Devonshire Crab...

Its great working for a company like M&J Seafood, where quality is an extremely important part of our business. Along with that, it means that our suppliers are expected to deliver a high quality product.

I recently met the proud owner of The Blue Sea Food Company, David, who should be proud of his companies achievements.

Local • Sustainable • Delicious;

That's David's businesses strap line and it is exactly what it says; 

Local: They are based in Torquay, Devon and their crabs are caught off the South Devonshire coast line.

Sustainable?.... It sure is;

All of their crabs are caught using pots that are laid on the sea bed in strings. Pots are a selective and passive form of fishing causing no damage to the marine environment. Very importantly, the crab is alive when bought to the surface so any crab which is undersized, damaged, showing eggs or has recently shed its shell will be returned to the sea alive allowing them to grow and breed again.

Their local fishery enforces the largest minimum landing size in European waters. This allows our crabs at least one further reproduction cycle before being landed.

Both the Marine Conservation Society (MCS) and the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) recognises crab caught within the Inshore Potting Agreement, off the South Devon Coast, as an example of sustainable crab fishing.

Delicious......I am sure you would think so! I do!

The Blue Sea Food Company was established in 2004 and they have a  team of over 50 years experience within the crab and food processing industries.

The vast majority of their crabs are caught off the South Devon coast and landed daily into Salcombe and

Kingswear. The crab meat is then carefully picked and gently pasteurised to ensure a consistent quality supply to their wholesale customers, such a M&J Seafood. 

Due to the clean rich waters off the South Devon coast we both believe their crab to be the sweetest tasting on the market. Their crab is currently available throughout the UK, Europe and beyond.... what a great story eh!?

The  Process

Once the day boats have landed their crabs David and his team cook them for only as long as necessary

depending on the season. With their expertise they then pick out the meat using a combination of machines and nimble fingers to offer us quality crab meat at competitive prices.

Their facilities are HACCP accredited and they continue to follow BRC procedures to

ensure our premium quality products exceed food safety standards.

Packed with Goodness - Health Benefit's of Devon Crab

Low in fat, high in protein and rich in vitamins and Omega 3, Devon Crab also

has many of the essential elements the body needs.

• A portion of crab represents one of your 2-a-week seafood.
• One of our dressed crab supplies your weekly requirement of Omega 3.
• Crab is also rich in Copper, Zinc, Selenium, Vitamin B2 and is a very good source of Protein and Magnesium.

For more information visit www.shellfish.org.uk

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For some great crab recipe ideas click HERE

They produce the following products;

Whole crab / Dressed Crab / White Meat / Brown Meat / 50:50 Meat 

Claw meat / Cocktail Claws / Crab Pate...... All to the highest standards. 

All these products are available via M&J Seafoods. You can find your local M&J Seafood branch HERE

We have their fantastic Dress Crabs on offer for the month of June, so do not wait, give your local M&J Branch a call today!

All the best

Simon

Simon Andrews

Area Sales Manger

South Wales & The west Country

07894 096 754

Where & How's it caught...

Aquaculture

We often forget that fish is one of the last hunted species.
It is a recognised fact that production of seafood from aquaculture
will increasingly fill the gap between the demand and the supply from
wild capture fisheries. With a global population of 6.5 billion and a
prediction of 9 billion by 2050, it will become a necessity to produce
more and more aquaculture product from seas, rivers and lakes.
Almost half of fish consumed worldwide is from aquaculture.
On a global basis, wild stocks represent a finite resource with several
stocks on the decline or suffering from fishing pressures.

A wide range of freshwater and marine animals and plants are produced by the
aquaculture industry worldwide.

Familiar examples include Salmon, Trout, Warmwater Prawns, Sea Bass,
Sea Bream, Turbot, Tilapia, Native and Pacific Oysters (indeed Oysters have
been cultivated since Roman times!), Scallops and Mussels. Seaweed farming
is also increasing in popularity. Further species being farmed in increasing
quantities include Cod and Halibut.

The different aquaculture terms are:

• Farmed - Eggs are bred in captivity and grown through to                                                             harvest e.g. Salmon, Cod.

• Sea Reared or Sea Ranching - Young stock are caught in the                                                           wild and then grown on to harvest e.g. Mussels.

• Sea Ranging or Seeding - Juveniles are bred in captivity and                                                          then released into the wild. A small percentage (2-5%) are                                                          subsequently caught when they mature e.g. Lobsters.

The cooler coastal waters of the UK are well suited to the cultivation of marine
fish species, such as Cod, Halibut, and bivalve shellfish species, such as Blue
Mussels, Oysters and Clams. While Turbot, Sea Bass and Sea Bream are more
suited to warmer water conditions such as those found in the Mediterranean,
they can be grown in the UK in land-based, temperature-controlled, recirculation
systems.

Less familiar species, which may enter the UK market in the future, are 
Moi (Hawaii), Pompano (Florida) and Paddle Fish (China). Pangasius or 
River Cobbler, which is a fresh water species, is farmed extensively in Vietnam. 
This has become popular in the UK, especially in batter as a substitute for 
Cod and Haddock.

As well as helping to reduce our reliance on wild stocks, developing a thriving
aquaculture industry in the UK will also help to retain skills and infrastructure in
rural coastal communities dependent on fishing.

For caterers, aquaculture ensures a year-round, regular supply of fish, that are
consistent in size (giving better portion control) and quality (taste, colour & texture).
It also gives increased peace of mind. Seafood produced from aquaculture has full
traceability from ‘farm to fork’ - all movements of fish and shellfish on and off cultivation
sites must be recorded. Fish and shellfish farms in the UK and Europe have to be
registered by law, ensuring they are inspected regularly as disease control and welfare
issues are very important. All shellfish have to meet strict health and hygiene regulations
before they can be sold.

Environmental issues in the media are often unfounded or blown out of proportion.
It is in the industry’s interest to maintain a healthy environment, and the industry
comes together and is continually working to maintain standards and further develop
sustainable fishing.

The ratio of wild capture fish used in the feed for aquaculture species has often been
quoted as high as 10 to 1. The reality is that massive improvements in our knowledge
as to the nutritional requirements of aquacultured species means that wild capture fish
can now make up less than 15% of the total feed recipe and indeed, most freshwater
species are herbivores, requiring no wild capture fish at all in their feed, whilst Mussels
and Scallops filter their feed from sea water.

Current initiatives include:

• Developing and promoting codes of practice to ensure cultivation sites and the stock                                     on them are well managed.

• Addressing issues relating to the supply of fishmeal and fish oil in aquaculture feeds. 
• Sourcing feeds from sustainable, managed and accredited industrial fisheries is                                  becoming a priority, as is developing feeds that incorporate an increasing quantity of                                        oils sourced from plants.

• Investigating better utilisation of feed on site through the development of improved                                                feeding systems.

Fact: The weight of Farmed Salmon in a pen is 2% whilst the weight of water is 98%!

What's in a name?

People often say, ‘what’s in a name?’ Well, when it comes to the common skate, the answer would be quite a lot. If there were a prize for the most inappropriately named fish, then the common skate would win hands down.

The ‘Skates and Rays’ category, is a generic title that covers around 20 different species, each with a very different conservation status! At M&J Seafood, we take our commitment to sustainability very seriously and we only source and sell blond ray skate, a species that is not endangered.  We understand that names, labels and titles aren’t necessarily as accurate as they could be, and none more so than in the case of the unfortunately named common skate. In fact, we would urge people to avoid eating skates and rays unless they are certain they are one of the smaller, more sustainable species from the North Sea and Celtic Seas.
Only fisheries for the smaller, faster growing species such as spotted, cuckoo, starry and blond ray would be considered sustainable at present. At M&J Seafood, our challenge – from fishermen to markets to suppliers to chefs to consumers – is to make the best informed decisions, each and every day.

We will continue to design measures that safeguard the vulnerable components of this group of species, while allowing safe harvesting of the more abundant parts. At M&J Seafood, we aim to stay one step ahead and preserve the future of our oceans. For us, it is important to avoid simplistic solutions that simply result in an increase in discarding.

We take our name and reputation very seriously. It’s a reputation built on delivering quality, sustainable products. So the next time you’re asked what’s in a name, remember M&J Seafood. It’s one that we’re very proud of.

Imagine......

You’re on the quayside as a boat comes into view…

A day boat or perhaps a larger boat returning from eight days of tough, dangerous work out at sea. 

 

As it lands, the skipper lets you hand-pick the best of the day’s catch, held on ice to keep it at its very 

best.  You head back to the kitchen with your head buzzing with ideas for today’s specials…

This is what the British Skippers Scheme is all about.

British Skippers Scheme

We recognise that for the majority of chefs, being on the quayside and hand-picking the best of the catch as it’s landed is not realistic.  But through working with specially selected skippers and boats around Britain, M&J get you closer to the action.

The British Skippers Scheme offers chefs a responsibly caught, premium quality product, with full provenance and traceability.  All the skippers included in the scheme reserve the best of their catch on ice for M&J, and must be committed to Responsible Fishing Scheme accreditation.

Because of the artisan nature of the scheme, product availability is impossible to guarantee 24/7.  The fishing isn’t always good, bad weather means the boats don’t go out, the variety of species caught can vary, so as chefs you have to be flexible with menus – just as you would if you were picking the fish from the boat yourself.  

To keep you in the know, signing up to the scheme will give you regular email updates from the boats before they land, so you know what’s coming in.  You can then reserve your fish in advance with your local M&J branch and plan your daily specials.

The British Skippers Scheme provides excellent value for money. The scheme aims to ensure the fishermen get a fair price for their fish, while chefs get unique access to the best of their catch.  As with all produce, you get what you pay for, and if the finest quality British fish ‘fresh off the boat’ is important for you and your guests, then sign up to the British Skippers Scheme.

For more information, CLICK HERE and get the latest news direct from 

the boats before they land!

Thanks for reading my blog, please feel free to make a comment!

Regards, Simon

Now that's what I call great fish...

Tagged Wild Sea Bass

Day Boat "Skin Deeper"

The crew of the "Skin Deeper" have been out catching more outstanding rod and line-caught Sea Bass. Once caught, the fish are placed into ice water to allow them to slowly drift off. This process reduces any stress and gives us one of the finest fish you will ever taste.

Red Mullet, Black Bream, Pout, Dover Sole, Sea Bass, Ray and Plaice 

Day Boat "Jessica Lynn"

Tom Russell and his crew landed a great selection of fish last night; the Dover Sole season is drawing to a close so grab these stunning fish while they are still being landed.

Monkfish, Lemon Sole, Squid, Black Bream and Plaice 

'Plymouth'

Great selection of quality South Coast fish bought mainly from day boats landing in to Plymouth market this morning - including some stunning Plaice available from all branches for tonight’s despatch.

Dover Sole, Lemon Sole and Gurnard 

'Newlyn'

Landings are quiet on Newlyn market at the moment but our man on the spot has managed to pick us out the finest fish once again. Today's catch landed from the RFS vessels - "Crystal Sea" and "Imogen".

Small & Medium Mackerel 

'Chesil Beach, Portland'

Available small (butterfly fillets) and whole medium. This fantastic net caught Mackerel is the best you'll find! Nothing more than man power to catch these beauties, two rowing boats, a big net and pure brawn from this family owned business. They have been doing it this way since World War Two..... Its just too good to miss out!

Now that's what I call great fish....

All these fish have been landed today, ready for ordering and delivery from tomorrow morning. Call us now, to secure beautiful fresh fish... Click Here: Your Local M&J Seafood Branch

We look forward to hearing from you soon!

Simon

Catch of the Day.... 9th May 2012

Mackerel Chesil Beach/Portland Two simple rowing boats and their crew, who use nothing but nets and brawn, have landed us some of the finest South Coast Mackerel. These fish are one of the richest sources of Omega-3 oils and packed with flavour, so don't miss out and call us now. ------- Tagged Line-Caught Sea Bass Day boat: "Skin Deeper" We are pleased to announce that the "Skin Deeper" is out fishing again, for the first time since January. The Sea Bass are making an appearance along the South Coast and you won't get a better quality local fish on the market today.  ------- Black Bream, Dover Sole, Pout, Ray Wings and Plaice Day boat: "Jessica Lynn" Another fantastic landing from the Poole based skipper Tom Russell and his hardy vessel the "Jessica Lynn". These fish are landed with us on the same day they are caught so place your order now to enjoy produce of premium quality and freshness. ------ Plaice, Lemon Sole, Turbot, Monkfish and Grey Mullet Brixham Brill, Dover Sole, John Dory, Monkfish, Plaice, Red Mullet, Ray Wings, Megrim Newlyn: "Crystal Sea", "Admiral Blake", "Sapphire", "Admiral Grenville", "Cornishman"   All these fantastic fresh fish is available to order right now ready for delivery for tomorrow morning!  Call your local branch to order! View our branch details here!

If Carlsberg did Mackerel.....

I love this story and I have mentioned it briefly before, but as our Fresh Fish Buying Manager has spent a day with these guys last weekend, I wanted to re-visit the story and show you a few pictures that were captured on the day.

This small family supplier are based at Chesil Beach on the Portland Coast line. The family have been fishing this way for Mackerel since world War Two. 

Two rowing boats, a big net and man power. Its as simple as that.

well, when I say simple, I mean simple in the way of technology, because this is not a simple job. Its extremely hard work and time consuming, but it produces by far the best and freshest Mackerel we can get our hands on.

We have recently managed to secure a deal, where we purchase every single fish that they catch. 

Sustainable, Carbon neutral, and as fresh as you can get! 

So, as the advert says "If Carlsberg could do....." this would be Carlsberg Mackerel!

Available from all branches today!

'Catch of the Day' 3rd May 2012

The weather is still being a nuisance and causing issues for fishermen and women across the UK, but our brave boys and gal's are still at it and here is the hi-lights of what's available tomorrow from today's and tomorrows orders......

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Brill, Dover Sole, John Dory, Monkfish, Red Mullet, Gurnard 

and Megrim 

"William Stevenson", "Ajax", "William Sampson", "Cornishman", "Crystal Sea", "Admiral Gordon"

Our man on Newlyn market confirms that relentless weather conditions, high gusts and undulating waves are proving too dangerous for safe fishing; however, we still have great fish available for our customers. 

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Dover Sole, Brill, Ray Wings, Pollack and Pouting

"Jessica Lynn"

Another great landing from the "Jessica Lynn" and her skipper Tom Russell. If you feel like adding any of these fantastic species to your specials board at the weekend, call us now.

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Brill, Turbot, Plaice, Lemon Sole, Hake and Grey Mullet 

Brixham

The weather has driven a number of vessels back to Brixham harbour this morning and our man is there now bidding on our behalf on a range of South Coast classics.

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