This is a large species of squid which is occasionally landed in Cornish waters, it can be identified by veined markings on the side of the body and its tentacles are tipped with clubs covered in many suckers all of the same size. This species can grow to a maximum size of 93 cm.
Veined squid are a large species that is relatively far more vulnerable to over fishing than most cephalopods, they are valuable so are targetted by trawlers and landings and stocks are experiencing a boom and bust cycle with signs of overall decline in the Celtic seas. There is no direct managment of squid fisheries and as a result this species is not recommended by Cornwall Good Seafood Guide.
Squid species are currently not separated and recorded and the Northern veined squid is a less resilient species that is arguably at greater threat, than the more commonly landed Common squid. Landings fluctuate and ICES think that current boom and bust patterns and a current decline may be signs of over fishing. There is no management for squid in the Celtic seas area.
In 2023 a total of 21 tonnes of squid (both species) were landed to Cornish ports with a value of £129k (MMO data).
Updated July 2023
Cornish waters
Line fishing or jigging for squid is a low impact and selective fishing method and the best option for sustainability
Learn moreCornish waters
Demersal trawls are large nets that are towed along the seabed and catch species living on and near the seabed.
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Cornwall Good Seafood Guide rates fish on sustainability using a scale of 1 to 5.
1, 2 and 3 are recommended, Fish to avoid are rated 5.
We use the system devised by the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) so our scores are comparable with the scores produced by MCS for the UK and fisheries from all around the world. For more information on scoring click here.
Loligo forbesii
Northern or veined squid are highly advanced predatory molluscs related to octopus and cuttlefish. They are short lived fast growing creatures. In UK waters we find two main species of squid the Atlantic or long finned sqid Loligo forbesi and the European or common squid Loligo vulgaris. Squid have 8 arms and 2 longer tentacles which are used to capture their prey. The Northern or veined squid can be identified by having multiple suckers on the tentacle clubs which are all the same size. Between December and May squid breed and lay large egg masses on the seabed. Squid will only live for 2 or 3 years After laying eggs the females die and males may continue living until the next mating season. Because of this fast turnover squid are less vulnerable to fishing than many species however the northern veined squid has a much higher vulnerability to fishing than the common squid (56% vulnerability score source sealife base).
There is no management in place to prevent overfishing of this species in Cornish waters.
The vast majority of squid landed to Cornish ports are caught in trawls and squid represent a valuable by catch at certain times of year for trawlers (mainly demersal trawlers). Squid are a non quota species meaning there is no limit to the amount that can legally be caught but as prices rise and stocks of fin fish decline it is likely that better managment will be needed for squid and cuttlefish.
The best quality and most sustainable squid on offer is line caught in shallow waters by fishermen using jigs - fish shaped lures which attract the squid. This is a very low impact and sustainable, low carbon fishing method although the landings are relatively low.
Identification guide to shelf Cepalopods in the UK waters CEFAS 2017
MMO landings data
Arkhipkin et all 2015, World Squid Fisheries. Reviews in Fisheries Science & Aquaculture, 23(2)
Cornwall Good Seafood Guide is underpinned by the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) Good Fish Guide. The first UK consumer guide to sustainable seafood. For more information visit www.fishonline.org
Cornwall Good Seafood Guide is here to help us all make sustainable seafood choices. Choices that will help us keep the oceans healthy and Cornish fishers' futures safe. This website is funded by Cornwall Wildlife Trust. If you would like to make a meaningful difference to the health of our oceans, please consider making a donation to the Cornwall Wildlife Trust Ocean Emergency fund. Your donation will help safeguard these remarkable environments, ensuring that they continue to thrive for generations to come. Together, we can be stewards of the seas and champions for a healthier, more sustainable future.
