Scampi are relatives of lobsters and crabs and live in deep water off our coasts. When the female has eggs she remains in a burrow for protection. Native flat oysters cannot be sold by law during the months of May, June, July, and August when they are spawning. Pacific oysters are available all year round. The rings on a scallop's shell can be used to age the animal.
Some scallops live for ten years or more.
Mussels are a cheap, nutritious shellfish, which are now farmed in Scotland, Wales and the south coast of England. Nowadays mussels are marketed throughout the year but they are best from October to March. 9 Seafood is an important part of a healthy diet. The oils and vitamins in fish and shellfish help to reduce heart disease and promote vitality. Cockles live in dense bed in many coastal estuaries.