Squid spawning
Even in Japan, where it is said that a lot of cuttlefish are caught, the catch is not that large, so much so that cuttlefish are not included in catch statistics.
In addition, as the desertification phenomenon of the seabed, called bleaching phenomenon, is gradually expanding in scope due to global warming and as a result, the reproduction of seaweed that grows by attaching to rocks is gradually decreasing, it is said that in Japan, a project is being carried out to help cuttlefish spawn by installing artificial seaweed or tree branches that are tied together in the sea.
Even in the case of cuttlefish that have just started their spawning season, I think it is advisable to return females that have not finished spawning to the sea when caught by fishing.
“The problem is the overfishing of springtime baby octopus that continues every year.” “No. The problem is the anglers who catch them indiscriminately.” Along with these voices, our food culture of enjoying foods such as fish with eggs also contributes to the depletion of resources. However, I would like to say that now is the time for all citizens to take the lead in protecting nature and the environment with the mindset of “at least it’s me” rather than pointing out whose fault it is first.
Also, as I have mentioned in several posts about eging fishing, there are many male cuttlefish around the female cuttlefish during the spawning season, so I think it is wise to release the female cuttlefish that have not finished spawning and target the male cuttlefish around them.
When cuttlefish lay eggs in seaweed such as the one in the photo below, they are initially white, but as time passes, the eggs change to brown, and after an incubation period of about 20 days, or as long as 60 days, the baby cuttlefish inside the egg sac emerge.
It is said that the baby cuttlefish born this way cannot yet eat, so they grow by consuming the nutrients contained in the circled area in the photo, and that cuttlefish eggs contain substances that fish dislike, so they can grow relatively safely.
When they emerge from their eggs one by one, they move to the surface of the water. During this process, many baby cuttlefish are sacrificed to fish, and if they are lucky enough to grow to a large size, they live in groups floating on the surface of the water, as can sometimes be seen in the fall.
The eggs of these cuttlefish are sometimes washed away by the current, and in these cases, they are said to not grow even if released.
Spring squid fishing, which is now in full swing, is expected to produce big catches, but if you catch a female that has not yet finished spawning, I hope that anglers will happily release it.
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