INCOMING – LIVE BC SPOT PRAWNS – April 19th
Here’s some info about the Spot Prawn, courtesy of spotprawnfestival.com
“BC spot prawns are the largest of the seven commercial species of shrimp found on the west coast of Canada. They vary greatly in size, with some larger females exceeding 23 cm in total length. Prawns are hermaphrodites: for the first two years of their lives they are males, and then they change to females. Typically, spot prawns live a total of four years.
In BC, approximately 2,450 metric tonnes are harvested annually, with about 65% of the harvest coming from the waters between Vancouver Island and the mainland. Prawn fishermen spread baited traps along the rocky ocean floor at depths ranging from 40 to 100 metres. This method has minimal impact on ocean habitat and very low levels of bycatch of other species.
Spot prawn stocks are carefully and sustainably managed to ensure that they remain available to enjoy for many years to come, including:
– Limiting the number of vessels that can commercially harvest spot prawns
– Limiting the number of traps that can be used
– Returning females with eggs live to the ocean
– Monitoring the spot prawn population and closing the fishery when prawn stocks approach a pre-determined level”
(spotprawnfestival.com)
We typically steam them in beer, or sashimi them (the raw meat is very delicate in flavour, but beautifully fresh). We’ll sometime fry the heads for a crunchy treat. “Drunken Prawns” sees them drowned in beer, then eaten raw. A good ask if you’re sitting at the bar.
The season doesn’t last long, so don’t delay. Call us at 403-460-0026 to book a seat.