Silversides

The Atlantic silverside (Menidia menidia) ranges from the southern Gulf of St. Lawrence to Florida. Silversides are usually found near the shore and in brackish ponds and estuaries along the coast of Prince Edward Island. The Atlantic silverside is a small fish that is usually no longer than 6 inches. The fish is greyish-green in color on top and translucent white on the underside. The silverside gets its name from the metallic silver strip that runs along both sides of its body.

History

The commercial silverside fishery was first established on Prince Edward Island in the early 1970's. This fishery is the first recognized commercial silverside fishery in Canada. On Prince Edward Island, silversides are traditionally harvested with a dory and by method of trap/box net. The majority of silversides fished on Prince Edward Island are sold in a frozen state primarily as bait and zoo food. The fishing season for Atlantic silversides on Prince Edward Island is currently October to December.