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What is a Blue Whiting?

Debra Durkee
Debra Durkee

The blue whiting is a small fish native to the waters of the northern Atlantic. A relative of the cod, the blue whiting is commonly fished as a food source and as a main component in various types of animal feeds. It is sold worldwide in fillet, smoked, or minced forms, or used for its oils.

Low in fat and high in protein, the blue whiting is popularly fished off the coasts of Northern Europe and the eastern coast of Canada. Typically found at a depth between 985 and 1,300 feet (about 300 to 400 m), these fish swim in schools away from the continents and above much deeper waters. Juveniles and newly hatched fish swim at shallower depths.

Veterinarian with a puppy
Veterinarian with a puppy

A slender fish, the blue whiting has a blue-gray back and silver belly. Feeding on plankton, tiny fish, and krill, each fish has large, sharp teeth, and the lower jaw juts out from beneath the top jaw. The tail fin is forked, and a long fin runs the length of the belly, while three separate fins run down the back. The eyes are large and set forward almost over the wide mouth.

The female is usually larger than the male, and the size of the fish varies. Most of these fish average between 9 and 12 inches (about 24 to 32 cm) long. It is not uncommon for some to reach mature lengths of 15 inches (about 40 cm), and those as large as almost 20 inches (about 50 cm) have been caught. Unlike many animals, the blue whiting is considered mature and fully grown at about three years of age, but does not begin to breed until between four to five years after that.

Once the fish reach maturity, they spawn in the cold late winter and early spring waters. Eggs are usually laid along the shallower continental shelves, and because of the predictable tides, young fish are often carried into the Norwegian Sea, where they grow to a size capable of swimming back out into the ocean waters against the current. Most fishing takes place during the breeding season, when large numbers of the fish cluster together.

The blue whiting is threatened by several hazards. In addition to being major prey for larger fish and various aquatic mammals, it is also subject to overfishing. As it is a small fish, large quantities are required in order for commercial fishing to be profitable. Although limits are generally placed on how many fish can be taken in a season, overfishing has been common.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Blue Whiting?

A Blue Whiting (Micromesistius poutassou) is a small, pelagic fish found in the northeastern Atlantic Ocean. It's a member of the cod family and is known for its slender body and silvery-blue coloration. Blue Whiting are significant for commercial fishing, especially in European waters, where they are processed for various food products and fishmeal.

Where can Blue Whiting be found?

Blue Whiting are predominantly found in the northeastern Atlantic, from Iceland and the Faroe Islands to the Bay of Biscay. They inhabit deep waters, typically between 200 and 600 meters, and undertake extensive migrations to spawning grounds west of the British Isles and feeding areas in the Norwegian Sea.

How big do Blue Whiting grow?

Blue Whiting are relatively small compared to other members of the cod family, growing up to 50 centimeters in length. They reach sexual maturity at around 20 centimeters, which usually occurs within their first or second year of life. Their size makes them a target for midwater trawls in commercial fisheries.

What do Blue Whiting eat?

Blue Whiting have a diet consisting mainly of small planktonic crustaceans, such as copepods, as well as fish larvae and small fish. Their feeding habits make them an integral part of the marine food web, linking lower trophic levels with larger predators, including other fish species, seabirds, and marine mammals.

Are Blue Whiting endangered?

As of my knowledge cutoff in 2023, Blue Whiting are not considered endangered. They are subject to large-scale commercial fishing, but the stock is managed by various international agreements and organizations, such as the Northeast Atlantic Fisheries Commission, to ensure sustainable exploitation levels and prevent overfishing.

What is the economic importance of Blue Whiting?

Blue Whiting are economically important in the fishing industry, particularly in Europe. They are harvested in large quantities and are a key species for the production of fishmeal and fish oil, which are used in aquaculture feeds. Additionally, Blue Whiting are processed for human consumption, often sold as surimi, minced fish, or in other processed forms.

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    • Veterinarian with a puppy
      Veterinarian with a puppy