A study to improve knowledge of maturity and the spawning season in common
cuttlefish Sepia officinalis and was carried out in spring / summer 2023
to 2024. Cuttlefish were purchased from commercial fishing vessels, then
measured and dissected to determine sex and maturity. In addition, two methods
were trialled to detect a recruitment pulse of cuttlefish inshore in the
English Channel. In September and October 2023 two chartered surveys were
carried out in Lyme Bay. In June-November 2024 commercial cuttlefish samples
were purchased from inshore fishers when juveniles were found in catches. All
cuttlefish were identified to species level and the mantle length was
measured.