Plaice Pleuronectes platessa

The Plaice (Pleuronectes platessa) is one of the most familiar flatfish in British waters and a cornerstone of the North Sea fishing industry, as well as a favourite of recreational anglers along the Suffolk coast. Sandy and muddy seabeds in the southern North Sea provide ideal feeding habitat, and plaice are regularly caught from boats and beaches throughout the season. North Sea plaice stocks have been subject to intensive management following overfishing, and populations have shown some recovery in recent years. The species is a cultural and economic fixture of Suffolk's coastal fishing heritage, and the area around the Shipwash and Outer Gabbard banks is particularly productive. Image: © Poul Erik Rasmussen, iNaturalist.

Find out more: Suffolk Wildlife Trust, iNaturalist, Marine Life Information Centre