DOI: 10.15468/tsq3hy
title: Market Squid Eggs - Powered by Anecdata.org

description: Project goal:
While market squid play an important role in the California current ecosystem and the economy of the state of California, little is known about the population dynamics of the species. This project aims to collect information on when and where market squid egg capsules are present in the waters off the coast of southern California. The data will provide information on the spatial and temporal distr

About this project:
What do we need to know?

Where are market squid egg capsules present?
substrate type, depth, water temperature, location description
When were egg capsules sighted?
How many egg capsules were present? 
Do you have a photo of the egg capsules?
Any other observations/information about eggs?
squid actively laying eggs, color of eggs (translucent or opaque), etc.
What are market squid?

The market squid, or Doryteuthis opalescens, is a small squid, found in coastal waters from Alaska to Baja California. Market squid adults can reach a length of 11 inches and have a lifespan of 6-9 months. The coloration of the squid varies from translucent white to dark brown as squid can change their color and patterning in response to their environment. They often turn dark red when excited, frightened, or feeding. Adult squid form spawning aggregations in calm waters and the females lay egg capsules after fertilization events. Adult squid often die shortly after spawning. The commercial fisheries in California target these spawning aggregations.

Why are market squid important?

Market squid are an important resource for the state of California. In terms of tons caught, the market squid fishery is the largest fishery in the state of California. During the 2014-2105 season, fisherman landed over 103,000 metric tons of market squid with a total ex-vessel value of over $72 million (California Department of Fish and Wildlife). Furthermore, market squid have been found in the diets of marine mammals and are believed to play an important role in the transfer of energy from zooplankton to higher trophic levels in the California current system.

Although this species is of great importance to the state of California, little is known about the population dynamics of the species. Market squid are believed to experience extreme population declines during El Niño events. However, the cause of these population declines is not understood. While spawning grounds of the species have been identified, information is needed on the spatial and temporal distribution of market squid egg capsules. Without knowledge of the basic ecology of the species, it is difficult to estimate the impact of the fishery on market squid populations and to make informed management decisions.

Identifying market squid egg capsules:

Females encapsulate hundreds of eggs in a capsule that is made up of layers of protein. Egg capsules are around 6 inches long and are normally laid on sandy bottoms at depths of 10-50 m. Females attach the egg capsules to the bottom using a sticky substance that anchors them in place while allowing ocean water to aerate the eggs. The presence of eggs on the bottom can stimulate other females to lay eggs in the same location. This results in eggs being placed in masses or egg beds that can cover acres of the ocean floor. Egg capsules vary in color from white capsules, which are recently laid, to translucent capsules, which are closer to maturation.