Non-Technical Project Summary

NON-TECHNICAL PROJECT SUMMARY DETAILS Project reference number: V007/2017Q3

Project title: An investigation of the distribution of the sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax), Pollock (Pollachius pollachius), salmon (Salmo salar) and Bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) in Irish waters

This is an amendment to project reference number: V004/2014Q3

Duration of the project work (months): 60 months

Project keywords: Seabass, pollock, bluefin tuna, salmon, acoustic tagging, PSAT

Purpose of the project under Article 5 of Directive 2010/63/EU: Basic research studies; ethology/animal behaviour/animal biology

Project objectives, scientific unknowns or scientific or clinical needs being addressed: Sea bass, pollock, salmon and bluefin tuna are found in Irish waters and research is required to investigate migratory behaviour, extent of migrations and spawning aggregations and locations.

Sea bass are capable of growing to large sizes and are sensitive to over fishing. Since 1990, sea bass has been managed as an 'angler only' species in Ireland. The recreational angling fishery is heavily regulated for conservation purposes and many sea bass are released voluntarily by anglers back into the wild after they are caught. While these measures help to conserve stocks, it has also led to a lack of information to assess the status of the Irish sea bass population for over 20 years. Recent information indicates that fishing effort for sea bass should be reduced given concerns about the status of stocks.

Therefore, there is an urgent need to understand how existing or new fisheries which catch sea bass can impact on Irish sea bass stocks. The first step is to establish whether or not Irish stocks are distinct from other European stocks. How distinct these stocks are is an important issue for fisheries management. Identifying these separate stocks is done by tagging or genetic profiling (identifying fish from their DNA make up). Previous studies have suggested that the Irish sea bass population is highly distinct from other stocks, however further research is required. Therefore, one of the aims of this project is to investigate the distribution of sea bass in Irish waters and determine if Irish stocks are distinct from other European stocks.

Pollock occur throughout the north-east Atlantic, mainly over hard bottom. Despite there being an active commercial fishery for pollock, relatively little scientific research has been carried out on the species in European waters and virtually none for pollock in Irish waters. This project aims to improve understanding of the distribution, migration and stock structuring of

1/3 pollock in Irish waters using a combination of traditional port sampling of catches, biological sampling in key areas, genetic stock identification and tagging and tracking off the coast of Ireland to establish migration routes, spawning locations and interactions between stocks.

There is a Long Term Recovery Plan in place for Atlantic Tuna since 2006. These long distance large ocean migrants are considered in as endangered and there are grave concerns regarding the operation of fisheries and the low size of the prevailing stocks currently. A well-designed tagging programme, developed over a schedule of several years and with a progressive methodological approach, will therefore be important in improving the understanding of the bluefin tuna ecology and ethology and for developing better stock assessment methods.

Salmon have been the subject of ongoing research and a small number will be included in this study to examine migration as adults from marine to freshwater environments.

Potential benefits likely to derive from this project: The main scientific benefits of this study will be to provide information which is necessary for the protection, conservation and management of sea bass, pollock, salmon and bluefin tuna. The study will clarify the distribution and movement of these species within Irish waters and provide more robust information on the spawning migrations and behaviour around the Irish coast. A genetic profile of these populations in the different regions around the coast is also expected to result from this study. This information will allow development of science-based strategies to protect and conserve stocks in Ireland. The information gained is expected to have significant implications for the long-term survival and management of these species.

Species and approximate number of animals expected to be used: Sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) 2000 Bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) 80 Pollock (Pollachius pollachius)100 Atlantic salmon 10

Expected adverse effects on the animals, the expected level of severity and the fate of the animals: The majority of animals will receive floy tags only, however some will also receive acoustic tags or satellite tags. Floy tagging involves the rapid insertion of a numbered plastic tag under the back fin using an applicator. The tags will cause minimal distress to the fish and this procedure is classed as mild in severity. For fish receiving satellite or acoustic tags, these involve surgical procedures. Satellite tags will be placed into the muscle on the back of the fish and acoustic tags will be inserted into the body cavity. These procedures are classed as moderate in severity, due to the invasive nature of the procedures and the potential (but unlikely) risk of infection. However once surgical wounds are healed, no lasting adverse effects are expected. Once the fish have recovered from the procedures, they are released back into the sea.

APPLICATION OF THE 3RS Replacement - why animals need to be used for this project and why non-animal alternatives could not be used: The primary aim of this project is to track animals over a period of time and over a geographical area. The use of computer models for this purpose would not provide an accurate depiction of the natural movements of the fish, as so little is currently known about their movements. 2/3

The use of non-wild animals is also not possible, as these fish would not exhibit the same natural migratory patterns and routes as fish found in local regions. Non-wild fish would also lack the necessary hunting skills to survive in the open ocean and it is highly probable that they would succumb to predation or be out competed quite quickly. Therefore the objectives of this project cannot be achieved without the use of live animals in the wild.

Reduction - how the use of minimum numbers of animals can be assured: The number of animals proposed for use has been scientifically justified, based on numbers used in previous studies carried out in other European and North Atlantic countries and advice from the International Council for the Conservation of Atlantic Tuna (ICCAT) and their collaborators in the Grand Bluefin Tuna Year Programme (GBYP), the international tagging programme for bluefin tuna

Refinement - justification for the choice of species, why the animal model(s) used are the most refined and general measures to be taken to minimise harm to the animals: These species have been chosen for this project, as it is important that the study is conducted on the target species under investigation and in their natural environment.

All personnel involved have undergone training in the handling of fish to minimise stress during the procedures. Handling will be done using wet hands to avoid removing scales or mucous and fish will be placed on appropriate landing mats (specialised damp mats). In the unlikely event that fish become injured, they will not be used for tagging and will be humanely euthanised if necessary. Pumped water will be maintained through the gills during application of the tags. Stress to the fish will be reduced by the anaesthesia or sedation for fish undergoing surgery. Only clean and sterile equipment will be used to prevent infections. Surgery will be performed as quickly as possible and fish will be placed in well oxygenated holding tanks for monitoring. Once the animals are fully recovered, they will be released back into the wild.

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