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Common name - Sole, Dover sole, Common sole
Scientific name - Solea solea
Average rating
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Visit Fishonline for the full range of options available for this species.
Consumer Information
A flatfish, longer in shape than plaice or flounder. In the UK, Dover sole were so named after the fishing port that landed the most Sole in the 19th century. Sole may be eaten fresh, but actually improves after a few days in the fridge. They are usually whole, skinned and cooked, usually grilled. They have a delicate texture and are favoured by the French because of their superb, subtle flavour. Some stocks are depleted, or recovering, due to overfishing (e.g. Irish Sea and Western Channel) so avoid eating fish caught in these areas. Choose fishing methods other than beam trawled. Dover sole from the Hastings Fleet trammel net, gill net and otter trawl fisheries in the Eastern English Channel are certified as environmentally sustainable fisheries by the Marine Stewardship Council. Slip sole or ??tongue' is used to describe a small Dover sole less than 340g. Avoid eating immature sole (less than 28cm) and fresh (not previously frozen) fish caught during the breeding season (April-June).
Summary
The best choices for Dover or common sole is from the North and Celtic Seas and western English Channel where stocks are classified as healthy and harvested sustainably. Stocks in the Bay of Biscay and the eastern English Channel are also classified as healthy or having full reproductive capacity but fishing mortality is above the target level. Stocks in the Irish Sea are depleted and a closure of the fishery is recommended. Avoid eating. Dover sole from the Hastings Fleet trammel net, gill net and otter trawl fisheries in the eastern English Channel are certified as environmentally sustainable fisheries by the Marine Stewardship Council and is another sustainable choice. Avoid eating immature sole (less than 30cm) and fresh (not previously frozen) fish caught during the breeding season (April-June).
Alternatives
(Based on method of production, fish type, and consumer rating: only fish rated 3 and below are included.)
Visit Fishonline, the website for the seafood industry, for more detailed information about this species.