Flounder/SoleWitch flounder, grey sole

Details

  • Latin name: 
    Glyptocephalus cynoglossus
  • Seafood type: Flounder/Sole, Sole/Flounder
  • Harvest method: Bottom trawl
  • Region: Atlantic US
  • Wild/Farmed: 
    Wild
Status: 
Not Recommended

Witch flounder

(Credit: NOAA)
Sustainable alternatives: 
Farmed halibut from closed systems is a sustainable seafood alternative.
Sustainability concerns: 
The use of otter trawls is potentially seriously damaging to the habitat.
During the early 1900’s, industrialization and improvements in fishing techniques facilitated the exploitation of the witch flounder population. Consumer demand increased with time, with overfishing continuing well into the 1960’s. Peak fishing pressure occurred in the 1990’s, and focused on a fish population that was now decimated and at an all-time low. Stocks have not recovered since then.
Life History and Population Status: 
The life history characteristics of witch flounder make it moderately vulnerable to fishing pressure. The stock is currently overfished.
Management: 
Although management has at times been poor in the past, recent modifications to regulations have established stricter limits on catches. This new management regime is considered to be moderately effective. Management plans to minimize bycatch exist, although these could be improved upon for greater effectiveness.
Impact on Other Species: 
The use of otter trawls has a significant impact on the bycatch of Atlantic white-sided dolphins; a species which is already overfished and whose low population numbers are of concern. Otter trawls are also a main cause of mortality for the endangered loggerhead sea turtle.
Habitat and Ecosystem Impacts: 
Otter trawls have the potential to severely damage the habitat by increasing the turbidity in the water, smoothing the substrate, causing mortality or injuries to species, and by destroying the habitat. The effects of removing witch flounder from the ecosystem are not well understood.
Resources: 
Atlantic Flatfishes Seafood Watch Report

Notes:

  • No or little concern in this area.
  • Significant concern in this area.
  • Area under study.