Whiting Merlangius merlangus

The Whiting (Merlangius merlangus) is a common and ecologically important gadoid of the North Sea, found across a range of depths from inshore shallows to deeper offshore waters. It is a regular and often abundant species in Suffolk's coastal and offshore waters, caught by commercial vessels and recreational anglers alike – particularly in autumn and winter when fish move inshore. As a predator of sandeels and small fish, and prey for larger species including cod and marine mammals, whiting plays a significant role in the North Sea food web. Populations have been subject to fishing pressure, though the species remains one of the more resilient North Sea gadoids. Image: © Liam Mason, iNaturalist.

Find out more: iNaturalist, Marine Life Information Centre