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Plaice

Plaice is often served with lemon and butter, and is a popular fish for fish and chips.

Plaice

Plaice, scientifically known as Pleuronectes platessa, is a popular flatfish species found in the coastal waters of the North Atlantic Ocean. It is a demersal species, meaning it spends most of its time at or near the bottom of the ocean.


Appearance

Plaice has a distinctive oval-shaped body with both eyes on the right side of the head. Its top side is usually a brownish-green color with orange spots, while the underside is white. They can grow up to 1 meter in length and can weigh up to 7 kilograms.


Habitat

Plaice can be found along the coast of Europe from Norway to the Mediterranean Sea, as well as in the coastal waters of North America from Labrador to North Carolina. They are typically found in shallow, sandy or muddy bottoms of the continental shelf at depths of up to 200 meters.


Fishing and Seasonality

Plaice is a commercially important fish species and is mainly caught using trawls, gillnets, and seine nets. The fishing season for plaice is typically from April to October, when the fish are most active and readily available.


Culinary

Plaice is a popular food fish with a mild, sweet flavor and firm texture. It can be cooked in a variety of ways, including baked, broiled, fried, or grilled. It is often served with lemon and butter, and is a popular fish for fish and chips.


Conservation

Plaice stocks have been subject to overfishing in the past, and as a result, many countries have implemented strict fishing quotas and regulations to help protect the population. The International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) regularly assesses the status of plaice stocks and advises on measures needed to ensure their sustainability. Consumers can help support sustainable fishing practices by choosing plaice that has been certified by sustainable seafood organizations such as the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC).

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