This is a guide to the fish and shell fish they land and the time of the year they are available in local waters. The information here has been compiled with the help of the Sea Fisheries Department and the Jersey Fishermen’s Association.
Anyone who wishes to catch and sell fish must possess a fishing licence.
Shell Fish
Some 1,200 tonnes are caught locally every year.
The European Lobster is available in Jersey waters all year round and is not commercially farmed. In July, for three to four weeks, there is a poor meat to shell ratio as the animal moults to give 30% space for new growth.
King and Queen Scallops are the significant variety in Channel Island waters. They are available all year round. The best quality shell fish are diver caught.
Spider Crabs are migratory. They can be caught between April and December but are subject to a partial closure, or restriction, in September and October.
Brown Crabs are readily available all year round – there are no restrictions on landing them.
Oysters, ormers, mussels and turbot are farmed locally in containers or in the sea.
Whelks are in good local supply.
Fish
There is no local Cod and there are very few Plaice caught locally.
Brill, Turbot and Sole are available all year round.
Dog Fish Rock Salmon is available all year round.
Rays are available from September to February. Skate ray are fished mostly in the winter but are available throughout the year.
Coley and Pouting are found in winter but are not local fish.
The first few local Sea Bass are available in April but the main season is from May to November, with some in December. Six fishermen, all members of the Jersey Fishermen’s Association, are currently using the tags in this specialist area of the industry.
Mackerel are available locally from mid April until November.
Bream are available from May to September.
Red Mullet are both trawled and net caught, mainly through the winter months.
Grey Mullet are found in the summer and autumn.
Whiting are found in winter only and can be confused with Pollack as they are visually very similar. Whiting grow to a maximum of 5 - 6lb but Pollack can grow to 15 - 16lb in size. Pollack is a fish which goes off very quickly.
Conger are available all year round.
For further information visit www.gov.je/Industry/FarmingFishing/ and www.genuinejersey.com/member/JerseyFishermensAssociation/