Sustainability of calamari

[heidih]

In an attempt to satisfy a massive calamari craving I zipped into Whole Foods to pick up some steaks. The fish guy told me they no longer carry them because calamari is not considered sustainable. What! I thought squid/calamari were at the top of the "ok" list. This is a new policy within the last couple months. I did get it elsewhere. My searching is not getting me any current info. Is it perhaps the larger squid that the steaks are cut from that are at issue, or the methods of obtaining them?

[djyee100]

You'll have to ask the Whole Foods people for more details.

Monterey Aquarium's Seafood Watch gives all squid at least a "good alternative" rating (meaning "OK", though not great). http://www.montereybayaquarium.org/cr/SeafoodWatch/web/sfw_factsheet.aspx?gid=22

New England Aquarium also gives squid a good rating.

http://www.neaq.org/conservation_and_research/projects/fisheries_bycatch_aquaculture/sustainable_fisheries/celebrate_seafood/ocean-friendly_seafood/species/market_squid.php

Of course, no species is "sustainable" in the face of overfishing and poor fisheries management. But squid are in lots better shape than some other fished species.

Edited December 12, 2011 by djyee100 (log)