Whelks
The Common Whelk
Whelk is a general term used for various kinds of sea snails. The type we harvest in Scotland is the "common whelk" which is also the largest sea snail found in the UK. In Scotland, we lovingly refer to them as "buckies".
The latin name for the common whelk is "buccinum undatum". The latin name allows us to ensure that we talk about the same species.
Sweet and briny
Whelks have a very similar flavour profile to clams, being deliciously briny and sweet. When cooked properly, their meat is tender and succulent with a pleasantly chewy texture. Whelks pair really well with butter and fresh lemon, and are perfect for adding texture and depth to pasta and stir fry dishes.
Nutritional value
Lobster is not just tasty but also super healthy!
High in protein
Low in fat
Rich in minerals
Copper, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus
Rich in vitamins
B12, E
Omega-3 fatty acids
The high protein an low fat of lobster meat is good for your bones and selenium has anti-cancer properties.
They like it cold
The common whelk lives in cold water, preferring sandy and muddy grounds. It can usually be found in depths of 5m to 200m. As they get older, they seem to prefer deeper waters.
Sustainability
In Scotland, we have landing controls in place to protect the whelk stock levels. The minimum landing size for the common whelk is 45mm shell length (except for Shetland where is is 75mm).
Our common whelks or "buckies" are caught using pots. This method of fishing is is environmentally friendly and has a minimal impact on the marine environment.
Packing and Shipping
Our whelks are packaged with the utmost care to ensure they arrive in the best shape possible. We pack them in bags as well as boxes of 18kg as required.
Our other products
Where to find us
Coastal Shellfish, Unit 1 Troon Fishmarket, Harbour Road, Troon, KA10 6DH Scotland, UK
Coastal Shellfish is a trading name of Coastal Diving & Marine Services Ltd, a company registered in Scotland SC341492. Coastal Shellfish is a trademark of Coastal Diving & Marine Services Ltd. Registered office: Unit 1 Troon Fishmarket, Harbour Road, Troon KA10 6DH.