Sanddab

Pacific sanddab is a left-eyed flatfish. They have a vast range from the Aleutian Islands in Alaska to Baja California where they inhabit sandy or mud-sand bottoms most commonly between 150-500 feet deep. They can live up to nine years and have an elongated oval body shape. Though Pacific sanddab can grow up to 16 inches long,  most remain small, weighing less than a pound. They sport varying colorations: the eyed side is commonly a brown mottled color, while the “blind” side is off-white. This coloration helps them blend into their surroundings and avoid predation. 

Overall availability

Pacific sanddab is fished in all three West Coast states, California, Oregon and Washington. Though it is available year-round, peak availability is spring through fall. Pacific sanddab is typically available in fresh and frozen fillets. While flatfish vary in size and shape, most have flaky white fillets that are generally interchangeable in recipes. 

Management

Pacific sanddab is caught using longline and trawl gear. It is managed by the Pacific Fishery Management Council and NOAA Fisheries under the Pacific Coast Groundfish Fishery Management Plan, which covers 90+ species that live near or above the seafloor. State fishery management agencies in CA, OR and WA, along with the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission also have some management authority, implementing federal fishery management and state-specific measures.