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Certification

Join the most recognised certification programme and benefit from trading ASC certified seafood.

Our impact

ASC creates measurable, positive change in global seafood farming.

After certification

In addition to accessing our global network of secure and flexible supply, ASC partners benefit from marketing their ASC certified seafood.

Learn more about meagre

Meagre (Argyrosomus regius) are sold under a number of guises, including shade fish, corvina, croaker, drum fish, sowa, salmon bass and stone bass, but are simply known as meagre in international trade. Whichever name is chosen, this flavoursome, low-fat fish, which is similar in taste to a European seabass, deserves a spot on the dinner table!

In the wild

Meagre are found in the eastern Atlantic Ocean, including the Mediterranean Sea, Black Sea and Red Sea. A member of the Sciaenidae family, they are demersal fish, which are predominantly found close to the seabed, but also swim in the mid water column.

Meagre return to the coast and into estuaries to reproduce and spawn between mid-April and late May. From mid-June to the end of July, these fish can be found feeding along the coastline, where they stay until autumn, when they return to deeper water for winter. For food, they mainly eat other fish and swimming crustaceans.

Image of croaker fish swimming together

Meagre, along with seabass and seabream are perciforms, a type of bony fish, and all have many common attributes, which is why they are covered by the same ASC standard. A large fish, meagre can grow up to around 2 metres long and weigh up to 100kg.

Common Names

Discover the various names used worldwide for meagre fish:

Common Names Region/Culture Usage Context Market Popularity
Stone Bass Europe (UK, France) Trade, Culinary, Seafood Menus High
Croaker Fish North America, Asia Culinary, Common Fish Markets Moderate
Drum Fish North America Common Fish Markets, Trade Moderate
Sowa Fish South Asia (India) Local Markets, Traditional Dishes Low
Shade Fish Mediterranean Fishing, Local Use Low
Corvina Latin American, Spain Culinary, Seafood Menus High
Salmon Bass Europe (occasionally) Trade Low

 

Common Names Region/Culture
Stone Bass Europe (UK, France)
Croaker Fish North America, Asia
Drum Fish North America
Sowa Fish South Asia (India)
Shade Fish Mediterranean
Corvina Latin American, Spain
Salmon Bass Europe (occasionally)

Watch the meagre fish video

This informative video will help you discover the fascinating world of meagre fish, also known as stone bass or croaker fish. From its natural habitat and distinctive drumming sounds to its culinary appeal, this video provides valuable insights into what makes meagre a unique and sought-after species.

 

Farming meagre

Meagre can be farmed on land in seawater tanks, but is mostly grown in the sea in net pens, predominantly on the Mediterranean coast in Greece, Spain, Croatia and Portugal. Meagre grows quickly and can reach marketable size faster than other similar species, while maintaining an excellent meat quality.

They also have an undemanding nature and grow best in moderate temperatures, which might make this fish a good candidate for farming in the Mediterranean Sea and Atlantic coast of Europe in a future, warmer climate.

Meagre fish swimming in ocean

Despite being ideal for aquaculture, meagre was a latecomer to the fish farming scene, and was first grown commercially in France in the late 1990s. Annual production of meagre is currently around 25,000 tonnes, with a lot of potential for future growth.

Farmed meagre are harvested at weights between 1kg and 3kg, and are typically sold as fillets.

Impacts of farming meagre

ASC certified meagre farms minimise impacts on their local ecosystems by developing and implementing an impact assessment to protect key wild species and sensitive habitats in the proximity of the farm, protecting the ecological quality of the seabed, ensuring farms are not sited in High Conservation Value Areas (HCVA), and keeping fish escapes to an absolute minimum.

Lethal action against predators/wildlife on the farm is prohibited, as is the use of submerged acoustic deterrent devices (ADDs).

Feed

ASC certification requires meagre farms to adhere to strict limits to minimise the use of wild fish as an ingredient for feed. In addition, the standard requires farms to ensure full traceability back to a responsibly managed source, preferably certified, both for wild fish and other ingredients. Potential use of any GM/transgenic plant raw material in the feed must be documented.

Feed input for meagre is significantly lower than for some other fish aquaculture species.

Pollution

ASC certified meagre farmers are required to measure a number of water parameters including phosphorus levels and the amount of dissolved oxygen at regular intervals, to ensure they remain within set limits.

Copper release into the water must be minimised and monitored, and there must be evidence that biological and non-biological wastes are either disposed of properly, appropriately stored or recycled.

Diseases

ASC certified meagre farms are required to adhere to rigorous requirements to minimise disease outbreaks.

Meagre are a robust fish which are not highly susceptible to disease, but a Fish Health Management Plan (FHMP) detailing steps for biosecurity management must be developed under supervision of a veterinarian and implemented on the farms.

Social

ASC certification imposes strict requirements based on the core principles of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), which include prohibiting the use of child labour, or any form of forced labour.

All ASC certified farms are safe and equitable working environments where employees earn a decent wage and have regulated working hours. ASC meagre farms must also consult with local communities to ensure that any complaints are resolved in a timely manner.

Emissions

Meagre, in comparison to some other animal proteins, is considered to have a relatively low carbon footprint due to their fast growth, especially in the early stages, but all ASC farms must monitor the energy used to produce the fish and its feed, and to record any greenhouse gas emissions, to ensure levels remain as low as possible.

Meagre Recipes

Meagre is less well known than its counterparts, seabass and seabream, but is a good, sustainable whitefish choice. Meagre has a firm and fleshy meat texture and mild taste, making it suitable for frying, baking or grilling, and also for steaming, smoking or even marinating raw as ceviche. Most seabass or seabream recipes can be easily substituted for meagre.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about meagre fish, including its health benefits, culinary uses, and why it’s known by names like croaker and stone bass:

What is the difference between stone bass and sea bass?

Stone bass, also known as meagre, is often confused with seabass due to its similar appearance and mild flavor. However, they are different species: stone bass belongs to the croaker family, while seabass is part of the Moronidae family. Both are popular in Mediterranean cuisine, but each has unique characteristics.

Learn more about farmed Seabass.

What is meagre fish, and why is it also called stone bass, croaker fish, or drum fish?

Meagre belongs to the Sciaenidae family, a group commonly called croakers or drum fish because of their unique ability to produce croaking or drumming sounds. These sounds are made by specialized muscles vibrating against the swim bladder, a characteristic used for communication and attracting mates in the wild.

Depending on the region, meagre fish may be known by other names. In Europe, it is often called “stone bass,” while in North America and Asia, it’s more frequently referred to as “croaker fish” or “drum fish.” Despite these different names, they all refer to the same species, highlighting its diverse appeal and recognition across various cultures.

Can a pregnant woman eat meagre?

Yes, croaker fish can be safe to eat during pregnancy when consumed in moderation and properly cooked. It’s low in mercury compared to some other fish, making it generally safe. However, pregnant women should follow guidelines on fish consumption and consult their healthcare provider for specific recommendations.

For more information on safe fish consumption for pregnant and breastfeeding women, read the FDA/EPA Fish Advice.

How do you cook meagre fish?

Croaker fish can be prepared in various ways, including grilling, baking, frying, and steaming. Its mild flavor pairs well with herbs, spices, and marinades, making it versatile for many recipes.

How to prepare meagre fish?

To prepare meagre fish, start by cleaning it thoroughly, removing scales, and trimming fins. Then, you can fillet or cook it whole, depending on the recipe. It’s ideal for marinades due to its firm texture.

How to clean meagre fish?

To clean croaker fish, use a scaling tool or the back of a knife to remove scales, rinse it under cold water, and trim the fins. If desired, you can also gut the fish and remove the head.

What does meagre fish taste like?

Meagre fish has a mild, slightly sweet flavor with a firm, flaky texture, similar to that of seabass. This makes it versatile and suitable for a variety of dishes.

Does meagre fish have scales?

Yes, meagre fish has scales, which can be easily removed with a scaling tool or knife before cooking.

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