilizing our own squid resources. Considerable studies on the biology of squid in the l':onterey a1·ea of California have been done, but little information is available regarding this particular fishery resource in other regions of the 2.

Northeast Pacific. Certainly, no research (other than taxonomic studies) has been done on B.C. squid. Accordingly, if a potential squid fishery does exist in B.C. coastal waters, much more informa tion than that which exists now should be made available to inter ested parties. Accordingly, this report was prepared to summarize infor mation gathered thro~gh a survey of existing literature and published reports. In addition, much information was obtained through personal interviews with university staff members, Fisheries Service personnel, and with fishermen and fish plant managers having extensive 'experience in the B.C. fishing business. 3.

II. BIOLOGICAL ASPECTS

No attempt will be made here to include a detailed review of fundamental studies done on squids. Nonetheless, we believe that a brief description of squid biology in general, and Loligo opalescens in partic ular, would be appropriate in view of the potential economic importance of this species in local waters.

Squid and cuttlefish belong to the Phylum Mollusca, Class

Cephalopoda, Orders Teuthiodea (squid) and Sepioidea (cuttlefish). Both squid and cuttlefish possess ten arms. Eight of the ten arms are rather short ("sessile arms"). The two remaining arms ("tentacular anns") are often much longer than sessile arms in some species.

MANTLE ~

PEN ~ TENTACULAR ARM

Fig. 1. Loligo opalescens

All squid species possess a chitinous skeleton or "pen" embedded in the mantle. If the pen is reinforced b;y a calcareous substance, it is called a "cuttlebone"; cuttlefish possess such calcareous pens. Although many species of squid are known to inhabit the coastal waters of B.C., most of these cannot be seriously considered at the present time to be of any economic importance due to scarcity, habitat or size. Nevertheless, a brief description of some taxonomic studies that have been done appears to be indicated. Mercer (1968) has listed 14 teuthoid species of squid and one sepioid species. More recently, Bernard (1970) has compiled the following list of 16 species of squid which are found in B.C. coastal waters: Rossia pacifica Loligo opalescens Histioteuthis dolfleini Cranchia scabra Taonius pavo

Abraliopsis ~ Octopoteuthis sicula Todardes pacificus Gonatus anonychus (Berryteuthis) Gonatus fabricii Gonatus magister Gonatopsis borealis Onychoteuthis banksii Opychoteuthis borealijaponicus Moroteuthis robusta Vampyroteuthis infernalis

Three species of squid (Meleagroteuthis hoylei, Chiroteuthis veranyi, Galiteuthis armata) not included above, but collected and identified by Pearcy (1965) off the Oregon coast, may be presumed to inhabit B.C. coastal waters as well. Dr W.G. Fields at the University of Victoria, B.C., is currently compiling a complete glossar,y of squid for the entire North eastern Pacific region. or those squid species mentioned, only the myopsid, Loligo op&lescens, the oegopsid gonatids, Gonatus sp. and Berrzt,euthis sp., can be seriously regarded as a potentially important fisher.y resource. Addi tionally, Voss (1973) suggests that Todardes pacificus (common Japanese squid) might be economically valuable. Loligo opalescens, the most promising squid species for commercial utilization, is the major species of squid caught off Cali fornia and is believed to be quite abundant off the coast of B.C. Accord ingl71 some aspects of its biology are described here. The information presented is largely extracted from the studies of Fields (1950, 1965) and McGowan (1954) on California squid. Presumably, much of this information is applicable to 1· opalescens on the B.C. coast. Mature 1· op&lescens is whitish and measures approximately 20-25 em (about 8-10 inches) including the tentacles. It is endemic, tends to inhabit the shallower waters of the continental shelf, and is distributed from the coast of California to the Queen Charlotte Islands, and even perhaps to Alaska. During the mating season (probably in the late summer locally), this species congregates to form large, dense schools near the sea bottom. Since the flesh of the squid is of good quality during the mating season, the harvesting of Loligo opalescens at this particular period makes good economic sense. On the other hand, most of the other species of squid are more difficult to harvest due to their pelagic nature. 6.

According to Fields (1965) the sexes are visually distinguish able since the tentacles of the males are longer than those of the

females, relative to the mantle length. Furthermore, males possess slightly larger heads and thicker arms than females. Like other species of squid, Loliso opalescens are very active predators, capable of very quick movements. They capture and teed on crustaceans, small fish and even other squid. Indeed, Fields found that 75% of spawning squid had been feeding on other squid. During non spawning periods, however, the squid's diet appears to consist of about 75% fish and 25% crustaceans. Loligo are, in turn, actively preyed upon by salmon, dogfish, tuna, halibut, ling cod, and other fish. Most marine maDIIlals, including whales, porpoises, dolphins, seals, and sea lions, also feed on squid. For example, 50 sperm whale stomachs checked by Pike (1950) indicated that squid remains were found in 7CJ1, of them. Sea birds and scavenging invertebrates, such as crabs, are active feeders of squid, especially after the squid have spawned and are in a spent condition. The spawning behavior of Loligo opalescens has been described by Fields (1950, 1965), McGowan (1954) and recently by Cousteau (1973).

During the mating season, squid congregate in massive numbers on the spawning grounds (usually a sheltered bay less than 20 fathoms or about 40 meters deep with a sandy or muddy bottom). Fertilization is effected by the male using its special hectocotylized ventral left arm to grasp the sperm packet from its penis and transferring it to the mouth of the oviduct in the mantle cavity of the female. Several males may grasp the same feutale simultaneously. The mating and spawning acts generally occur at night. 7.

The female lays up to )00 eggs encased in a jelly-like capsule which adheres to the sea bottom. Some ~ such capsules may be laid in a single night by a female s-quid. After spawning, the squid is believed to die naturally or fall prey to predators while in the spent condition.

The natural life span of Loligo opalescens is not definitely known. Fields (1965) has indicated that both males and females complete their life cycle in about three years. 8.

III. COMMERCIAL ASPECTS

In contrast to the foregoing section which dealt brieflY with some biological aspects of squid, we present in this section all infor mation that we deemed of interest to those who may consider becoming involved in a squid fishing operation on the B.C. coast. A. Fishing methods Since squid fisheries have existed for centuries, maD7 fishing techniques have been used. These methods are briefly described recently by Voss (1973) and the following summar,y is taken largely from his report

(1969).

1. Spearing and Hooking This is probably the oldest method used and is performed most successfully at night with the aid of torches, flares or electric lights. It is still used in the Orient and in the Mediterranean as a for.m of subsistence fishing. 2. Trolling or handline fishing

Either weighted jig-type lures or lures resembling female squid are trolled in the Mediterranean and in the Orient. This method is not important from a commercial viewpoint.

3. Baskets, pots ("nuaunarellas 11 ) Again, these are methods used by subsistence fishermen in the Mediterranean and are not of great canmercial interest. Baited pots are placed on the sea bottom. When they are raised to the surface, squid, cuttlefish or octopus are either found in them or near them, and can then be caught by dipnetting. 9.

4. Trapnets This method has been tested in Newfoundland with variable success. The fixed nets are hauled in morning and evening, and catches of 14,000 to 40,000 lb per day have been recorded in the Trinity Bay area of Newfoundland. 5. Lampara and seine nets Lampara nets were successfully introduced by Italian immigrants to the Monterey Bay area and the rest of California, replacing the less efficient hand-operated purse-seining methods. Since up to 20 tons of squid could be caught in a single haul with lampara nets, its introduction revolutionized the squid fisher,y in California. Lampara nets consist of a central bag :30 to 40 fathoms wide by 25-:30 fath01l8 deep, with a mesh of li". (A diagrammatic representation of a lampara net is shown in

Fig. 2). Tapered wings of 40-65 fathoms extend from each side of the central bag. The mesh size increases from 4" to 1611 towards the point.

Since the lead line is shorter than the cork line, the former is drawn together to close off the bottom (see Fig. 2) when the wings are simul taneously hauled in. Where once all lampara nets were hauled by hand, they are now all power hauled. Although smaller vessels still use the lampara net, larger boats have now generally adopted purse-seining as the more efficient method of harvesting squid. With each method, squid fishing is usually done at night using electric lamps to attract the squid. 6. Bottom trawls Since bottom trawling is recognized as an efficient method of fishing for many species of marine animals, this method may prove to be 10.

(a) CORK LINE

BAG

(b)

,•" ~ .... • •• •• ·~ CORKLINE --7 4' WING---~ '• •

BOAT

Fig. 2. Lampara net (a) basic design; (b) before and during hauling operation. (From Fry, 1931). 11.

useful for harvesting squid that have congregated in dense schools, e.g., during the mating season. Most incidental catches or B.C. squid have been taken by this fishing method, especially by shrimp trawlers equipped with fine mesh nets.

7. Mechanical jigging

Although jigging for squid mq appear at first glance to be a rather inefficient method o! ha:rTesting squid, it is rather surprising to leam how efficient modem methods of jigging can be.

Initial.ly 1 co.umercial. jigging !or squid was done manually in Japan, and later in Korea, the Philippines and other parts o! the world, including Newfoundland. In 1969 some 1200 boats took 50 1 000 tons o! squid by this method in Japan. The basic appearance of a squid jig is shown in

Figure 3.

Fig. 3. Squid jigs. 12.

For increased efficiency, numerous jigs spaced a few feet apart were joined in series. However, this made manual operations difficult, and a hand-cranked, somewhat oval drum was developed to handle the lines. More recently, motor-driven jigging devices have been installed on large Japanese deep sea squid fishing vessels. They may have as many as 22 or more such double-reel jiggers, each reel having a line with around 20 jig lures attached in series. Figure 4 shows the basic design of a mechanical jigging device. Details of structure, design and efficiency of mechanical jiggers are fully described by Quigley (1964) and by Flores (1972).

Fig. 4. Schematic diagram of a basic squid jigging device. 13.

8. Other methods The Japanese have also developed recently a continuous conveyor belt covered with barbless hooks. At the lower end of the belt is installed a light to attract the squid. The hooked squid is carried by the belt to the top where it falls off onto the deck. The efficiency of these devices, even when hand cranked, is reported to be about 600 lb per hour per belt. A novel and apparently very efficient method of harvesting squid has been tested successfully in Calif'omia and is described in Co.nercial Fisheries {Anon. 1970) and by Kato {1970). Called the "Squid Slurp", it is simply a pumping device which sucks the squid directl;y out of the water onto the boat. Using an 8-inch pipe equipped with a 1~ 1 x 3' opening and emplo;ying a pumping capacity of 1600 gallons per minute, 61,350 lb of squid were landed within 4-5 hours of operation. A bright light placed at the intake tunnel attracts the squid. During one peak period, 10 tons of squid were caught in just 15 minutes. It is also reported that when the funnel opening was enlarged to 4' x 6' , some 80 tons of squid were caught in one night. Only two crew members are required for the entire operation. The major disadvantage of this method is that the operation is difficult in rough seas. The Japanese have recentl;y been attempting to develop an echo sounding technique adapted for detecting and estimating the densit;y of

squid schools to aid in their fishing {Shibata~ !!1 1972). 14.

LIGHTS I A \ I \ , I '

DEWATERING

.. - PUMP

Fig. 5. "Squid slurp" (from Rathjen, 1973). 15.

B. International Squid Fisheey Although the world cephalopod fishery for squid, cuttlefish and octopus has existed for centuries, it acquired international prominence in the years inmediately following the Second World War, primarily due to the renewed activity of Japanese fishing fieets. Many countries that had largely ignored this natural resource are now either actively engaged in, or seriously considering, its exploitation. The magnitude of the world cephalopod fishery is summarized in Table I below. The cephalopod catch is roughly composed ot 75% squid,

10% cuttlefish, and 15% octopus.

TABLE I. World CephalopOd Catches (approximated and condensed from F .A.O. Yearbook of Fishery Statistics, 1971).

In Thousand Metric Tons

Year Squid Cuttlefish Octopus Total

1965 604 96 150 850 1966 592 90 148 830 1967 686 102 182 970 1968 928 99 193 1,210 1969 706 98 166 970 1970 697 86 157 940 1971 644 98 148 890

Voss (1973) suggests that the actual total landings of cephalopods in 1971 are probably under-estimated by about 10%, since many poorly developed countries do not maintain adequate catch statistics. Several nations are currently engaged in the squid fishery. Of these, Japan is by far the greatest exploiter of this resource. In 1969 16.

approximately 8Q% of the total world catch of squid (706,000 metric tons) was taken by Japan, whose fleet ranged all over the world, including the coast of New Zealand, the east coast of North America, and the west coast of Mexico. Table II lists this nation's catch statistics from 1959 to 1969.

TABLE II. Japanese Cephalopod Catch Statistics 1959-1969 (in tons).

Year Cephalopod Todarodes ~epia other Octopus Total pacificus spp. squids spp.

1959 589 167 480 669 19 279 38 465 50 754 1960 599 447 480 661 19 ll6 42 069 57 601 1961 513 757 383 993 19 845 53 062 56 857 1962 678 069 536 470 23 735 52 303 65 561 1963 731 024 590 647 14 937 61 538 63 902 1964 396 349 238 290 23 216 67 868 66 975 1965 577 424 396 902 20 394 82 071 78 057 1966 550 578 382 899 15 421 86 707 65 551 1967 694 978 477 012 15 736 104 100 93 130 1968 876 495 668 364 15 348 90 065 102 718 1969 682 216 478 160 16 465 95 173 92 418

From: Statistics for Marine and Freshwater Fisheries and Agriculture. Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, Japan.

South Korea also has a prominent cephalopod fisher.y. Although their fisher.y is largely seasonal in nature (July and August), the cat~hes averaged roughly 75,000 metric tons annually from 1964 to 1969. Most of their squid is processed and is exported to other countries in Southeast Asia, mainly in the dried for.m. 17.

The Peoples Republic of China is thought to be actively

engaged in the cephalopod fishery, although no recent data are avail

able. About 20 years ago, China reported catches of 50,000 metric

tons of cuttlefish and about 7,000 tons of squid (Loligo spp.).

Other countries of the Southeast Pacific (Hong Kong, Taiwan,

the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand) harvest a combined catch of 100,000

metric tons annually (Voss, 1973). Of these, Thailand is the major

exploiter, particularly since 1965 with its introduction of trawl

fisheries. Indeed, as shown in Fig. 6, Thailand has progressivel7

changed from a squid importing country to that of a net exporter.

3000 • ...... Imports Exports 2000

·~- ...... 1000 ...... ········• .. ./ ······· 1960 1964 1966 .---·1968 1970 YEAR

Fig. 6. Import and Exports of Squid and Cuttlefish by Thailand. Data from Voss (1973) (in metric tons) • • 18.

Some Mediterranean countries, namely, Spain, Portugal, Italy and Greece, have long harvested squid, mainly off the coast of Italy and North

Africa. In 1969 Italy harvested some 29,000 metric tons, predominantly cuttlefish.

The Northwest Atlantic region (east coast of Canada and the

northeast coast of the U.S.A.) is considered by Voss (1973) to be capable of supporting a substantial squid fishery. This area, particularly around Newfoundland, has been fished for squid for centuries (but not extensively) and most of the catches were used almost exclusively for bait. In recent years the Japanese have begun to exploit the off-shore squid resources for

human food, the species being mainly .!!!.!! illecebrosus. In 1968 the Newfoundland coastal squid fisheries suffered a drastic decline and did not show signs of recovery until 1970. In 1971 Newfoundland's inshore catches reached 1,750 tons, a considerable gain over previous years. Most of the

squid is exported to Norway and Portugal for use as cod bait. Estimates of potential yields of squid for this region range from 50,000 tons to several hundred thousand tons annually. The west coast of North America produces about 10,000 tons of squid annually, caught almost entirely off the coast of California near Monterey. The biology and the history of the squiq fishery in California is comprehensively described by Fields (1950, 1965), Longhurst (1969) and McGowan (1954). Most of the squid is sold either fresh or frozen; some are canned and are exported to the Philippines and Greece. Annual squid catch records have been kept since 1916, and they indicate that the catches ranged from a low of 95 metric tons ht 1922 to a high of 17,248 metric tons in 1946. Catches in more recent years were near 10,000 metric tons 19. annually. Gulland (1970) suggests that the Califomia squid harvest is grossly under-utilized and could approach 6oo,OOO tons annually. For the most part, the squid fishery in Washington State is negligible, being no more than a few tons annually. However, it is significant that in 1941 slightly over 100 tons were landed (Washington Dept. of Fisheries, Fish. Stat. Rept. 1968).

One of the richest under-developed cephalopod resources in the world is believed to be the continental shelf region of northwest Africa and the Gulf of Guinea. It is currently being exploited by the U.S.S.R., Japan, Spain and Portugal. Although octopus accounts for much (7~) of the harvest, squid and cuttlefish are exploited in consider able quantities. Voss (1973) estimates a total cephalopod potential of at least 1 or 2 million tons annually from this shelf.

World landings and estimated potentials of cephalopods are given by Voss (1973) for different regions and are reproduced in Table III and indicate that many areas may be grossly under-exploited. Voss esti mates that the total potential yield may be well over 7 million tons per year.

C. Status of SQuid in British Columbia 1. Importation of squid Considerable numbers of squid and cuttlefish are imported annually through British Columbia ports, as shown in Table IV. No figures were available for cephalopods entering through other Canadian ports. 20.

TABLE III. World Landings and Estimated Potential Landings in Different Regions (from Voss 1973).

Regions Landings Estimated potential (tons) (tons)

Northeast Atlantic 12 000 .> 100 000

Mediterranean Sea 42 000 100 000

Northwest Atlantic 27 000 500 000

Central Eastern Atlantic 300 000 1 000 000 Caribbean Sea 900 > 100 000

Southeast Atlantic ? > 200 000

Southwest Atlantic 5 400 500 000

Northeast Pacific 15 000 600 000

Central Eastern Pacific 500 >100 000

Southeast Pacific 1000 500 000

Northwest Pacific 1 000 000 2 000 000

Western Central Pacific 40 000 500 000

Southwest Pacific 500 200 000

Oceania 500 500 000

Indian Ocean 500 500 000

Total: 1 445 300 7 400 000 TABLEIV. Importation of Squid and Squid Products through B.C. Ports.

Country that is the Amount of Goods Imported in Pounds Origin of Import 1969 1970 1971 1972 to July 1973

1. Canned squid: China 3,465 6,104 6,300 Japan 630 2,526 Portugal 1,093 -- 1,231 551 Spain 1,534 -- 8,453 70 656 u.s.A. ------22,500 54 Thailand ------349

1969 1970 1971 1972 to Oct.30/73

2. Fresh, frozen, processed: Hong Kong -frozen 380 -- 11,580 6,870 11,865 If It -dried 15,932 8,602 600 330 Japan -frozen 170 60 2,905 44 Portugal -frozen 4,500 4,540 9,100 5,760 5,720 u.s.A. -frozen 127,846 191,172 131,266 240,131 119,292 China -frozen -- 90

Total importation of squid and cuttlefish: 155,550 213,094 171,435 277,252 137,936

.~ 22.

Most of the squid is imported from California and is used largely as crab bait by B.C. commercial fishermen. The cost of import ing frozen squid for bait purposes has increased from about 23¢/lb in 1973 to an opening price in 1974 of 30-43¢/lb. This rapid increase in the cost of importing bait squid is expected to stimulate interest in the harvesting of squid by B.C. fisher.men this year. 2. Abundance of squid in B.C. coastal waters To date, no survey has been conducted to assess the abundance of B.C. squid; consequently, no estimate of the sustainable yield or distribution is available. In view of the potential importance of a squid fishery in B.C. waters, we have attempted to obtain some idea of the distribution and abundance of squids by interviewing those who are actively engaged in the fishing industry. In addition, we collected data of incidentally caught squid as recorded by research cruises operated on the coast by the Fisheries and Marine Service. From these reports ·and interviews it might be speculated that a population of squid inhabits the coastal waters of British Columbia in sufficient numbers to support a modest squid fishery, particularly for Loligo opalescens. The west coast of Vancouver Island, between Barkley Sound and Tofino, and the east coast of Vancouver Island, between Victoria and Nanaimo, appear to be abundant in Loligo. Another apparently rich area is the east coast of the Queen Charlotte Islands.

A. West coast of Vancouver Island

In March, 1968, enonnous numbers of squid were observed by herring fishermen in Barkley Sound. One fisherman estimated that 10 to 15 23. ton of squid were caught for every 100 ton of herring. Around Ucluelet squid are attracted to the lights on docks and on boats during summer nights and are dip-netted with ease by local residents for food.

Records of incidental catches of squid off the west coast of Vancouver Island by Fisheries research vessels indicate that squid are occasionally caught when no other species of marine organisms are taken. For example, consider the following incidental catches of squid as recorded by Taylor (1969, 1970) and Taylor~!! (1970: A,B,C). Nov. 15/69 Location -West Coast Depth - 22-25 fathoms Catch - 25 lb juvenile squid, nothing else.

March 26/70 Location - 125° 181 x 4SO 15 1 Depth - 45-54 fathoms Catch - 85 lb squid, nothing else.

March 27/70 Location - 125° 28 1 x 4SO 30 1 Depth - 40-50 fathoms Catch - 51 lb squid, nothing else. The catches of squid in each instance are negligible from a commercial point of view. However, the reports indicate considerable problems encountered with weather conditions, tom net and missed sets, and may partly account for the low incidental catches. During our interYiews with various B.C. trawler fishermen it was reported to us that squid schools frequently give patterns on the echo-sounder much like grfq cod. Consequently, hauls have been made for grey cod only to find enormous catches of squid instead. 24.

Another indication that vast quantities of squid, presumably Loligo opalescens, abound in certain areas of the west coast of Vancouver

Island is the report that in late spring and early summer masses of Cali- fornia sea lions are regularly seen gorging themselves on squid in Barkley Sound around the Bamfield Marine Station.

B. Southeast coast of Vancouver Island Reports of large numbers of squid in the immediate vicinity of Victoria and Esquimalt in the summer of 1958 have been reported by Fields (1965). Cadboro Bay is another area where huge concentrations o! squid populations have been reported.

A seining survey for salmon, herring and smelt in 1973 by the Fisheries Service revealed the following incidental catches of squid:

Area Date Depth Catch (fathoms) {squid)

Ganges Harbour Kay 30, 1973 5 5 Welbury Bay June 1, II 3-4 1

Kulleet Bay June 5, II 4-8 30-40 Northwest Bay June 11, " 15 6

Ganges Harbour July 11, II 5 100 Ganges Harbour July 11, 11 9 1

Northwest B~ July 24, II 10 50-60

Northwest Bay July 24, II 13 100

Ganges Harbour Sept. 5, II 4-5 100 25.

In September, 1970, a Fisheries Service survey catch included 500 lb of coho grilse and a JD.iscellaneous catch of about 250 lb of squid (Loligo) at the head of Saanich Inlet.

C. Hecate Strait and Queen Charlotte Sound region Reports from several reliable sources indicate that this is one of the more promising areas locally for both Loligo and oegopsid squid fisheries. During a G.B. Reed ground fish survey (Levings, 1968) in Hecate Strait, about 1100 squid were incidentally caught in shrimp trawl

nets on the Horseshoe and Bonilla grounds, and off Rose Spit. A particularly large sighting of squid in 1972 at Big Goose

Bay on the east coast of the Queen Charlotte Islands was reported to us by w. Brillon and C. Pilfold, both commercial fishennen. Sounder readings indicated a squid mass covering 0.5 acre by 6 fathoms deep. Based on methods used for estimating herring density, Mr. Pilfold indicated that he

could easily have caught at least 20 tons of squid per set there. The Big Goose Bay area is occasionally used by halibut fishermen to harvest bait squid. Squid concentrations have been sighted in the Browning Entrance Freeman Pass area and in the White Rocke-Butterworth Rocks region.

Mr B. Wowchuck of the Fisheries Service indicated that squid was found in all major fishing grounds in Queen Charlotte Sound and Hecate Strait. Incidental catches of about 85 pounds of Loligo opalescens would very frequently appear in hauls at depths approaching 100 fathoms. Since Loligo is usually found in shallower waters, it could be speculated that 26. these incidental catches might have been much larger had these trawls been made in shallower waters. Taylor (1970) reports of squid, and only squid, being caught in a fishing survey at depths of 38-53 fathoms in Queen Charlotte Sound off the northwest tip of Vancouver Island. These reports strongly suggest that although virtually no effort has ever been directed towards the quantitative survey for, or exploita tions ot, squid in B.C. coastal waters, substantial quantities of squid are distributed along the entire coast. 2?.

IV. NUTRITIONAL ASPECTS

Although m.any immigrants from the Mediterranean countries or

from the Orient consider squid as a delicacy, North Americans, in general,

are not even modest constaers of equid. Some reasons can be given for

this lack of domestic interest in squid as food; namely, the appearance

and feel of fresh squid which is rather unappealing to most Western

housewives. However, we believe that one of the main reasons for this

lack of interest is the general ignorance of housewives concerning the

proper handling and cooking of squid.

In terms of nutritive value, squid flesh is as nutritive as

white fish flesh. Leung ~ ~ (1952) reported values for squid flesh as

shown in Table V. The values are based on 100 g flesh.

TABLE V. Nutritional Aspects of Squid Meat (per 100 g).

Food energy Protein Fat Ash Calcium Phosphorus Iron Cal. g g g g mg mg

Raw 78 16.4 0.9 1.0 12 ll9 0.5 Dried 305 62.3 4.3 6.9 46 471 2.0

About 80% of the fresh squid constitutes edible flesh. Further more, if the liver (which is rich in vitamins B2 and B12) is included, the total edible parts approach 90% of the squid weight. Thus, squid has a high ratio of edible parts compared with lllll'JY other animal species; little goes to waste. The water content of squid flesh is about 77-80%

(similar to white fish flesh). The oil content of whole squid is about 1.0-1.5%. 28.

V. PROCESSING Commercial processing techniques for squid meat include freezing, drying, canning, seasoning and smoking, and the preparation of meal. These methods are described in detail by Takahashi (1965), Zaitsev et!! (1969) and Tanikawa (1971) and will be dealt with just briefly here. Japan leads the world in the processing of squid. Recent produc tion figures indicate that the Japanese freeze 85-95% of their squid and cuttlefish catches; about 5% is dried (see Table VI).

TABLE VI. The Processing of Squid Products in Japan (1966-71). Data from F.A.O. Yearbook of Fisheries Statistics, 1971 (vol. 33), in thousand metric tons.

Commodity 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971

Squid & cuttlefish, frozen 197.5 296.3 348.7 338.1 154.7 141.9 Squid, salted 1.1 1.0 0.6 0.7 Squid, dried 21..3 25.1 27.0 14.5 11.1 8.0 Squid, pickled in salt 7.2 8.9 9.1 7.9 9.6 7.6 Squid & cuttlefish, canned 4.2 9.8 6.6 7.1 5.9 0.9

Total production 2.31.3 341.1 392.0 368.3 181.3 158.4

Other uses for squid include flavouring for fish pastes and comminuted fish preparations. A variety of methods are used for canning squid: SOlie are boiled (whole or minced), others are simpl7 seasoned with little or no cooking involved. 29.

Plain dried squid products constitute a significant volume of squid processed in Japan. The mantle is opened and the viscera and eyes removed. After washing, the squid is spread out in the sun to dry. In about three days the water content is reduced to about 5-20% of its original level. Analysis of the dried product reveals: moisture 16-25%; protein 67-71%; oil 0.8-1.6%; ash 3.9-6.4%. (Zaitsev ~ al, 1965). Squid meat has also been converted to meal. The squid is boiled, sun-dried, and powdered (yield, 15% of wet weight). Chemical analysis indicates 85% crude protein (12% total nitrogen), 12% moisture,

2% crude fat and 1.5% phosphoric acid. The composition of squid meal is similar to fish meal, except for its higher nitrogen and lower calcium phosphate content. The generally accepted method of cooking fresh squid for the dinner table is by frying or boiling. Usually the eviscerated squid is boiled very briefly to facilitate the removal of its tough outer membrane. The flesh is scored in a checkerboard pattern and frequently shallow- or deep-fried for just a few minutes at 250°-3500 F. When boiling water is used to cook squid, the water may cont.-in about i cup salt to 1 gallon water and should be boiling before the squid is added.

The squid is boiled for 15-20 minutes, and is eaten while hot. Many variations include use of soya sauce, alcoholic sauces, baking and stuffing and others. In Japan, fresh squid is often eaten raw in the fom of "sashimi". )0.

VI. DISCUSSION

It became quite clear during this survey that although much is known about the taxonomy of the squid populations in B.C. waters, little is known about their distribution, abundance, migration, mating and spawn ing habits. Taxonomic studies have revealed that many species of squid inhabit our waters. However, information necessary from a commercial aspect is unfortunatelY lacking. Of several species of squid inhabiting our coastal waters, Loligo opalescens appears to be the most promising species that might be exploited commercially. They seem to be sufficiently abundant and should be harvested with little trouble by using modern fishing equipnent and methods.

Naturally, no squid fishery will develop in B.C. until a market for our squid or squid products for human consumption develops. However, the recent dramatic increase in the price of imported squid suggests that a squid fishery for bait, at least, may begin. In fact, one B.C. fishing firm is already planning to harvest squid, not only for bait, but also for export for human consumption. If a strong lll8rket should develop for our squid for food use, it is very likely that our squid resources repre sent a valuable, and as yet untapped, renewable resource.

At present the Orient (esp. Japan, China) and the Mediterranean countries (Spain, Italy, Greece, Portugal) seem to be the most promising foreign markets. Since eating habits are slow to change, it is not likely that a large domestic market will be developed for some time.

Many nations are beginning to take interest in their squid resources. For example, Australia has begun an offshore squid fishery, 31.

despite the fact that the Japanese have exploited this area for years.

The U.S.A is seriously conte~~~plating their squid resources off the east

coast and off Washington State. A suJ"V'ey of squid stocks off the coast

of Newfoundland is being undertaken by the Fisheries ar¥l Marine Service;

size distributions, growth, maturity, parasite studies and tagging

programs are being done.

In view of the possible utilization of the B.C. squid resources

in the near future, we strongl;y reco11111end that a comprehensive study,

similar to that being done on the East Coast, also be performed on the

West Coast of Canada. 32.

VII. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

We gratefully acknowledge the co-operation and assistance of numerous people for providing the information contained in this report. We are especially grateful to: Dr W. Gordon Fields, professor, University of Victoria.

Mr E. Zyblut, Mr J.D. Buxton, and Mr B. Armstrong, Fisheries Operations, Department of the Environment, Vancouver. Mr B. Wingens, Totino. Mr W. Brillon, Prince Rupert. Dr A. Gallaugher, Prince Rupert. Mr R. Lucas, Fish Inspection Lab., Vancouver. Mr T. Perry, Fish Inspection Branch, Prince Rupert. Mr N. Venables, Fisheries Service, Vancouver. Mr T. Kimoto, Ucluelet. Dr F. Bernard, Fisheries and Marine Service, Nanaimo. Miss D. Hackie, Librarian, Fisheries and Marine Service, Vancouver Laboratory. This work was partially supported by a Department of the Environ ment service contract Purchase Order #104539 issued by the Fisheries and Marine Service, Vancouver Laboratory. JJ.

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