Triton Knoll Offshore Wind Farm Limited TRITON KNOLL

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Triton Knoll Offshore Wind Farm Limited

TRITON KNOLL ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Recreational Fishing Baseline Report

April 2015

Document Reference 6.2.5.3.2

Pursuant to: APFP Reg. 5(2)(a)

1 RWE Innogy UK | Triton Knoll Electrical System, Recreational Fishing Baseline

Application Document 6.2.5.3.2 Liability Recreational Fishing Baseline In preparation of this document Triton Knoll Offshore Wind Farm Limited (TKOWFL), a joint April 2015 venture between RWE Innogy UK (RWE) and Statkraft UK, subconsultants working on behalf of TKOWFL, have made reasonable efforts to ensure Drafted By: PMSL that the content is accurate, up to date and Approved By: Kim Gauld-Clark complete for the purpose for which it was prepared. Date of April 2015 Neither TKOWFL nor their subcontractors make any Approval warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of Revision A material supplied. Other than any liability on TKOWFL or their subcontractors detailed in the Triton Knoll Offshore Wind Farm Ltd contracts between the parties for this work neither Auckland House TKOWFL or their subcontractors shall have any Great Western Way liability for any loss, damage, injury, claim, expense, Swindon cost or other consequence arising as a result of use Wiltshire, SN5 8ZT or reliance upon any information contained in or omitted from this document. T +44 (0)845 720 090 Any persons intending to use this document should F +44 (0)845 720 050 satisfy themselves as to its applicability for their I www.rweinnogy.com intended purpose. Where appropriate, the user of this document has the obligation to employ safe www.rweinnogy.com/tritonknoll working practices for any activities referred to and [email protected] to adopt specific practices appropriate to local conditions.

Triton Knoll Offshore Wind Farm Limited have been awarded EU TEN-E funding to support the development of the Triton Knoll Offshore Wind Farm Electrical System located in both UK Territorial waters and the UK’s Exclusive Economic Zone. The funding which is to be matched will support a number of surveys, engineering reports, and environmental impact assessment studies for the Triton Knoll Electrical System. The studies will form part of the formal documentation that will accompany the Development Consent Order which will be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate. The sum of €1,159,559 has been granted and the process to reclaim this funding is ongoing. Client: RWE npower

Recreational Fisheries Technical Report

Date: 21st July 2014

Report ref: PMSL/TKOWF-RF/07-14/23-FD

Company Reg No. 2524776 VAT Reg No. 859 6462 70

Recreational Fisheries Technical Report

Client Name: RWE npower

Date: 21st July 2014

Report ref: PMSL/TKOWF-RF/07-14/23-FD

Precision Marine Survey Ltd Tel: +44 (0) 1964 624423 Church Farm, Main Road Fax: +44 (0) 1964 623352 Thorngumbald Email: [email protected] Hull, East Yorkshire Web: www.precisionmarine.co.uk HU12 9NE

Company Registration No. 2524776 VAT REG No. 859 6462 70

Recreational Fisheries Technical Report RWE Innogy

Recreational Fisheries Technical Report

Contents Page

1. Introduction ...... 4 2. Recreational Sea Fishing ...... 5 2.1 Recreational Sea Angling in the Study Area ...... 5 2.2 Local Clubs and Competitions ...... 12 2.3 Other Recreational Sea Angling Associated Activities ...... 13 2.4 Other Recreational Activities ...... 14 3. References ...... 16

Recreational Fisheries Technical Report RWE Innogy

1. Introduction

1.1.1 This report presents an overview of the recreational sea fishing of relevance to the Triton Knoll Electrical System. This activity is an importance social and economic activity that may interact with the development of renewable energy at the Triton Knoll offshore wind farm, particularly in respect to the electrical system. This report outlines the type and nature of recreational sea angling activity carried out in the area of the development, both inshore and offshore. In addition, key target species are identified along with optimal fishing periods and locations.

1.1.2 The Drew study (DEFRA, 2004) identified that 5.02% of the population participate in leisure fishing, whilst Defra (2013) estimated there to be 884,000 sea anglers in England with 2% of all adults participating in sea angling. Recreational rod and line fishing along the coast and within estuaries can be of significant value to coastal communities, producing large scale socio-economic benefits. The Sea Angling 2012 study carried out by the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS) in conjunction with the Marine Management Organisation (MMO), and on behalf of the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), estimated that the direct annual value of the recreational sea angling (RSA) sector in 2012 was approximately £831million. The study also found that the RSA sector supported 10,400 full-time equivalent jobs and when indirect and induced effects were taken into account, sea angling activity produced £2.1billion of total spending and to varying degrees supported over 23,600 jobs (Armstrong et al, 2013).

1.1.3 Not only does recreational sea angling provide employment within many communities, this activity also instils an outdoor, relaxing, healthy and active lifestyle that offers social and well-being benefits. Armstrong et al (2013) states that “anglers felt that improving fish stocks was the most important factor that would increase participation in sea angling”.

1.1.4 Pitcher and Hollingsworth (2002) described recreational anglers as individuals who fish for sport and leisure, whilst if applicable catching for personal consumption. There are very few limitations and or restrictions on RSA, although anglers must comply with minimum landing sizes (MLS), abide by fishing restraints in nursery areas and other locally enforced byelaws implemented by national and EU regulations. There are no requirements to purchase a licence to fish for Seafish within the marine environment and the tidal boundaries of transitional waters, which is a legal requirement in many other European countries. However, a rod licence is a legal requirement for fishing in freshwaters i.e. rivers, canals and lakes and which must be purchased from the Environment Agency, any angler wishing to fish for Salmonid species e.g. salmon Salmo salar and sea trout Salmo trutta in the sea, must apply to the Environment Agency for a salmon licence, however, there is little or no targeted activity for salmonids in the local study area.

1.1.5 There are two principal forms of recreational fishing activity;

Recreational Fisheries Technical Report RWE Innogy

 Unlicensed commercial/recreational activity, which may consist of gill netting, potting, long lining and seine netting, the latter being mainly carried out from the beach. Recreational shell fishermen are restricted to fishing a maximum of 10 pots per day, in which no more than 10 crabs and 2 lobsters may be landed, whilst recreational fishermen engaged in fin-fishing activity are restricted to 100 metres of gill net.  Recreational sea angling, which consists of traditional rod and line fishing from either the shore or boat based activity. The majority of recreational activity occurs inshore and within the 6 mile limit, however it is recognised that recreational anglers using privately owned vessels are likely to also fish within the Humber Estuary and the Humber Approaches, particularly during the winter. 2. Recreational Sea Fishing

2.1.1 Consultation undertaken with commercial and recreational fishermen indicates that there are negligible levels of unlicensed commercial/recreational fishing activity along the Lincolnshire coast. This unlicensed activity does not cover fishing using a rod and line, but encompasses fishing using nets, pots, hooks and other commercial fishing gears from a vessel that does not hold a commercial fishing licence or permit. The following section concentrates on the extent and nature of RSA in the local study area, which is defined by the ICES rectangle 35FO and sub-rectangles 03, 06 & 09 of ICES rectangle 36F0 (Figure 1).

2.2 Recreational Sea Angling in the Study Area

2.2.1 Recreational sea angling using a rod and line can be separated into two distinct forms, shore fishing and boat fishing with levels of activity dependent on the seasonality and availability of target species.

Shore Based Sea Angling

2.2.2 Shore fishing throughout the regional study area occurs principally from beaches, although some activity may take place on piers, harbour walls and the river bank i.e. the Greater Ouse and Humber estuary. The majority of participants engaged in RSA from the shore, are adults with a wide range of experience, from novices to highly experienced international anglers. The composition of anglers also includes youth and junior anglers, as well as the disabled, whilst in coastal towns and areas of high tourist attraction (Skegness, Wells Next the Sea & Withernsea,) day visitors may engage in sea angling activity from local beaches as well as harbour walls and river banks.

2.2.3 Experienced shore anglers tend to fish the most suitable tides rather than fishing at any tidal state for the ‘fun’ of fishing, this is related to tidal strength and availability of deep water, with anglers preferring to fish over high tides as opposed to low tides where the water depth may be a limiting factor. This is always a particular issue when fishing from a river bank or a manmade structure such as a pier or breakwater.

Recreational Fisheries Technical Report RWE Innogy

There are always venues where the highly experienced angler can still fish over low water, and indeed some locations are specifically low water venues.

2.2.4 The general sea angler is more likely to fish on a weekend and will try to catch any fish in the area, as opposed to specimen anglers who target specific species with the aim to catch the largest specimen available. It is not however, uncommon for anglers to be seen on beaches during the week, either at night or working around the optimal tides during the daylight hours. Recreational shore angling occurs predominantly around Mablethorpe and Sutton-on-Sea south down to Chapel St Leonards, with important shore angling locations identified at Mablethorpe, Bohemia Point at Sutton-on-Sea, Moggs Eye at Huttoft Beach, Anderby Creek, Chapel Point and Chapel St Leonards (Figure 1). Whilst Anderby Creek has been identified by some stakeholders as a moderately good location for shore angling, it is accepted that as a result of its shallow nature, other anglers may not consider it to be a key shore angling location.

2.2.5 There are also a number of popular key angling locations further north at Humberston Creek, which is located south of Cleethorpes, the Cleethorpes Promenade as well as a number of important angling sites on the south bank of the Humber Estuary including East Halton. It should be noted, that there are numerous locations for shore anglers on the banks of the Humber Estuary, which provide opportunities for elderly and juvenile anglers as well as disabled access.

2.2.6 In addition, many shore anglers also fish further south at various locations such as Gibraltar Point, Skegness beach, Skegness Pier, and also areas along the North Norfolk coastline, such as Brancaster Bay, Holkham Bay, Wells-Next-To-The-Sea, Blakeney Point, Sheringham and Cromer pier.

Recreational Fisheries Technical Report RWE Innogy

Figure 1. Important Recreational Sea Angling areas for shore and boat

Recreational Fisheries Technical Report RWE Innogy

2.2.7 Shore anglers generally target a range of species such as cod Gadus morhua, dab Limanda limanda and whiting Merlangius merlangus during the winter months, whilst species such as bass Dicentrarchus labrax, rays Raja spp., flounder Platichthys flesus, sole Solea solea, eel Anguilla anguilla and smoothhound, of which two species are present; the common smoothhound Mustelus mustelus and the starry smoothhound Mustelus asterias, are of significant importance during the summer months.

2.2.8 The Lincolnshire Coast has become a hotspot for anglers targeting ‘smoothhound’ during the summer months, where the general average size is considered to be amongst the largest in the UK, it is not uncommon for fish of 10kg to be caught and given the species fighting qualities, the majority are returned alive. Smoothhound are considered to be a catch and release species by the vast majority of anglers, with some competitions prohibiting their inclusion in bag or specimen weights.

Figure 2. Shore caught Starry Smoothhound (Courtesy of Matt Overton)

Recreational Fisheries Technical Report RWE Innogy

2.2.9 The smoothhound season generally commences in May and continues through to August, the warming of the nearshore waters initiates the moulting of a range of crustacea i.e. shore crab Carcinus maenas and brown crab Cancer pagurus, which triggers the inshore migration of smoothhound looking for moulting crabs to feed upon.

2.2.10 Due to the nature of the smoothhound in that they are very much a pack fish and migrate extensively around favourable seabed habitats, fishermen have made comment on how they have observed large abundances around Sutton-on-Sea one week, which have moved location to other areas such as Chapel St Leonards within a few tides. This is likely due to the available crustacean food supply being exhausted very rapidly.

2.2.11 In addition to the smoothhound, sea bass are also considered to be an important target species, although anglers are more likely to take home any sea bass that they may catch, provided it is within the mandatory minimum size limit (MLS) of 36cm. Sea bass are moderately abundant throughout the region, although there is a large juvenile component that are blow the MLS.

Figure 3. Shore caught Sea Bass (Courtesy of Matt Overton) 2.2.12 Within the Humber estuary and outer estuary approaches, shore matches are held during the summer, these matches are based on a length measuring system, were points are given for each cm of fish measured i.e. a 26cm flounder would amass 26

Recreational Fisheries Technical Report RWE Innogy

points. The principal species caught and targeted in these matches is the flounder, Skerritt (2010) supports the importance of flounder, stating that the flounder “has long been valued by the RSA community as a key species”.

Boat Based Sea Angling

2.2.13 Recreational sea angling also occurs from boats, which are predominantly privately owned vessels although there are a small number of charter vessels for hire that usually take parties, but may also take individuals if places are available. For the charter fleet and private vessels alike, the fishing is largely concentrated on wrecks, reefs or grounds of similar characteristics, sand banks and gravel beds that offer fish catching potential.

2.2.14 Survey undertaken by Picket et al. (1995), indicate that from between the years of 1987 to 1992 there was a significant reduction in the number of participants engaged in shore angling whilst the frequency of boat angling participation increased. This may be made attributable to the modern day economy and individuals possessing a larger disposable income, allowing them to potentially buy their own private vessels and or charter vessels to chase those ‘bigger fish’ that are present farther from the shore. However in recent years, the number of charter vessels has significantly declined and whilst there are no charter vessels based at Anderby Creek or Skegness, there are still a few operating within the waters off the Lincolnshire Coast. These include the ‘Angelus’ from Grimsby, the ‘Katie Louise’ from Norfolk Fishing Trips and Charter situated at Brancaster Staithe and ‘Sunbeam III’ from Norfolk Sea Fishing based at Wells-Next-to-the-Sea.

2.2.15 It is estimated from consultation, that there are approximately 80-100 privately owned boats that are involved in recreational sea angling activity. These privately owned vessels are predominantly beached launched and largely based at Skegness, Butlins and Jacksons Corner, historically there were a small number located at Huttoft, although it is considered that these are now largely inactive.

Recreational Fisheries Technical Report RWE Innogy

Figure 4. Boat caught Thornback Ray and Cod (Courtesy of www.bostonpirates.co.uk) 2.2.16 During the recent consultation process, stakeholders indicated that a patch of rough ground located approximately half a mile from the shore at Anderby Creek is of significant importance for the local recreational fleet (Figure 1). With anglers targeting a number of species such as cod (November to April), skates and rays (March to June), smoothhound species and tope Galeorhinus galeus (May to August) and bass (March to September). However, a considerable number of the privately owned vessels or chartered vessels target areas in close proximity to the operational Lincolnshire offshore wind farm.

Recreational Fisheries Technical Report RWE Innogy

Figure 5. Boat caught Tope, with tag ready to be released (Courtesy of PMSL 2.2.17 The information collated during the consultation for recreational fisheries shows that the key species of interest for boat anglers in the regional study area are bass, cod, skates and rays, smoothhounds and tope, whilst other species such as ling Molva molva, plaice Pleuronectes platessa, whiting, pollock Pollachius pollachius, dogfish Schyliorhinus caniculata, and Dover sole are also caught on occasion. Those anglers targeting bass, generally fish along the stretch of coast from Sutton-on-Sea south towards Skegness. Recreational tope fishing has been recognised as a highly popular activity, with charter vessels from Grimsby, Norfolk and Wells frequently taking bookings to target tope. Anglers that catch tope, practice catch and release, which is mandatory under UK fisheries regulation and local IFCA byelaws.

2.3 Local Clubs and Competitions 2.3.1 Many recreational anglers in the UK consider club and competition as a significant social element of the angling experience. Competitions are generally focused around club matches from the shore, however open shore and open boat competitions also contribute to a large proportion of recreational angling activity. The overriding ethos in the attraction of club matches to some anglers is the camaraderie, the ability to learn about fish, tactics and venues from more experienced anglers and an opportunity to win trophies (Proctor, 2006). These experiences not only allow for the education and training of fellow anglers as well as

Recreational Fisheries Technical Report RWE Innogy

juniors, but also improve environmental awareness in sea anglers and the wider general public

2.3.2 There are a number of sea angling clubs operating within the regional study area with some clubs in excess of 200 members at any one time and include the Grimsby Shore Angling Club (GSAC), the Skegness Pier Angling Club (SPAC) and the Norfolk Angling Club (NAC). There is however, only really the SPAC that regularly holds shore angling matches within the local study area of the Triton Knoll OFW export cable corridor, in which matches occur all year round at various locations along the coast. It is anticipated that there around 30 members in which approximately 15-20 members will fish in any one match, with cash prizes available, dependent on the numbers that have entered.

2.3.3 Clubs such as the Humber Cruising Association Boat Fishing Club (HCABFC) that are specifically comprised of boat anglers can be in excess of 250 members. However, recent consultation has revealed that it is very rare for the HCABFC to fish as far south or around the TKOWF export cable corridor as they usually operate in areas further north, with instances only observed during big matches. In addition, the Skegness Boat Angling Club and the Boston Pirates Small Boat Angling Club are the only boat angling clubs that are likely to operate within the local study area. It should be of note that much of the recreational boat angling activity is likely to only occur on good weather days during the summer months.

2.3.4 Seasonal variables with regard to weather and species allows for a winter league (anglers attempt to catch as many sizeable fish as possible) and a summer league, were all anglers must abide to the minimum landing size regulations. Some anglers are prepared to walk considerable distances in order to reach their preferential or optimal fishing venue. However, factors such as these support Pereira and Hansen, (2003) theory that recreational fisheries are often seen as high effort and low catch- ability.

2.3.5 The Lincolnshire Coast has also become a popular spot for anglers from sea angling clubs outwith the immediate area, such as the Reckitts Sea Angling Club, which is based in Hull and the Commercial Sea Angling Club and Hornsea Sea Angling Club which are based at Withernsea and Hornsea respectively on the East Yorkshire Coast. Anglers from a range of other counties frequently visit the area to fish, however it is clear that these anglers intentions are to solely target the smoothhound. Other visiting anglers during the summer months are also likely to enter the only significant ‘open’ angling competition held along the Lincolnshire coast, this is known as the ‘Smoothhound open’ which typically occurs during July.

2.4 Other Recreational Sea Angling Associated Activities 2.4.1 Recreational sea anglers will frequently gather a range of fresh baits such as worms (Figure 6) for their personal use at various venues along the Lincolnshire coast such as Chapel St Leonards or Chapel Point a little further to the north. A number of different species of worms are collected by hand using a fork, spade or bait pump,

Recreational Fisheries Technical Report RWE Innogy

the type of worms collected usually include lug worms Arenicola marina, gully worms or black lugworm Arenicola defodiens, white ragworm or catworm Nephtys caeca and Nephtys longosetosa and where there are muddy banks i.e. Humber Estuary or the Greater Ouse, Harbour ragworm Hediste diversicolor and occasionally King Ragworm Alitta virens can be dug.

2.4.2 Following seasonal storms, sea anglers may pick up a wide range of marine species that have been dislodged from the sediments, these include the aforementioned marine worms, but also include clams Veneridae spp., razor shells Ensis spp., cockles Cerastoderma edule, mussels Mytilus edulis and occasionally scallops Aequipecten opercularis.

Figure 6. Hand collected Gully Worms (Courtesy of Matt Overton) 2.4.3 There are however currently no restrictions on collecting bait in these areas as long as anglers adhere to a number of measures to ensure conservation of fauna and associated wildlife.

2.5 Other Recreational Activities 2.5.1 Due to the extensive sandy beaches along the Lincolnshire’s coastline, there are a number of areas that provide a wide range of other land and marine recreational

Recreational Fisheries Technical Report RWE Innogy

resources. Many tourists will utilise the open sandy beaches during the summer for activities such as swimming, walking, canoeing, and sail-boarding and various other water-crafts. Skegness Water Sports Club situated at Jacksons Corner near to Skegness, offers a wide range of marine recreational activities and is often very highly populated during the summer within the inshore areas off the Lincolnshire Coast.

2.5.2 The area is also popular for yachting and recreational sailing, in which the Royal Yachting Association (RYA) have identified the local study area to be in a location used for cruising and racing, with much of this activity being closer to the shore to avoid any conflict with commercial shipping. Further detail on recreation activity other than sea angling can be found in Volume 2, Chapter 7.

Recreational Fisheries Technical Report RWE Innogy

3. References

Armstrong. M., Brown. A., Hargreaves. J., Hyder. K., Pilgrim-Morrison. S., Munday. M., Proctor. S., Roberts. A. and Williamson. K. 2013. Sea Angling 2012 – A survey of recreational sea angling activity and economic value in England. Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. 2004. Research into the Economic Contribution of Sea Angling. Drew Associates Limited.

Pereira, D. L., and M. J. Hansen. 2003. A perspective on challenges to recreational fisheries management: summary of the symposium on active management of recreational fisheries. North American Journal of Fisheries Management 23(4): 1367–1373.

Picket, G. D., Eaton, D. R., Cunningham, S., Potten, S. D. and Whitmarsh, D. 1995. An appraisal of the Uk bass fishery and its management. Lab Leaflet., Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Directorate of Fisheries Research, Lowestoft, (75): pp47.

Pitcher, T. J. and Hollingworth, C. E. 2002. Recreational Fisheries: Ecological, Economic and Social Evaluation. Fish and Aquatic Resources Series No 8, Blackwell Science, Oxford, UK, 288pp

Proctor. N.V. 2006. Sea Angling Policy Development: Final Report to the World Wide Fund UK (WWF). Report Reference No: PM001/05/06-F.

Skerritt, D. J. 2010. A review of the European flounder Platichthys flesus - Biology, Life History and Trends in Population. Newcastle University, International Marine & Environmental Consultancy,