Orkney Sustainable Fisheries End of Year Report 2014

ORKNEY SUSTAINABLE FISHERIES LTD. REPORT NO. 6

Orkney Shellfish Project End of Year Report January – December 2014

Matthew T. Coleman & Kate Rydzkowski 28/10/2015

To be cited as follows: Coleman, M T., Rydzkowski K. (2015) Orkney Shellfish Project – End of Year Report 2014. Orkney Sustainable Fisheries Ltd. No. 6, Pp 38

Contents 1. Introduction ...... 3 1.1 Background ...... 3 1.2 The Study Area ...... 3 2. Succorfish VMS ...... 4 3. Onshore Market Sampling ...... 4 3.1 Spatial Coverage by Sampling...... 4 3.2 Brown Crab ...... 5 3.2.1 The Offshore Catch ...... 6 3.2.2 The Inshore Catch ...... 7 3.3 Velvet Crab ...... 12 3.4 European Lobster...... 14 3.5 Summary ...... 16 3.6 Crab Tagging ...... 16 4. Logbook Programme ...... 17 4.1 Overview ...... 17 2.2 Landing per Unit Effort ...... 17 4.3 Discard Catch Composition ...... 20 4.4 Non Target Species ...... 20 5. Observer Programme ...... 21 5.1 Overview ...... 21 5.2 Catch per Unit Effort ...... 21 5.3 Landings per Unit Effort ...... 22 5.4 Discard per Unit Effort ...... 24 5.5 Non Target Species ...... 26 5.6 Summary ...... 27 6. Fishermen Meetings 2014 ...... 27 7. Project Limitations 2014 ...... 28 8. Project Objectives 2015 ...... 28 9. Orkney Sustainable Fisheries Website ...... 28 10. Fishery Improvement Project Workshop 2014 ...... 29 11. Additional information ...... 29

11.1 Population and fisheries ecology of green crabs in Orkney ...... 29 11.2 Escape panels for creels ...... 30 11.3 Genetic structure of Orkney lobster stocks ...... 30 11.4 Evaluating the spatial interaction of fishing with other uses of the sea around Orkney ...... 30 12. References...... 31 Appendix A: ...... 32

1. Introduction

1.1 Background The Orkney Shellfish Research project has finished its second year (January – December 2014). The project work involves fishermen participation in vessel monitoring, collection of logbook data, collection of biological data both by onshore market sampling at various landing ports around Orkney, and observer trips which allow fishermen’s total catch and bycatch to be recorded for a given day at sea.

During the project’s first year (Jan – Dec 2013) there were some obstacles to overcome particularly in regards to securing fishermen’s participation and gaining fishermen’s trust. Year 2 (Jan – Dec 2014) of the project saw its own obstacles in that the project researcher (Kate Rydzkowski) suffered an illness that caused her to be absent for 8 months of the year.

This report will detail the main project work for the second year and will highlight areas that will need to be focussed on in year 3 of the project to fulfil the overall project aims. The project can be broken down into 4 main sections:

1. Succorfish VMS 2. Onshore Market Sampling 3. Logbook Programme 4. Observer Programmew

1.2 The Study Area The Orkney Shellfish Research Project study area is shown in Figure 1.1. The creel fishery in Orkney comprises of an inshore fishery (within 6nm of Orkneys coast) of vessels typically <10m in length and an offshore fishery (outwith 6nm of Orkney’s coast) of vessel >10m. The total size of the study area is 15,927 km2 (4,637.6nm2) and covers the area of the Pentland Firth, Orkney Waters, and corresponding wave and tidal development sites within these areas.

Figure 1.1 Orkney Shellfish Research Project study area ICES rectangles in km2

2. Succorfish VMS The vessel monitoring data part of the project faced the most issues during the first year of the project (Jan – Dec 2013), mainly surrounding securing fishermen’s participation and issues with the succorfish devices themselves. Technical issues relating to succorfish units continued into the second year (Jan – Dec 2014) of the project, with every endeavour made to ensure any issues relating to the units were solved promptly.

Twenty boats were equipped with succorfish units at the start of the second year, three of which are based in Wick; however Orkney Sustainable Fisheries Ltd. (OSF) does not oversee the maintenance of wick units. Of the seventeen vessels based in Orkney, twelve boats have continually submitted data. Three have suffered from intermittent device problems resulting in sporadic reporting. Two Fishermen have dropped out of the study; one due to poor health and resulting retirement from fishing and the second due to persistent technical issues with the succorfish device and resulting delays to fishing time. Therefore the number of active participating vessels at the end of year two is fifteen within Orkney territorial waters.

Following the annual project review meeting with The Crown Estate (24th February 2015) and corresponding skipper meeting on the evening of, three new fishermen have expressed interest in participating within the succorfish programme, OSF is currently in talks to secure their participation.

Data from participating vessels was used to investigate the distribution of fishing effort from 1st January – 31st December 2014. Points were filtered in accordance to speed as a proxy for fishing activity, a speed >5knts was deemed as steaming and <5knts demonstrated a boat undertaking fishing activity (Kafas et al, 2012). Harbour areas were given 1.5km buffer zones to exclude points that did not represent fishing activity but occurred under similar speeds, e.g. port manoeuvring. These buffers also excluded the beginning and end of tracks providing further ambiguity to fishing vessels.

Heat maps were produced using filtered VMS succorfish data in accordance to fishing speed and represent fishing activity in relation to The Crown Estate Wave and tidal test site, whilst simultaneously demonstrating spatial spread of fishing activity (Appendix A1).

3. Onshore Market Sampling

3.1 Spatial Coverage by Sampling Onshore market sampling for year two started in May 2014 and continued through the rest of 2014. Sampling has been undertaken for the main three species; brown crab, European lobster and velvet crab.

Onshore market sampling data has been organised into ICES Rectangles and the fishermen who were sampled have also been organised into rectangles depending on where their fishing grounds are located (Table 1.1). This information has been obtained by speaking with fishermen. Some fishermen have

fishing grounds in more than one ICES rectangle. In total 50 different fishermen’s catch was sampled over 2014, representing 62% of the total vessels in Orkney (Table 3.1).

Table 3.1 Number of fishermen’s catches sampled in 2014 and corresponding ICES rectangle.

ICES Rectangle Fished Number of Fishermen Sampled 47 E6 10 47 E7 9 46 E6 7 46 E7 5 46 E4 1 46/ 47 E6 5 47 E6/ E7 2 46 E6/46 E7 1 47/47 E7 2 46 E6/E7 2 46/47 E7 6 Total Number of Fishermen Sampled 50

3.2 Brown Crab The brown crab Cancer pagurus or also commonly known as the edible crab is one of the most commercially important species to Orkney in terms of landings and value. In 2012 there was 2,219 tonnes landed into Orkney with a value of £2.7 Million (1). Brown crabs are targeted in both the inshore and the offshore fisheries. Most Orkney fishing vessels operate within the inshore fishing grounds and are typically <10m and operate as a mixed fishery. Whilst a minority of viver vessels >10m operate offshore and solely target brown crab

Brown crab is subject to regulation; Marine Scotland enforces a minimum landing size (MLS) of 140mm carapace width (CW). Carapace width is a measurement taken from the widest part of the crab’s carapace (body) (Figure 3.2). The measurement is taken in mm.

Figure 3.2 Measurement of carapace width taken on brown crab. Measurement is taken in mm.

The total weight of brown crab sampled by OSF staff and the total weight of landed crab that sampled were taken from is shown in Table 2.2. The total weight of landed crab is high due to the inclusion of both Inshore and offshore landings.

Table 2.2 Weight of brown crab sampled and the total weight of landed crab sampled.

Weight of Brown Crab Sampled Weight of Brown Crab Landed (kg) (kg) 19,903.5 152,977.50

3.2.1 The Offshore Catch The offshore catch that was sampled was caught in the ICES rectangle 46 E4 (refer to Figure 1.1). There is another offshore vessel working out of Orkney, however there was no opportunity to sample catch from the other vessel. The total weight of offshore catch sampled was 6,248kg with a total landed weight of 137,856.6 kg.

The catch composition of the offshore catch is very different to the catch composition seen inshore. The offshore catch is comprised mainly of females, who are known to move offshore during the summer months to brood eggs. This can be seen from Figures 2.2 and 2.3. Out of the 6,248kg that were sampled there were 9,242 females and 653 males, forming a ratio of 100:7 of females to male’s sampled. The average size of female in the offshore catch is 165.2mm CW and the average size of male in the offshore catch is 166.2mm CW. The numbers of male are lower but catch composition comprises of large individuals (>190mm CW) in the offshore catch which are not found inshore as frequently.

ICES 48 E4 15 Male

n=653 Frequency 10

158 194 202 130 134 138 142 146 150 154 162 166 170 174 178 182 186 190 198 206 210 214 218 222 226 Carapace Width (mm)

Figure 2.2 Frequency distribution of male brown crab caught offshore in 2014.

400

350

300

250

200 ICES 48 E4 Female

Frequency 150 n=9242

100

158 202 130 134 138 142 146 150 154 162 166 170 174 178 182 186 190 194 198 206 210 214 218 222 226 Carapace Width (mm) Figure 2.3 Frequency distribution of female brown crab caught offshore in 2014.

3.2.2 The Inshore Catch The inshore brown crab catch has been separated into the different inshore ICES rectangles. Where there was overlap of two ICES rectangles the data was used for both of the rectangles as it is not possible to separate each crab into a separate ICES rectangle. The average size of male brown crab inshore is 159.9mm CW and the average size of female crab inshore is 159.6mm CW.

Table 2.3 Average size of inshore and offshore male and female brown crabs sampled in 2014

Average Size CW mm Offshore Male 166.2 Inshore Male 160.5 Offshore Female 165.2 Inshore Female 165.2

ICES 46 E7 Figure 2.4 and 2.5 shows the frequency distribution graphs for the brown crab caught in ICES rectangle 46 E7. The average size of male brown crab caught in this rectangle is 161mm CW and the average size of female caught is 166mm CW. The total weight sampled for 46 E7 is 1,295.5kg and the total weight landed from which samples were taken is 1,397.5kg with 102kg out of the total not being sampled.

120

100

Male 60 ICES 46 E7

n=3094 Frequency 40

0 130 139 144 149 154 159 164 169 174 179 184 189 194 199 204 209 214

Carapace Width (mm) Figure 2.4 Frequency distribution of male brown crab sampled in ICES 46 E7.

20 Female ICES 46 E7

15 n=741 Frequency 10

0 130 139 144 149 154 159 164 169 174 179 184 189 194 199 204 209 214

Carapace Width (mm) Figure 2.5 Frequency distribution of female brown crab sampled in ICES 46 E7.

ICES 46 E6 Figure 2.6 and 2.7 shows the frequency distribution graphs for the brown crab caught in ICES rectangle 46 E6. The average size of male brown crab caught in this rectangle is 161mm CW and the average size of female brown crab caught in this rectangle is 165mm CW. The total weight sampled for 46 E6 is 3,523kg and the total weight landed from which samples were taken is 4,177kg with 654kg out of the total not being sampled.

350 325 300 275 250

225

200 Male 175 ICES 46 E6 150 n=9668

125 Frequency 100 75 50 25 0 130 139 144 149 154 159 164 169 174 179 184 189 194 199 204 209 214

Carapace Width (mm)

Figure 2.6 Frequency distribution of male brown crab sampled in ICES 46 E6.

150 135 120 105

90 Female 75 ICES 46 E6 60 n=3873

Frequency 45 30 15 0 130 139 144 149 154 159 164 169 174 179 184 189 194 199 204 209 214

Carapace Width (mm) Figure 2.7 Frequency distribution of female brown crab sampled in ICES 46 E6.

ICES 47 E6 Figure 2.8 and 2.9 shows the frequency distribution graphs for the brown crab caught in ICES rectangle 47 E6. The average size of male crab caught in this rectangle is 159mm CW and the average size of female caught in this rectangle is 165mm CW. The total weight sampled for 47 E6 is 7,533.4kg and the total weight landed from which samples were taken is 8,242.4kg, with 709kg that were not sampled.

250 225 200 175 150 Male 125 ICES 47 E6 100 n=7006

Frequency 75 50 25 0 130 139 144 149 154 159 164 169 174 179 184 189 194 199 204 209 214 Carapace Width (mm) Figure 2.8 Frequency distribution of male brown crab sampled in ICES 47 E6.

110 100 90 80

60 Female ICES 47 E6 50 n=3013

40 Frequency 30 20 10 0 130 139 144 149 154 159 164 169 174 179 184 189 194 199 204 209 214 Carapace Width (mm) Figure 2.9 Frequency distribution of female brown crab sampled in ICES 47 E6.

ICES 47 E7 Figure 2.10 and 2.11 shows the frequency distribution graphs for the brown crab caught in ICES rectangle 47 E7. The average size of male crab caught in this rectangle is 161mm CW and the average size of female caught in this rectangle is 165mm CW. The total weight sampled for 47 E7 is 1,304kg and the total weight landed from which samples were taken is 1,304kg.

120

100

Male 60 ICES 47 E7 n=3083

Frequency 40

0 130 139 144 149 154 159 164 169 174 179 184 189 194 199 204 209 214 Carapace Width (mm)

Figure 2.10 Frequency distribution of male brown crab sampled in ICES 47 E7.

20 Female ICES 47 E7

15 n=733 Frequency 10

0 130 139 144 149 154 159 164 169 174 179 184 189 194 199 204 209

Carapace Width (mm) Figure 2.11 Frequency distribution of female brown crab sampled in ICES 47 E7.

3.3 Velvet Crab Velvet crab Necora puber or commonly known as the devil crab is the third most valuable commercially fished species in Orkney. Velvet crabs are mainly live transported to Spain or France for the live market. These crabs are targeted inshore as their preferred habitat is rocky sheltered coastline. Velvet crabs are fished all year round but with increased landings seen during the winter months as fishermen change their target species with the weather and market value spikes. In times of bad weather fishermen might target velvets more as they are located in the inshore protected waters unlike brown crab whose preferred habitat is slightly more offshore. In comparison with brown crab there have been much fewer velvet crab sampled in 2014 due to velvet crab typically being landed, packed and shipped same day. This occurs due to their high mortality rate within keep ponds and during transit unlike brown crab and lobster, therefore every effort is taken to reduce storage time and subsequent mortality.

Velvet crabs are subjected to regulation by Marine Scotland. The MLS for velvet crab is 165 mm CW (Figure 2.12).

Figure 2.12 Measurement of carapace width taken with velvet crab

Table 2.4 shows the weight of velvet crab sampled in 2014 and the weight landed from which samples were taken.

Table 2.4 Total weight of velvet crab sampled and landed in 2014.

kg Total weight sampled 420.7 Total weight landed 1,103

On average female velvet crabs are seen to be larger than males (Table 2.5). However, the total number of females sampled is much lower than the total number of males (248 F: 1770 M) potentially skewing the average size of females. Lower interaction rates of females could also be attributed to differing life history strategies, areas fished and time of year.

Table 2.5 Average size of male and female velvet crabs sampled in 2014

CW mm Average size of male velvet 70.0 Average size of female velvet 72.3

Figure 2.13 and 2.14 show the frequency distribution for velvet crab sampled in Orkney in 2014. The low number of females sampled makes a trend distribution more difficult to see, whereas it is possible to see a trend in the graph for the males.

200

150

Male Velvet Crab 100 n=1770

Frequency 50

0 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 Carapace Width (mm)

Figure 2.13. Frequency distribution of male velvet crabs sampled in Orkney 2014

35 30 Female Velvet Crab 25 n=248 20 15 10

Frequency 5 0 59 60 61 62 63 64 65 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 Carapace Width (mm)

Figure 2.14 Frequency distribution of female velvet crabs sampled in Orkney 2104.

3.4 European Lobster European lobster Homarus gammarus is the most valuable commercially fished species in Orkney. In 2013 the value of lobster caught in Orkney was £7.2 Million. Lobsters are targeted all year round in Orkney, but market pressure and higher prices around Christmas cause some fishermen to target them in the months running up to December. Like both brown and velvet crabs, lobsters are subjected to regulation by Marine Scotland with a MLS of 87 Carapace Length (CL) mm and a Maximum Landing Size of 156CL mm for females only. Currently there is no legislation inhibiting the landing of berried female (with eggs present) lobsters or crippled individuals, however a voluntary v-notching programme operates in Orkney1. The measurement for CL is taken from the eye socket to the start of the tail (Figure 2.15).

Figure 2.15 Measurement taken on a lobster.

Table 2.6 Total weight of lobster sampled and the weight landed in 2014.

kg Weight sampled 826.3 Weight landed 826.3

Lobster data has been divided up into male, female and berried female. On average male lobsters caught are larger than female lobsters and berried female lobsters are larger than female (Table 2.7). The sample size for berried lobster is small n=60 compared to the samples of male n=531 and females n=559. An increase in the sample size for berried lobster may alter the average size

1 V-notching is the voluntary act undertaken by fishermen to mark egg bearing females with a V-shaped notch in the tail fan. This renders the individual unmarketable and protects egg production. V-notches s are regrown through consecutive moults, however the individual cannot be landed until all signs of the notch have disappeared.

Table 2.7 Average size of lobster sampled in Orkney in 2014.

CL mm Average Male CL 99.09 Average Female CL 96.66 Average Berried Female CL 99.98

25 Male Lobster

20 n=531

10 Frequency

98 80 82 84 86 88 90 92 94 96

108 118 128 100 102 104 106 110 112 114 116 120 122 124 126 130 132 Carapace Length (mm)

Figure 2.15 Frequency distribution of male lobsters sampled in Orkney 2104

40 35 30 Female Lobster 25 n=559 20 15 Frequency 10 5

80 82 84 86 88 90 92 94 96 98

102 104 106 108 110 112 114 116 118 120 122 124 126 128 130 132 134 136 Carapace100 Length (mm)

Figure 2.16 Frequency distribution of female lobsters sampled in Orkney2014

Fermale Berried Lobster

3 n=60

Frequency 1

0 80 82 84 86 88 90 92 94 96 98 100 102 104 106 108 110 112 114 116 118 Carapace Length (mm)

Figure 1.3.3 Frequency distribution of female berried lobsters sampled in Orkney 2014.

3.5 Summary The collection of biological data from onshore market sampling gives insight into the brown crab, velvet crab and European lobster populations. Over time and with increased data collection for velvet crab and lobster the data will allow sex ratio and catch compositions to be investigated.

3.6 Crab Tagging In 2014 there was no active crab tagging by OSF staff or by fishermen. Inactivity of the brown crab tagging project in 2014 was due to the decrease in OSF man power caused by unforeseen staff illnesses. Resources were instead directed to ensure high levels of market sampling, logbook programme and observer trip coverage were maintained. Brown crab tagging will resume during the late summer months of 2015 when the brown crab are in the suitable condition. This will build upon previous data collected in 2013.

As part of Kate Rydzkowski (the project researcher’s) PhD with Heriot Watt University, a funding application for T-Bar tags which are retained when the crab moults is being submitted. This will provide data collection over a longer time series due to retention of tags inter-moult. Depending on grant approval, it is hoped that t-bar tags will be used in addition to cheliped tags currently in use in summer 2015.

4. Logbook Programme

4.1 Overview A total of four boats <10m in length submitted logbooks from March – December 2014 representing 5% of the Orkney inshore creel fleet of approximately 80 active vessels. Over this time period 98,090 pots were hauled and redeployed by these four boats. The average breakdown of pot deployment can be seen in Table 4.1. Estimated average pots deployed per week are upper limits, based on an assumed six trips per week and monthly deployments estimated based on a four week month.

Table 4.1: Average number of reported creels per vessel deployed per week and per month by logbook fleet from March - December 2014.

Per Trip Per Week Per Month Average Total Creels 408.6 2,452 9,809 Hauled

2.2 Landing per Unit Effort Landings per unit effort (LPUE) refers to all species of commercial importance that are above MLS and retained for profit. In this case LPUE refers to kilograms (kg) landed.

Brown crab Cancer pagurus made up on average 61% of landed weight, European lobster Homarus gammarus 6% and velvet crab Necora puber 33% over the time period of March – December 2014. These values reaffirm the relationship observed in previous quarterly reports, demonstrating that brown crab makes up over 50% of landed weight (58%, April – June; 69%, July-September, OSF Quarterly Reports) and are the primary target species of the inshore fleet (Table 4.5).

Seasonal variation in landings of commercial species are known to occur and can be seen within 2014 recorded landings (Appendix A, Figure A2). Seasonal landings of brown crab show gradual increases in landings between May and November, peaking in October. Lobster landings show low incidence in the catch up to June, with increases in July – October. This variation could depend on temperature affecting movement patterns; however this cannot be verified within this data set at this time. Velvet crabs contribute significantly to the catch throughout the year peaking in October and November. Green crabs Carcinus maenas are also reported in these two months. This increase in landings of these two small intertidal species could be attributed to changes in fishing grounds due to adverse weather conditions. Seasonality is seen to be exhibited in all species (Figure A2) with changes in fishing patterns believed to be the primary influence.

As highlighted seasonal environmental factors are known to influence fishing patterns and landings, however industrial factors such as commercial buying rates can influence fishing also. Changes in seasonal market value and changes in LPUE and species specific creel vales were investigated using 2014 logbook data.

In the case of brown crab (Table 4.2) average monthly price per kg remained predominantly consistent +/-£00.11. Monthly LPUE however was seen to increase from May – November, peaking in November. This November peak in LPUE varies from the reported landings (Figure A2.) and could be attributed to increase creel deployment due to increase market value of velvet crab at this time (Table 4.4). Both creel value and LPUE is seen to fluctuate seasonally and demonstrates the expected relationship between landings and seasonal migrations of fishing activity to inshore water and away from preferred brown crab habitat and fishing grounds.

Table 4.2: Breakdown of monthly changes in brown crab LPUE, average merchant buying rates and corresponding estimated monthly creel value in 2014

Month March April May June July August September October November December LPUE/creel 0.132 0.133 0.288 0.632 0.545 0.546 0.730 0.685 0.890 0.078 (kg) Avg Price 1.36 1.36 1.33 1.35 1.31 1.28 1.25 1.30 1.30 1.33 (£/kg) Estimated Value 00.17 00.17 00.38 00.85 00.71 00.69 00.91 00.89 01.15 00.10 (£/creel)

Lobster monthly average price per kg fluctuates significantly +/- £8.70, with increases market rates from winter to early spring (September – April) with LPUE over the same time frame following an opposite trend, resulting in increased demand and higher prices (Table 4.3). This trend results in a highly seasonal creel value and demonstrates the expected relationship between landings and seasonal migrations of fishing activity to inshore water and away from preferred lobster habitat and fishing grounds.

Table 4.3: Breakdown of monthly changes in Lobster LPUE, average merchant buying rates and corresponding estimated monthly creel value in 2014

Month March April May June July August September October November December LPUE Per 0.022 0.173 0.029 0.013 0.060 0.113 0.100 0.063 0.019 0.011 creel(g) Avg Price 13.06 10.69 8.35 7.88 7.73 7.84 9.19 9.80 11.21 16.43 (£/Kg) Estimated Value 00.28 1.84 0.24 0.10 00.46 00.88 00.98 0.61 00.21 00.18 (£/creel)

Velvet crab demonstrates a fishing pattern that is opposite to that of brown crab and lobster, highlighting its role as an important winter fishery (Table 4.4). This relationship is demonstrated in higher LPUE within winter and early spring months (September - April) with monthly price per kg fluctuating +/- £2.29 over the same time frame, resulting in creel value following a similar trend. This trend of increased LPUE gaining higher £/kg could be attributed to seasonal market demand especially on the continent being the main driver behind market value (Merchant, pers. comm), whilst lobster

prices are influenced by product availability and brown crab value stays relative consistent regardless of demand or availability. This increase in velvet crabs market value over winter months and coinciding environmental restriction to crab and lobster fishing grounds highlights velvet crabs as an important commercial species within the inshore fishery.

Table 4.4: Breakdown of monthly changes in Velvet Crab LPUE, average merchant buying rates and corresponding estimated monthly creel value in 2014

Month March April May June July August September October November December LPUE Per 0.551 0.400 0.255 0.223 0.172 0.112 0.269 0.318 0.588 0.811 creel (g) Avg Price 3.04 2.84 2.65 2.75 2.55 2.46 1.74 1.70 2.15 3.99 (£/Kg) Estimated Value 01.67 01.13 00.67 00.61 0.43 00.27 00.46 00.54 01.26 03.23 (£/creel)

Overall observed LPUE in 2014 (Table 4.6) for brown crab of 0.617 kg/creel illustrates an average of one legal crab per creel, based on the average weight of 480g per crab at minimum landing size (Male MLS: 140mm, Female MLS: 150mm). Lobster LPUE is an average of 0.06 kg/creel, representing about one lobster per seven creels with an average weight of 400g at MLS of 87mm (weight bracket of 400 – 1.5kg imposed by Orkney Fisherman Society (OFS) 2014). Velvet crab was LPUE is 0.256 kg/creel. Based on an average weight of 100-116g, this would yield two velvet crabs per creel.

Table 4.5: Breakdown of total commercially important Crustacea landed by logbook fleet from March - December 2014

Average Weekly Weight Average Monthly Weight Species Total Weight Landed (kg) Landed Landed (kg) (kg) Brown Crab 53,182 1,329.55 5,318.2 European Lobster 5,262 140.55 526.2 Velvet Crab 29,140 728.5 2,914

Table 4.6: Landings Per Unit Effort (LPUE), March – December2014.

Species LPUE (kg/creel) Brown Crab 0.652 European Lobster 0.06 Velvet Crab 0.357

4.3 Discard Catch Composition Overall average percentage of discarded individuals of commercial species caught between March – December 2014 did not differ dramatically from those observed within the quarterly reports (April – June, July – September 2014). With brown crab demonstrating an average of discard rate of 59%, lobster 24% and velvet crabs 21%. There is however significant variation between months, possibly relating to seasonal movements of inshore stocks or shifts in the distribution of fishing effort.

In the case of brown crab (Appendix A, Figure A3A) higher proportions of discarded crabs in the catch are seen between March to July, with a gradual decline over this time period, and lower proportions seen in August to November. This reduction could be attributed to shifts in fishing activities between inshore winter fishing grounds and offshore summer grounds. Similar trends are seen for lobster (Appendix A, Figure A3B) with higher catch rates in winter months, possibly due to the fishing of inshore rocky habitat at this time, and a subsequent gradual decline in summer months. Seasonal differences in undersize velvet crab catch rates (Appendix A, Figure A3C) can also be attributed to seasonal movement of fishing vessels. However observed peaks in discarded catches are seen June – July and could be attributed to the moulting at this time with increased discarding of soft individuals, highlighting the use of an appropriate management strategy.

4.4 Non Target Species Non-target species reported within logbooks are primarily demersal fish species, with one elasmobranch species and are also taken here to include V-notched lobsters (Appendix A, Table A4). The description of these species as non-target species is a result of their retention on board as bait (apart from V-notched lobster). Lesser spotted dogfish Scyliorhinus caniculus and conger eel Conger conger are scavengers attracted to bait used, whilst in the case of corkwing wrasse Symphodus melops, Atlantic cod Gadus morhua and rockling Gaidropsarus sp., crustaceans form a significant part of their diet. Of these species cod represents the only species of conservation concern (Appendix A, Table A4), with a current conservation status of vulnerable (Sobel, 1999; IUCN Red List) and current restrictions applying to fishing activity (Cod Recovery Zone). Annual interactions of the creel fishery with this species should be closely monitored.

An average of two point five V-notched lobsters per month were caught by each vessel, an estimated total catch per vessel of 24 between March and December 2014 (Appendix A, Table A4), representing 0.01% of monthly catch and 0.002% total recorded weights during this time. This indicates a low proportion of V-notched lobsters in the fishable stock; a mark and recapture study would be needed to ascertain the contribution of V-notched lobsters to the Orkney spawning stock as a whole.

5. Observer Programme

5.1 Overview Offshore observer trips were undertaken six times over the summer months, collecting data on the total catch and bycatch caught for a given day. Six observer trips were made on board five different vessels over the time period of May – October 2014, two vessels were <10m in length and three >10m. A total of 969 creel hauls were observed on vessels >10m, 587 on board vessels <10m, with an overall observed total of 1,556 creels. Two trips were undertaken in ICES square 47:E7 and four in ICES square 46:E6 (Appendix A, Figure A7). These vessels combined represent 6.25% of the Orkney Inshore creel fleet of approximately 80 active vessels (Fiona Matheson – Orkney Fisherman Association, pers. comm.)

There was an observed average of 150 creels hauled per trip by vessels <10m and an average of 484 by vessels >10m. Vessels <10m arranged creels on average 16 creels per rope (Table 5.2), with an average of 9 ±0.4 (standard error (SE)) ropes per trip. Vessels >10m arranged creels on average 42 creels per rope (Table 13), with an average of 12±1.5 ropes per trip. These results highlight that there is little variation in the number of ropes deployed or the number of creels per rope (Table 5.2). However there is high variability in the number of creels deployed amongst and between both vessel size categories. This variability could be associated with a number of additional factors such as crew number, target species, time, location and part-time vs full-time fisherman. However the number of creels deployed per rope and trip by vessels >10m can be seen to be twice that of vessels <10m, with this simply being attributed to a larger operation, with such an effect apparent in subsequent reported and observed fishing activity.

Table 5.2: Average number of creels hauled per rope & trip per vessel July – September 2014(±SE)

Vessel <10m Vessel >10m Per Rope Per Trip Per Rope Per Trip Average Creel No. 16±1.6 150± 28 42±1.8 484±75 Hauled

5.2 Catch per Unit Effort Catch per unit effort (CPUE) here refers to the total fishing interaction of commercially targeted species, both above and below minimum landing size (MLS), i.e. both landings and discards. In this case CPUE refers to the number of individuals caught.

CPUE for vessels <10m (Table 5.3) illustrates that brown crab accounts for 72% of the commercial crustacean catch lobster 4% and velvet crabs 24%.

Table 5.3: Average CPUE breakdown in numbers of individual commercially important Crustacea landed from May - October 2014 by vessels <10m. Estimated total catch calculated on a 6 day working week for 24 weeks.

Estimated Total CPUE Per CPUE Per Total Catch CPUE Per Species No. Rope/Per Trip/Per May – October Creel/Per Vessel Caught Vessel Vessel 2014/ Per Vessel 2,928 Brown Crab 5 80 750 108,000 (72%)

European 151 0.3 5 45 6,480 Lobster (4%)

960 Velvet Crab 1.6 26 240 34,560 (24%)

CPUE for vessels >10m (Table 5.4) illustrates that brown crab accounts for 88% of the commercial crustacean catch, lobster 3% and velvet crabs 9%.

Table 5.4: Average CPUE breakdown in numbers of individual commercially important Crustacea landed from May - October 2014 by vessels <10m. Estimated total catch calculated on a 6 day working week for 24 weeks

Estimated Total Catch CPUE Per CPUE Per CPUE Per Total No. May – Species Creel/Per Rope/Per Trip/Per Caught October Vessel Vessel Vessel 2014/ Per Vessel 6,414 Brown Crab 6.6 277 3,194 459,936 (88%) European 209 0.2 8.4 97 13,968 Lobster (3%) 668 Velvet Crab 0.7 29.4 339 48,816 (9%)

5.3 Landings per Unit Effort Landings per unit effort (LPUE) refers to all species of commercial importance that are above MLS and retained for profit. In this case LPUE refers to the number of individuals retained.

LPUE of Vessels <10m (Table 5.5) brown crab comprised 52% of catch composition, European lobster 10% and velvet crab 38%. These values reaffirm the relationships observed in both previous quarterly reports, with brown crab making up over 50% of total catch composition (59% April – June 2014, 75% July – September 2014).

Table 5.5: Average LPUE breakdown in numbers of individual commercially important crustacea landed from May - October 2014 by vessels <10m. Estimated total catch calculated on a 6 day working week for 24 weeks. Estimated weight of catch based of Orkney Sustainable Fisheries average weight of individuals: brown crab – 651g, European lobster – 570g, velvet crab - 116g.

2Logbook Estimated Estimated Reported Weight Total Weight LPUE Per LPUE Per LPUE Per (kg) Total No. Catch May (kg) Species Creel/Per Rope/Per Trip/Per May – Caught – October May – Vessel Vessel Vessel October 2014/ Per October 2014/Per Vessel 2014/Per Vessel Vessel Brown 439 0.7 11 105 15,120 9,843 10,186 Crab (52%)

European 86 0.1 1.6 15 2,160 1,231 1,208 Lobster (10%)

Velvet 328 0.6 9.6 90 12,960 1,503 3,691 Crab (38%)

LPUE of vessels >10m (Table 5.6) shows that brown crab comprised 87% of total catch composition, lobster 9% and velvet crabs 3%. These values reaffirm the relationships observed in both previous quarterly reports, with brown crab making up over 50% of total catch composition (59% April – June 2014, 75% July – September 2014)

The differences that are observed in LPUE between those vessels that are <10m and those >10m are significant. Vessels >10m have a LPUE that is two times greater than that of vessel <10m across all commercially exploited species (Table 16). However as previously stated the difference in LPUE between the two vessel size classes can be attributed to a number of factors such as vessel targeting behaviour and fishing grounds. A higher LPUE of brown crab observed in larger vessels (Table 9), highlights more species specific targeting than smaller vessels. However observed difference could also be related to a number of different factors such as bait preferences, weather, and operational costs.

Catch composition between vessel size classes varies significantly. Vessels <10m are seen to have a varied catch composition, demonstrating plasticity in species selection; however brown crab still accounted for >50% of total catch composition (Table 16). This variability can be attributed to fishing inshore mixed ground areas. In contrast vessels >10m demonstrate brown crab as making up 87% of its catch composition (Table 17) indicating more specific species targeting. Low contributions to the catch by vessels >10m can be linked to velvet crabs being economically unviable for larger vessels. Lobster however remained a constant proportion of the catch between both vessel size classes representing 10% and 9 % respectively for <10m and >10m vessels.

2 Weights used for comparison in reported logbook <10m vessels contains one vessel >10m but is designated within size band due to creel number and fishing activities undertaken.

Table 5.6: LPUE breakdown in numbers of individual commercially important crustacea landed from May- October 2014 by vessels >10m. Estimated total catch calculated on a 6 day working week for 24 weeks. Estimated weight of catch based of Orkney Sustainable Fisheries average weight of individuals: brown crab – 651g, European lobster – 570g, velvet crab - 116g.

Estimated Estimated Weight Total LPUE Per LPUE Per LPUE Per (Kg) Total No. Catch May Species Creel/Per Rope/Per Trip/Per May – Caught – October Vessel Vessel Vessel October 2014/ Per 2014/Per Vessel Vessel Brown 1,632 1.7 71 823 118,512 77,151 Crab (87%)

European 176 0.2 8.4 97 13,968 7,961 Lobster (9%)

Velvet 65 0.06 2.5 29 4,176 484 Crab (3%)

In comparison to logbook landings of vessels <10m over the same time period, observer trip illustrates similarity in catch compositions recorded for both brown crab and European lobster both in weights and catch composition whilst following similar trends previously observed in both quarterly reports (April- June 2014; July – September 2104). However, variability in velvet catch composition still exists, with observer data being significantly lower than actual recorded landings (Table 5.6). Currently there is limited uptake of logbooks on larger vessels >10m within the scheme to allow observer forecast comparison to logbook landings, this will be addressed in 2015.

5.4 Discard per Unit Effort

Discard per unit effort (DPUE) refers to all species of commercial importance that are either undersize or discarded and not subsequently retained for landing. In this case DPUE refers to the number of individuals discarded.

DPUE for vessels <10m (Table 5.7) illustrated brown crab comprising 85% of the total species catch composition, lobster 50% and velvet crabs 75%.

Table 5.7: DPUE breakdown in numbers of individual’s discarded/undersized of commercially important Crustacea from May - October 2014 by vessels <10m. Estimated total catch calculated on a 6 day working week for 24 weeks

Estimated DPUE Per DPUE Per Total Catch Total No. DPUE Per Species Creel/Per Rope/Per May – Caught Trip/Per Vessel Vessel Vessel October 2014 Per Vessel 2,489 Brown Crab 4.2 67 630 90,720 (85%) 65 European Lobster 0.1 1.6 15 2,160 (50%) 632 Velvet Crab 1 16 150 21,600 (75%)

DPUE for vessels >10m (Table 5.8), undersize/discarded brown crab comprises 74% of total species catch composition, lobster 13% and velvet crabs 98%

Table 5.8: DPUE breakdown in numbers of individual’s discarded/undersized of commercially important Crustacea from May - October 2014 by vessels >10m. Estimated total catch calculated on a 6 day working week for 24 weeks

Estimated DPUE Per DPUE Per Total Catch Total No. DPUE Per Species Creel/Per Rope/Per May – Caught Trip/Per Vessel Vessel Vessel October 2014 Per Vessel 4,782 Brown Crab 4.9 206 2,372 341,568 (74%) 33 European Lobster 0.03 1.2 14.5 2,090 (13%) 603 Velvet Crab 0.6 25 290 41,760 (98%)

It is seen that initial DPUE for both brown crab is similar across both vessel size classes, with the expected increase in DPUE per trip by vessels >10m relating to higher overall gear deployment (Table 5.8) and due to specific targeting of brown crab. This DPUE illustrates the presence of a population of potential recruits to the fishable stock, however continual sampling is recommend allowing the creation of a time series to allow insights and comparisons into levels of recruitment to be drawn. High levels of undersize brown crab discard across both vessel size classes (<10m: 85%, >10m: 74%) highlights the potential implementation of escape panels; this could potentially reduce undersize bycatch. However due the Orkney creel fishery being a mixed creel fishery current “off the shelf” escape panels would be unsuitable, due to the potential loss of legal size velvets crabs as a result of larger than necessary escape gaps. Further research into the use and development of escape panels in the Orkney creel fishery would be required to determine its effectiveness.

Lobster DPUE however remains similar between vessel size classes over the same time period, with initial higher DPUE per creel observed in vessels <10m (Tables 5.7 & 5.8). This higher DPUE can be

attributed to smaller vessels working closer inshore, targeting specific lobster habitat, whereas in vessels >10m similar DPUE per trip only occurs due to the higher number of creels deployed indicating that lobsters are more sparsely distributed in these fishing grounds.

5.5 Non Target Species Catch per unit effort (CPUE) refers total number of individuals of a non-target species caught within fishing gear.

A total of 18 species were observed as non-target species during observer trips from July – September 2014, comprising of 11 demersal fish species, six invertebrate species and one elasmobranch species.

The degree of differences observed in the number of non-target species during observer trips and reported bycatch in logbooks is significant, however, five species are observed across both. These species include: lesser spotted dogfish, corkwing wrasse, Atlantic cod, conger eel and rockling. The lack of reporting of these other species cannot be interpreted as absence of interaction, but could be attributed to their lack of value as bait hence their absence from logbooks. Due to the nature of creel fishing these other species are predicted to have high survival rates and therefore a limited effect on mortality through incidental capture.

As previously mentioned, it is recommended that the interaction of cod should be monitored with estimates of annual interaction forecast to be high across both <10m vessels (Apendix A, Table A5) and >10m vessels (Appendix A, Table A6).

A high interaction rate of lesser spotted dogfish is seen across both vessel size classes. Current classification by IUCN red list as a “species of least concern” and is regarded as a pest by some fisherman due to its high abundance.

In vessels <10m V-notched lobster make up 2% of total estimated CPUE from May – October. This is higher than those reported by logbook of <1%; reasons behind this marked difference could be attributed to limited reporting within logbooks, and observer calculation could be deemed as a more accurate representation.

In vessels >10m V-notched lobster make up 5% of total estimated CPUE from May – October. This is significantly higher than those reported by logbook of <1%, and estimated for vessels <10m (2%). Reasons behind this marked difference could be attributed to behavioural patterns in berried lobsters, with migrations offshore occurring prior to egg release. However this inference is based on brown crab berried hen behaviour and such behaviours are currently unknown to occur within lobsters.

The difference in V-notch interaction between vessel size classes and DPUE highlights potential differences in discard composition and species movements. As previously mentioned, in inshore water fished by vessels <10m lobster discard composition could contain predominately undersized individuals due to fishing grounds exploited, with V-notch CPUE for vessels >10m potentially illustrating more berried individuals are found further offshore. Therefore is recommended that detailed catch

composition be collected to establish females: berried female ratio in discards and a mark recapture study to evaluate lobster movements within inshore waters.

Conger eel represents the second most frequent non-target species caught within the creel fishery across both vessel size classes. This could be attributed to behavioural patterns with eels being attracted to both bait and crustaceans within creels. Currently conger eel is labelled as a least concern species under ICUN Red List, however continuous harvest of this species should be monitored.

It is important to note that those fish observed as bycatch are those for which crustaceans forms a significant component of their diet, limiting the effect of creel fishing on other fish species out of those encountered. It is recommended that the landings of these species be monitored due to their ecological importance and to monitor the effect of indirect exploitation.

5.6 Summary Following recommendations from previous reports the division of observer data into vessel size classes has allowed variation in fishing intensities to be investigated. As expected the trend observed is that larger vessels catch two times more of both commercial species and non-target species. This division of vessel size has also highlighted differences in catch composition and the potential effect of vessels on different life stages of stocks. However further investigation is required to draw adequate conclusions regarding the preliminary deductions made.

This report strengthens the predictions within quarterly reports, and observer trips are seen to adequately represent the interaction of vessels within the fishery through the comparison of predicted landings and landings reported via the logbook scheme. It is recommended however that the number of trips undertaken in 2014 should be deemed the minimum. In 2015 it is recommended that in order to allow seasonal comparison to be investigated additional trips per month are undertaken. As mentioned previously, increased enrolment of vessels within the logbook scheme is recommended to enhance the robustness of the databases and conclusion drawn from them.

6. Fishermen Meetings 2014 In August 2014 there was a fishermen’s meeting in Westray with the aim of promoting the project work and to get more fishermen to sign up to the project. It was successful in that it signed up one fisherman to the VMS and logbook scheme, as well as informing other fishermen who are now showing an interest in the project. In March 2015 there will be another fishermen’s meeting in Westray to keep the line of communication open and also see if anymore fishermen would like to participate in any aspect of the project work, the outcomes of this meeting will be covered in the 2015 Annual Report.

OSF is recognised as the Inshore Fisheries Group (IFG) for Orkney by Marine Scotland. The IFG board is made up of fishermen who hold regular meetings which are frequently attended by OSF and act as an opportunity to update fishermen on the project work.

7. Project Limitations 2014 In 2014 the project researcher Kate Rydzkowski suffered from an unforeseen illness which caused her to be absent from work for over 8 months.

8. Project Objectives 2015 In light of the unforeseen limitations on the project in 2014 Orkney Sustainable Fisheries will aim to fulfil the following objectives in 2015. The objectives are set out in order of importance:

1. Implement and manage an online (cloud) based secure server for all data which can be accessed only by OSF and The Crown Estate- This will give transparency and allow any future problems with fishermen to be overcome by more than one person 2. Increase the amount of fishermen’s meetings and trips to the Outer Isles to promote fishermen participation 3. To double observer trips to 14 in 2015, with a minimum of 2 per month. 4. Resume crab tagging in 2015 5. Increased and continued work with Succorfish in understanding and fixing any issues with the technology

9. Orkney Sustainable Fisheries Website In October 2014 Orkney Sustainable Fisheries developed a new website which provides information of all the projects that OSF is currently involved in. It also has a section which allows fishermen to log-in and access meeting minutes and other documents related to the IFG in Orkney which is being delivered through OSF. The new website is more user friendly and will act as a platform for participating fishermen and non-participating fishermen to learn about the work that OSF is doing. Fishermen are able to contact Kate Rydzkowski, Matthew Coleman and Fiona McInnes through the email accounts listed on the website. Figure 3 is a screen shot of the research project page on the new website.

The URL for the new website is- http://www.orkneysustainablefisheries.co.uk/

Figure 6.1, Screen shot of the new website

10. Fishery Improvement Project Workshop 2014 In February 2014 OSF, WWF and Marks and Spencer organised a Fishery Improvement Plan workshop. The aim of the workshop was to go through the Marine Stewardship Council certification assessment and have input and feedback from other stakeholders.

Present at the meeting were the following:

 Stewart Crichton (OSF)  Kate Rydzkowski (nee Walker) (OSF)  Mike Bell (ICIT)  Clarus Chu (WWF)  Hannah McIntyre (M&S)  Matt Watson (MSC)  Helen McLachlan (WWF)  Michael McAndrew (The Crown Estate)  Tracy McCollin (Marine Scotland Policy)  Sam Tedcastle (WWF) (facilitator)

The FIP workshop report for 2013 is available in the documents section of the new OSF website.

On the 26th of February 2015 the second FIP workshop will be held at the Edinburgh Airport Hilton.

11. Additional information OSF has provided Heriot Watt University Orkney Campus with a series of Masters Dissertation topics. Four of the proposed topics have been taken up by Heriot Watt Master Students from the School of Life Sciences, with work on these projects scheduled to start in May 2015 until August 2015. Work from these projects will contribute directly to data gathering, covering both observer trips and market sampling activities.

The topics proposed were:

11.1 Population and fisheries ecology of green crabs in Orkney Green crabs Carcinus maenas are harvested by creel fishermen in Orkney, primarily for export markets, and form an important resource when the main target species are not available. No management measures exist for the fishery, however, and there is little information on the ecology and population dynamics of the species in Orkney. Biological sampling of landings, together with collection of intertidal samples of juvenile crabs and collation of information from the scientific literature are needed to provide information on growth, sexual maturity and mortality to inform the setting of an appropriate minimum legal size and other potential management measures.

11.2 Escape panels for creels Creels are baited traps for fishing crustaceans such as crabs and lobsters. These may be fitted with panels and escape gaps that allow sub-legal animals to exit the trap before it is brought to the surface, thereby avoiding potentially damaging discarding operations on the deck of a fishing boat. Two questions need to be addressed for brown crabs Cancer pagurus targeted by Orkney creel fisheries: (i) what is the mortality of discarded crabs? (ii) how would catch composition be affected by the use of escape panels on creels? Answers would allow a cost-benefit analysis to inform on the potential role of escape panels in the sustainability of the creel fishery.

11.3 Genetic structure of Orkney lobster stocks A large sample of genetic material is available for Orkney lobster stocks, in the form of ‘V-notches’ cut from the tail fans of mainly female lobsters as part of a scheme to protect spawning stocks. DNA profiling of this material would allow the genetic diversity of Orkney lobsters to be quantified, including an assessment of spatial variability across the Orkney grounds.

11.4 Evaluating the spatial interaction of fishing with other uses of the sea around Orkney Fisheries increasingly have to co-exist with new and emerging users of sea space. The extent to which non-fishing activities overlap with traditional fishing grounds, or essential fish and shellfish habitats upon which fishery productivity depends, and the consequences of any overlaps are poorly understood at present, but increasing use is being made of spatial data to support marine policy and planning decisions (e.g. using ScotMap and MaRS). A spatial overview is needed of all non-fishing activities and developments in Orkney inshore waters, considering the specific interactions that each type of activity may have with commercial species, their essential habitats and the sea and coastal areas that are used for any activity essential for the prosecution of safe, effective and sustainable fisheries. Consideration of potential interactions would go beyond displacement and effects on stocks, examining also physical changes to the environment, pollution, seasonal safe fishing loss, weather option loss and opportunities for synergy. It will be important also to address the accumulation of impacts between activities, and the effects on specific secondary factors such as processing, primary source income generation, community and fisheries confidence. It should be noted that no data from the Orkney Shellfish Research Project will be used for this study.

12. References Kafas, A., Jones, G., Watret, R., Davies, I., Scott, B., 2012. Representation of the use of marine space by commercial fisheries in marine spatial planning. ICES CM I:23.

Orkney Islands Council. Orkney Economic Review 2012-2013. No.26

Sobel, J. 1996. Gadus morhua. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 1996: e.T8784A1293157

Appendix A:

Figure A1. Pentland Firth and Orkney Waters Succorfish Data. Density of Fishing Pings 32 (January – December 2015)

Figure A2. Proportional make up of commercial crustacean species per month by logbook vessels from March – November 2014

Figure A3. Monthly Percentage of Undersized Commercially Exploited Species Caught from March -November 2014. A) Brown Crab- Cancer pagurus, B)European Lobster – Homarus gammarus, C) Velvet Crab- Necora puber

Table A4: CPUE breakdown in number of non-target species reported in logbooks: March - December 2014. Estimated catch per trips refers to CPUE/per creel multiplied by average no. pots hauled per trip (Table 7). Total estimated catch per trip/per vessel multiplied by a 6 day fishing week, multiplied by time frame March – December (40 weeks).

Total Estimated Catch Catch Per Catch Per Catch: CPUE/Per Per Species Week/Per Month/Per March – Creel Trip/Per Vessel Vessel December Vessel 2014/Per Vessel Lesser Spotted Dogfish 0.004 1.3 8 32 288 Scyliorhinus caniculus Corkwing Wrasse 0.002 0.8 4.8 19.2 192 Symphodus melops Atlantic Cod 0.001 0.4 2.4 9.6 96 Gadus morhua Conger Eel 0.001 0.4 2.4 9.6 96 Conger conger Rockling 0.0001 0.04 0.24 0.96 9.6 Gaidropsarus sp. Curled Octopus 0.0001 0.04 0.24 0.96 9.6 Eledone cirrhosa V–Notched Lobster Homarus 0.0003 0.1 0.6 2.4 24 gammarus

Table A5: CPUE breakdown in number of non-target species observed in vessels <10m. Estimated Catch per trips refers to CPUE multiplied by average No. pots hauled per trip (Table 7). ). Total estimated catch per trip/per vessel multiplied by a 6 day fishing week, multiplied by time frame July – September (12 weeks).

Estimated Total CPUE Per Trip/Per Catch May – Species CPUE/Per Creel Vessel October 2014 per Vessel Sun Star 0.001 0.15 22 Crossaster papposus Common Whelk 0.005 0.75 108 Buccinum undatum Lesser Spotted Dogfish 0.046 6.9 994 Scyliorhinus caniculus Corkwing Wrasse 0.01 1.5 216 Symphodus melops Pogge 0.001 0.15 22 Agonus cataphractus Atlantic Cod 0.01 1.5 216 Gadus morhua Conger Eel 0.03 4.5 648 Conger conger Rockling 0.01 1.5 216 Gaidropsarus sp. Curled Octopus 0.001 0.15 22 Eledone cirrhosa Flounder 0.001 0.15 21.6 Platichthys flesus Sea Urchin 0.008 1.2 173 Echinus esculentus Sea Scorpion 0.008 1.2 173 Taurulus bubalis Ling 0.003 0.5 72 Molva molva Goldsinny Wrasse 0.002 0.3 43 Ctenolabrus rupestris V – Notched European Lobster 0.006 0.9 130 Homarus gammarus

Table A6: CPUE breakdown in Number of non-target species observed in vessels >10m. Estimated Catch per trips refers to CPUE multiplied by average No. pots hauled per trip (Table 7). Total estimated catch per trip/per vessel multiplied by a 6 day fishing week, multiplied by time frame July – September (12 weeks).

Estimated Total CPUE Per Trip/Per Catch May – Species CPUE/Per Creel Vessel October 2014 per Vessel Butterfish 0.0008 0.4 56 Pholis gunnellus Common Starfish 0.003 1.5 209 Asterias rubens Sun Star 0.001 0.5 72 Crossaster papposus Common Hermit Crab 0.0008 0.4 56 Pagurus bernhardus Common Whelk 0.01 4.8 691 Buccinum undatum Lesser Spotted Dogfish 0.07 33.8 4867 Scyliorhinus caniculus Corkwing Wrasse 0.005 2.4 346 Symphodus melops Atlantic Cod 0.01 4.8 691 Gadus morhua Conger Eel 0.008 3.9 562 Conger conger Rockling 0.02 9.7 1394 Gaidropsarus sp. Curled Octopus 0.0008 0.4 56 Eledone cirrhosa Sea Urchin 0.005 2.4 346 Echinus esculentus Sea Scorpion 0.003 1.5 209 Taurulus bubalis Spider Crab 0.009 4.4 634 Maja squinado Ling 0.003 1.5 209 Molva molva V – Notched European Lobster 0.01 4.8 691 Homarus gammarus

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N N

Figure A7. Distribution of observer trips in 2014. Red points indicate observed gear haul.