Targeting The Caribbean Reef Squid by Brent Simon

Most fishers in Antigua and Barbuda target the same types of seafood. Their methods might vary slightly but, the offerings at the fish markets are generally the same no matter where in Antigua you go.

Snapper, Grouper, Oldwife, Grunt, Red Hind, and Coal-burners etc., are the species that are most often sold in our fish markets. Conch and lobsters make up a significant portion of the other sales and species such as, whelk and cockle are available but are much harder to find.

There is a specie however, which we use that I have not mentioned because at present it is not a part of our local fisheries. According to the Fisheries Officers that I have spoken to we have a potentially lucrative economic opportunity in the capture and sale of the Caribbean Reef Squid.

Squid is known as a seafood that is very rich in potassium which is a mineral crucial in supporting and balancing the heart rhythm. Vitamin E, which protects the heart by making the cells less susceptible to damage is also found in squid.

The Caribbean reef squid (Sepioteuthis sepioidea) is a member of the cephalopod family. It is a creature that is not easy to spot with the untrained eye due to its ability to camouflage its self by changing the patterns and colours on its body to blend with its surroundings. As well as being a passive defence measure, these body patterns and colours enable squid to communicate with each other. If these measures fail, the squid is also equipped with an ink that is mixed with seawater and jettisoned to create. much like an octopus a cloud between itself and a potential predator giving it, if successful, a chance to escape.

Caribbean Reef Squid are semelparous which means they die after reproducing and their life cycle is relatively short, spanning six months to a year.

Their mating ritual is a beautiful dance of death. The males change to a pale reddish colour and swim next to the females. Each male has to compete with several others for the attentions of the female. In the squid world, SIZE MATTERS!

The larger males present will approach the female and stroke her with their tentacles. She in turn is quite alarmed by this gesture, (maybe because it signals the beginning of her impending demise), and may show her discomfort by flashing a pattern of alarm. Once this occurs the male will jet away a small distance before returning to try his luck again.

The males don’t often give up and will continue this behaviour until the female accepts one which she indicates by using chromatophore contractions to change her colour. He is then allowed to transfer packages of sperm (spermatophores) onto the female body in a process which can last up to an hour. The female will then fertilize herself with these packets before laying her egg capsule in a protected spot. Each capsule can contain around 8 eggs.

The female will die shortly after laying her eggs and the male will attempt to impregnate several more females before his inevitable death.

Squid exist in fairly large numbers around Antigua and Barbuda and for sometime now the Fisheries Division has been trying to encourage an interest in harvesting our local stocks. It is a niche industry and any person who is willing to be a pioneer is encouraged to look into squid fishing. It is an untapped market with large stocks and small investment cost.

So, what will it take to get started?

Starting any commercial squid fishing business requires at least a basic knowledge of squid behaviour, local fishing regulations and the necessary equipment.

You can start by, contacting our local fisheries division and see if this is a good avenue for you. Ensure that you obtain the necessary licences or permits. Regulation may be dependent on the squid population and sustainability measures. Some areas where squid congregate might be protected or have restrictions to preserve the ecosystem, so make sure you are compliant.

The basic equipment for required to fish for squid is minimal and not cost intensive.

  1. Get a Boat

You definitely will need a boat if you are going to target squid commercially as it is essential for going offshore where squid are found in larger quantities. It doesn’t need to be large; even a small vessel with an outboard motor can work.

2. Fishing Lights

Squid are attracted to bright light. This is the only bait you will need. LED fishing lights or floating light traps are often used to draw them close to boat at night.

  1. Hand Lines or Squid Jigs

Squid jigs are specific lures with prongs designed for catching squid. They come in various sizes and are often brightly coloured or reflective to mimic small fish. Handlines with squid jigs can be used to catch squid as they approach the light source.

  1. Small Nets (Hand nets or Dip nets)

Nets are probably going to be your best friend while squid fishing. Their catch rates are usually higher that jigging. These nets are used to scoop up squid when they come close to the boat.

  1. Cooler/Ice Box

Once caught, squid like other seafood should be stored on ice immediately to maintain the freshness and quality of the product. A ratio of 2:1 lb. is recommended, if possible, with the squid and ice well intermixed or, a 3:1:1 ratio of squid, ice and water will provide a slurry which will maintain at the required temperatures.

  1. Life Jackets and Safety Gear

For safety, life jackets, a first aid kit and emergency equipment (like flares and a VHF radio) should always be on board. This is not an option but, a requirement under our Fisheries Regulations.

Starting small with basic equipment allows you to learn the trade and understand the dynamics of the local ecosystem, potentially expanding as you gain experience and the demand for your product grows. Ensure that you are not fishing during critical breeding times, as this helps maintain healthy populations.

All in all, starting a squid fishing business is a manageable venture. With the right basic equipment, knowledge of local regulations and sustainable practices, you can effectively capture squids while ensuring the longevity of the population and your business.