Page 35 - shore_galley_2015

35
However, despite the undeniably poor reputation of trawling, which carves through the seafloor destroying all but the biggest rocks in its path, the langoustine has shown itself to be a remarkably resilient species to this ecologically damaging technique.
Female langoustines spawn in early autumn following the early summer mating season and carry their eggs beneath their tails until warmer spring weather rolls around in April and May. During this time, the female Nephrops do not leave their hideaways and instead retreat further into the mud – so far down that they actually escape the clutches of the trawlers. This ultimately means that there is an annually guaranteed and protected system of reproduction.
The British Isles represents the strongest langoustine fishing industry in the world, but it is the Scottish waters that have proved themselves most successful, accounting for over a third of global landings, 75% of all British totals and amounting to an estimated £80 million in profits. Initial research has suggested that there are as many as 10 billion langoustine along Britain’s shores and yearly hauls continue to rise, with quotas increasing at an almost reflective rate. For example, just a few tonnes were brought ashore in the 1960s, but recent years have seen tallies as high as 30,000 tonnes for Scotland alone.
The three principal markets for Scottish caught langoustine remain Spain, France and Italy, where the North Sea species is predominately served up with a distinctively southern and garlic-infused palate in mind. In a matter of hours, the oversized prawns are shipped from their native
Scottish ports to stalls and fishmongers around the Mediterranean basin, where they can be purchased live or frozen, meaty tail still attached or solo.
Viable as a strong seafood and shellfish alternative, as well as being plentiful in yield and flavour, the langoustine is quickly becoming Scotland’s most important marine export and has proved to be the perfect answer to what had become a precarious fishing ground.
Get in touch with your Client Manager to find out about our range of premium langoustine as well as crew-friendly options.
www.shoresolutions.fr fish & seafood