Scopthalmus maximus. Turbot is a large meaty flat fish much prized by chefs. The turbot is a fast growing and powerful flatfish growing to a maximum size of one meter although specimens this large are rarely caught.
Very little is known about the state of Turbot stocks in our area. They are a relatively rare species and landings to Cornish ports have decreased in recent years although this may be due to reduced fleet size. Discards of juvenile turbot is a problem in trawl fisheries. Turbot is highly prized and the majority is caught by gill nets set on the seabed (tangle or trammel nets) and trawls. Management is poor as catches are not limited by quota, and better science is needed to assess the sustainability of this species. It is advised to avoid eating turbot untill management and scientific advise improves sustainability of this fishery.
In 2022 a total of 122 tonnes of turbot were landed to Cornish ports with a value of £1.6 million (MMO data).
Updated October 2024
Celtic Sea and Western Channel
Tangle nets and Trammel nets are two slightly different types of gill net used to target turbot in Cornish waters. Both have issues with by catch of non target species such as sharks and cetaceans. Pingers are increasingly used and are mandatory outside the 6 mile limit.
Learn moreCeltic sea and Western Channel
Beam trawls are nets with a steel beam that holds the net open. The belly of the net is made of chains and the upper surface of the net is mesh. Beam trawlers pull two nets along the seabed simultaneously.
Learn moreCeltic sea and Western Channel
Demersal trawls are large nets that are pulled through the water with the bottom edge of the net touching the seabed. At each edge the net is pulled open by metal ‘trawl doors’. Sometimes referred to as Otter trawling.
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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.
Turbot is a non-quota species and fishing effort is not limited. (in the North sea there is a combined TAC for Brill and turbot but there is no Quota in other areas of the NE Atlantic) There is a minimum landing size of 30cm within Cornish waters. Turbot is a valuable by catch in trawl fisheries and gill net fisheries. The Sole recovery plan and the Trevose closure may help turbot stock. According to Seafish RASS turbot stocks may have also benefited from reduced fishing effort as a result of the Cod and sole recovery plans and restriction of fishing effort in over 15m vessls in Western waters effort to 2002 levels (Council Regulation 1954/2002; aims to cap effort at 2002 levels)
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.
