On a crisp Wednesday in October, security technologist and author Bruce Schneier traded his desk and keyboards for a small fishing boat operating out of Gloucester, Massachusetts, for a day of maritime recreation. Venturing onto the Atlantic waters, Schneier and his fellow anglers experienced a varied day of fishing, pulling in numerous cod—none of which could be legally retained due to local catch restrictions—alongside a healthy abundance of hake and mackerel that were permitted to be brought home. However, the true highlight of the excursion arrived when Schneier hauled in an unexpected cephalopod: a live squid.
Based on his observations, the specimen appears to be a longfin squid, scientifically classified as Doryteuthis (Amerigo) pealeii and frequently referred to locally as the Boston squid. Valued both by marine ecosystems and culinary enthusiasts, the longfin squid is a common inhabitant of the coastal waters of the Northwest Atlantic, ranging from the Gulf of Maine down to the Gulf of Mexico.
True to culinary tradition, the freshly caught cephalopod did not remain a mere curiosity for long. That very evening, Schneier prepared his catch over a barbecue grill, cooking it hot and fast to achieve the ideal texture. By all accounts, the impromptu seafood dinner proved to be a resounding success, offering a fresh taste of the New England coast.
The excursion added a literal and flavorful entry to the author’s long-running tradition of weekly squid-themed blog posts, which regularly invite readers to ponder the marvels of marine life alongside commentary on technology, privacy, and security. As the fishing trip wrapped up and the seasonal chill of New England set in, the Gloucester waters provided a brief, refreshing interlude of salt air, sunshine, and successful ocean harvesting.
Cyber Security & Cryptography
Cyber Security & Cryptography
Cyber Security & Cryptography
