Firefly Squid #3

by Dante Fenolio

Title

Firefly Squid #3

Artist

Dante Fenolio

Medium

Photograph - Photograph

Description

The Firefly Squid (Watasenia scintillans) is a commercially important species in Japan. For much of their lives, firefly squid live in the deep cold waters of the temperate Pacific Ocean. They return to shallower waters around Japan when it is time to breed. It is at this time each year that hundreds of thousands of the squid are harvested. Among the techniques used to capture the squid, oceangoing ships use purse seins. As well, fixed nets are set along the shore where fishermen know the shoals of squid will be passing. The bicatch from these efforts is considerable and does not go unnoticed. Many of these other marine animals are also boxed up and end up in one of Japan's many fish markets. Once harvested, firefly squid are processed by washing them and boiling them. The squid are not eaten raw because they carry a parasite that can affect humans. Huge assembly lines of people process the squid and delicately package them into custom made boxes. They are then shipped all over Japan. The harvest of firefly squid comprises a critical part of the commerce in many seaside communities. The harvest and consumption of firefly squid in Japan dates back many years.

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June 12th, 2013

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