Name:

Kellet’s Whelk

Kelletia Kelleti

Seasonal Availability:

Open 7/1/2023-3/22/2024

For species-specific updates, please visit this website

Commercial Length or Size Requirements:

For species not believed to have a commercial size requirement, kindly refer to the CDFW or agency of jurisdiction website for further details.

Flavor Profile

Kellet's Whelk boasts a bold and robust flavor profile. Its meat is firm, chewy, and has a slightly sweet and briny taste with a hint of mineral notes. The whelk's flavor is reminiscent of other shellfish like clams or mussels.

Our favorite ways to cook

For Kellet's Whelk, we recommend preparing a seafood pasta dish. Cook your choice of pasta until al dente and set aside. In a skillet, sauté chopped garlic and shallots in olive oil until fragrant. Add the snail meat, a splash of white wine, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Toss in the cooked pasta and fresh herbs, like parsley and thyme. The sweet and slightly briny flavor of Kellet's Whelk Snail adds a unique twist to this pasta creation.

Things you probably didn't know about Kellet’s Whelk

Did you know that Kellet's Whelk snails can live up to 70 years and grow up to 8 inches long? These predatory snails are native to the west coast of North America and have a brown or grayish shell with spiral ridges. They have historically been harvested for food and their shells for decorative purposes. However, their populations have declined in recent years due to overfishing. Kellet's Whelks play an important role in their ecosystem by controlling population levels of other marine organisms. They are also hermaphrodites, meaning they have both male and female reproductive organs and can fertilize their own eggs. These fascinating creatures may be small, but they have a big impact on the ocean environment.

Who's Catching

• Charles Saraspe
• Andy Saraspe
• John Glawson