Common dentex

The striped bream is native to Cypriot waters but is unfortunately overfished due to its high value. As a predator it is very important for our ocean’s survivability. It is usually between 20 and 50 centimeters long, although it can exceed 1 meter in length and weigh more than 12 kilograms. It spawns between March and May and is fished using static nets, longlines, bottom trawls, vertical lines and spearfishing. 

The species is classified as Vulnerable in the Mediterranean assessment of the IUCN Red List.

Bottom trawling is one of the most harmful ways to fish in our seas, as it drags heavy gear across the seabed, damaging all kinds of habitats, killing benthic life and leading to high catches of non-targeted species. In the southern part of Cyprus there is a restriction for trawling during the 16th of February and the 31st of May, and in the northern part bottom trawling is altogether banned.

It is recommended to ask your fisher or fishmonger where the fish was caught and with which fishing method, as well as buying this species outside of its spawning period. Prefer locally harvested seafood products by coastal small-scale fisheries.