Future Fisheries Assessment of Welsh Fisheries

Living Seas: Future Fisheries Assessment of Welsh Fisheries

Report by The Wildlife Trust of South & West Wales

WTSWW Living Seas Report No. 2 Acknowledgements

This project has received funding contributions from the following organisations:

People’s Postcode Lottery

The Co-operative

i ii

Welsh Government as part of a Nature Fund Project

This report compiled by Sarah Perry, Living Seas Science Officer, has been produced as part of the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales’ Living Seas: Future Fisheries project. The information contained within this report was correct at the time of comple- tion (September, 2015).

Recommended Citation: Perry, S.L (2015). Living Seas: Future Fisheries; Assessment of Welsh Fisheries. Report by The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales. Living Seas Report No: 2,109pp.

The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales would like to thank everyone that has contributed valuable data and information for inclusion in this report and to those that have taken the time to advise us or speak to us in relation to our Living Seas: Future Fisheries Project.

The views and recommendations presented in this report are not necessarily those of the Welsh Government and should, therefore, not be attributed to the Welsh Government. Table of Contents

1 Introduction 1 1.1 Future Fisheries ...... 1 1.2 Sustainability Assessment ...... 2 1.2.1 Sustainable fishing ...... 4 1.2.2 Application of Environmental sustainability to fishing . . . . .6 1.3 Future work ...... 7

2 Methodology 9 2.1 Key factors ...... 9 2.1.1 Sustainability assessment decision tree ...... 10 2.1.2 Which species have been assessed? ...... 12

3 Biology 16 3.0.3 Information on species Biology ...... 19

4 Management 33 4.0.4 Information on species Management ...... 37

5 Capture Methods 53 5.1 Capture methods for individual species ...... 60

iii TABLE OF CONTENTS 0

5.1.1 Common whelk (Buccinum undatum) ...... 60 5.1.2 European lobster (Homarus gammarus)...... 62 5.1.3 King scallop (Pecten maximus)...... 64 5.1.4 European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax)...... 66 5.1.5 Edible (brown) crab (Cancer pagurus)...... 68 5.1.6 Common prawn (Palaemon serratus)...... 70 5.1.7 Spider crabs (Maja sp.)...... 72 5.1.8 Common sole (Solea solea)...... 74 5.1.9 Crawfish (Palinurus elephas)...... 76 5.1.10 Thornback ray (raja clavata)...... 78

6 Summarising the results 80 6.0.11 Notes on concerns over individual species ...... 82

7 Deck to Dinner Plate 88 7.1 Question and answers ...... 91 7.1.1 Fishers ...... 91 7.1.2 Fishmongers ...... 92 7.1.3 Restaurants ...... 96 7.2 Summary ...... 99 Chapter 1

Introduction

This report outlines a simple sustainability assessment of the Welsh fishing industry carried out by the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales. The assessment methodology and this report follows a similar format to that developed previously by Devon Wildlife Trust. This report has been produced as part of the Welsh Government Nature Fund initiative.

1.1 Future Fisheries

The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales Future Fisheries project is all about sup- porting a low impact commercial fishing industry in Wales that allows fish stocks to replenish and thus to protect a major natural resource asset. In 2000 it was estimated that commercial fisheries contribute annually over £20.6 million to the Welsh economy and provide the equivalent of full-time employment for 760 people (Nautilus, 2000). In 2012 the Welsh fishing fleet comprised of 477 (444 under 10m vessels and 33 over 10m

1 CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION 2 vessels). Employment in the fishing industry in Wales in 2012 was estimated at 1,020 (673 regular, full-time equivalent and 347 part-time) fishermen (Perry, 2015).

The project aims to take into consideration fishing methods, fish species being caught and commercially important species according to the fish landings information into Wales for 2013.

1.2 Sustainability Assessment

Through our Future Fisheries Project the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales (WTSWW) will work with representatives of the Welsh fishing industry, regulators, key user groups and the general public to identify opportunities for informing members of the public about the fishing industry in Wales as well as identifying opportunities for bringing about change in fishing practices.

This report presents the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales’s assessment of the ecological sustainability of fish and fishing around the south coast of Wales. In order to make an assessment of the state and vulnerability of the fish and shellfish stocks landed into south Wales we have gathered together information from a variety of sources (details available in appendix) and we have established an information baseline drawn from the official landings statistics produced by the Marine Management Organisation (MMO).

We are interested in finding out more about the industry in Wales and ways in which the Wildlife Trust can take forward discussions and partnership working with key players across south Wales and nationally.

The results of this assessment are based on the best available evidence, raw data and CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION 3 information. The results may be challenged or tested and we are happy for this to happen. We are keen to hear from anyone that feels they can make a contribution to the assessment in helping to improve the accuracy of the assessment. We encourage stakeholders to comment and engage in the process and to present their ideas and discuss partnership solutions.

In line with colleagues based at other Wildlife Trusts around the UK, we are seeking a vision where fishing makes space for and adapts to the needs of wildlife and from this vision we would like to encourage and support a vibrant local industry. The interests of wildlife and fisheries are inextricably intertwined; the fishing industry also relies upon healthy and productive marine ecosystems. Some fishing practices have negative effects on the marine environment and unsustainable fishing will not lead to a productive future for the fishing industry or healthy, wildlife rich seas. We are keen to help drive positive change to the supply and demand side of the industry.

Fishing and the practices used to capture different fish and shellfish species undoubt- edly have an impact on the marine environment to a greater or lesser degree. Many modern fishing practices have the capacity to negatively impact on the marine environ- ment (Dayton et al., 1995), these include:

• Depletion of fish stocks (overfishing). There are different types of overfishing;

– Growth overfishing - Occurs when fish are harvested at an average size that is smaller than the size that would produce the maximum yield per recruit (Fishbase, 2014). For example when all large fish are removed and the aver- age size of individuals within a population becomes smaller overall (Sewell et al., 2006). To prevent this from occurring there needs to be an increase in the average size of the fish harvested to a length that would allow maximum CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION 4

yield per recruit

– Recruitment overfishing - when the mature adult population is depleted to a level where there are not enough adults to produce offspring (Fishbase, 2014; Sewell et al., 2006). To prevent this occurring there needs to be a reduction in fishing mortality (moratoriums or quotas) and an increase in the minimum size limits of fish taken.

– Ecosystem overfishing - when the balance of the ecosystem is disrupted due to overfishing. This can lead to disruption to food chains and food webs by removing potentially important species. For example all the large predatory fish or important prey species are removed that control, limit or maintain other species may result in changes to ecosystem and community dynamics (Sewell et al., 2006).

• Incidental capture of non-target species (bycatch)

• Habitat damage or degradation

• Effect on ecosystem

1.2.1 Sustainable fishing

There are many definitions of sustainable fishing and there is no definitive definition of what the term Sustainable fishing means and therefore it can be interpreted in many different ways depending on the primary focus and the context in which the word is being used.

The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC, 2010) outline a set of principles and criteria for sustainable fishing. These principles reflect the recognition that a sustainable fishery CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION 5 should be based upon:

• The maintenance and re-establishment of healthy populations of targeted species;

• The maintenance of the integrity of ecosystems;

• The development and maintenance of effective fisheries management systems, taking into account all relevant biological, technological, economic, social, envi- ronmental and commercial aspects; and

• Compliance with relevant local and national laws and standards and international understandings and agreements

The Future Fisheries project is about supporting a low impact commercial fishing in- dustry in Wales that allows fish stocks to replenish and thus to protect a major natural resource asset. In discussing sustainable fishing this report prioritises the environmental sustainability of the activity, how it impacts on the target fish populations, the bycatch populations, marine habitats and other marine species. To have the opportunity of pro- ducing the maximum social and economic benefit from fisheries in the long term, the biodiversity and productivity of the seas needs to be protected through the restoration and maintenance of a healthy functioning marine environment (DWT, 2012).

Throughout this document the use of the word sustainability, represents environmen- tal sustainability, focusing on the preservation, maintenance and recovery of habitats, ecosystems and species. The ecosystem approach to fisheries management (EAFM) is an approach that is being adopted by management agencies and it recognises the con- cept of sustainable development, requiring that the needs of all future generations are not compromised by actions of people today (Kaiser et al., 2011). It has long been iden- tified that many fisheries are fished beyond sustainable limits and expected reductions in fishing effort will provide long term benefits, by creating more productive and more CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION 6 profitable fisheries and reducing environmental impacts (Kaiser et al., 2011).

It is important to remember that good fishery management seeks to ensure that catch rates never exceed the rates of biological replenishment of fish stocks (Kaiser et al., 2011), this is a fundamental concept in ensuring that wildlife and habitats have the ability to recover from past decline and our use of the seas resource becomes environ- mentally sustainable.

The socio-economic aspects of fishing are also important and this document aims to identify the local commercially important fisheries in south Wales and those for which information is readily available to enable the promotion of sustainable fishing practices and encourage environmentally friendly seafood choices to the wider public.

1.2.2 Application of Environmental sustainability to fishing

For the purpose of this report the definition of sustainable fishing covers the following key areas.

I The fished species should be biologically resilient to fishing. The target species should not have biological traits that mean the population is unduly sensitive to any level of fishing; unsuitable traits include:

• low fecundity

• high age of sexual maturity

• slow population doubling times

• slow growth

The species should not show a Low level of resilience to fishing and should not be CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION 7

recognised as at risk of extinction by IUCN assessment.

II The stock of the fished species should be appropriately managed. There should be adequate data available on the population and the level of fishing to determine the condition of the stock and assess if the species is within safe harvest limits and not overfished. Responsive management should be in place to ensure exploitation is kept within safe limits.

III The fishing should have minimal impact on habitats and wildlife The gears employed should have minimal impact on the habitats in/on which it is used and be used in a way that is selective for the species targeted. It should not result in wasteful bycatch of undersized target species or other non target species and the gear should be used in a way that prevents interaction with other wildlife such as sea birds and marine mammals.

This approach to a fisheries sustainability assessment was developed by Devon Wildlife Trust (DWT, 2012) and is summarised as a decision tree in (Figure 2.1).

1.3 Future work

We will use the results of this assessment:

• to prioritise our work in relation to the marine environment, in particular in rela- tion to fisheries in Wales

• to work with fishermen to reduce fishing’s impact on the Welsh marine environ- ment and to help fishermen to work towards an sustainable future including deck to diner plate to encourage direct selling if feasible CHAPTER 1. INTRODUCTION 8

• to contribute to the work of other partners and encourage fishermen to become involved in monitoring of the marine environment

• to provide information to help the public make informed choices about the seafood they consume

• Bring the fishing heritage and marine environment of our island nation to life for locals and for visitors to Wales Chapter 2

Methodology

The criteria used for assessing the sustainability of fisheries in Wales are set out in the following section. A simple approach has been used to assess the fisheries in order to be able to easily review, test and adapt the outcomes in response to informed comments as well as new, up to date information.

2.1 Key factors

In order to make an assessment of the environmental sustainability of key species landed into Wales three factors which take into account the potential impacts of fishing activi- ties both on the populations of target species and also on the wider marine environment were considered:

• Species biology - how resilient are populations to fishing pressure.

• Current management - is there effective, evidence based management of fishing pressure?

9 CHAPTER 2. METHODOLOGY 10

• Capture methods - what are the wider environmental impacts of the different fishing methods?

2.1.1 Sustainability assessment decision tree

A decision tree has been developed to carry out the assessment of the environmental sustainability of the fishery as summarised in Figure 2.1. CHAPTER 2. METHODOLOGY 11

1. Biology – Are there any indications from species biology of series cause for concern over any harvest of this species? (Table 2)

YES – we have concerns over the harvest of this NO – we don’t have serious concerns over the species by any method – Caution. This may not sustainability of the species for harvest by low be a sustainable fishery impact methods – it may be a sustainable fishery

Should this species be fished at all?

2. Management – Is there effective management in place for this species and is the stock healthy and is fishing pressure appropriate? (Table 3)

NO – we have concerns over the harvest of this YES – we don’t have serious concerns over this species as it lacks sufficient management to species. The management of this species appear ensure long term viability of the species and the to be appropriate in light of the information harvest – Caution. This may not be a sustainable available – it may be a sustainable fishery fishery

WTSWW believe further research into the species biology in Welsh waters, stock and fishing pressure is required in order to put in place appropriate management measures to ensure the long term viability of this species and its harvest.

WTSWW suggest the precautionary approach be taken to the harvest of this species until further information and evidence is available.

2. Capture method – Is this species landed into Welsh ports after being caught by low ecologically impacting methods? (Table 5)

NO – we have concerns over some methods of YES – the species is landed into Welsh ports and capture of this species because of their potential caught using low environmentally impacting impacts on the marine environment and the methods of capture - this species harvest is likely ecology - Caution. This may not be a sustainable sustainable fishery (at least in part)

WTSWW promote and support this species being WTSWW support research into modifications and fished by these methods of capture actions to reduce the ecological footprint of more impacting methods of capture

Figure 2.1: Species sustainability assessment decision tree - (adapted from (DWT, 2012)) CHAPTER 2. METHODOLOGY 12

2.1.2 Which species have been assessed?

For the purpose of the Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales Future Fisheries project the Welsh coastline has been divided into two sections, north and south Wales, with Ynyslas and the Dyfi Estuary being the divide between north and south Wales. This report has been produced as part of the Welsh Government Nature Fund initiative, with a focus on the Pembrokeshire Coast Nature Action Zone and therefore for the purpose of this project the initial sustainability assessment of Welsh fisheries has focused on the ten main species (Table 2.1 and Table 2.2) landed into ports in the south Wales (Figure 2.2) area.

The following ports are found along the south Wales coast:

• Aberaeron • Penclawdd

• Aberystwyth • Port Talbot

• Burry Port • Porthcawl

• Cardiff • Porthgain

• Cardigan • Saundersfoot

• Cemaes Bay • Solva

• Fishguard • St Davids

• Llanelli • Stackpole Quay

• Milford Haven • Swansea • New Quay • Tenby • Newport (Monmouthshire) • Three Rivers Area • Neyland CHAPTER 2. METHODOLOGY 13

Figure 2.2: Location of ports in South Wales

The species landed into the south Wales area have been chosen in order to provide a focus for the report to include the Pembrokeshire Coast Nature Action Zone. The species chosen include those that comprised more than £50,000 in landings value in 2013. These ten species (Table 2.3) represent 98.1% by value of the total landings into ports in south Wales in 2013 (Table 2.1) and 97.6% by weight of the total landings into ports in South Wales (Table 2.2). CHAPTER 2. METHODOLOGY 14

Value (South Value (All Common name/s Lan name Wales only) Wales) Common whelk Buccinum undatum £2,141,183 £3,080,146

European lobster (Common lobster) Homarus gammarus £1,198,265 £1,551,195

King scallop (Great Atlanc scallop) Pecten maximus £741,193.9 £1,533,864

Bass (European seabass) Dicentrarchus labrax £509,478.6 £522,154

Edible crab (Brown crab) Cancer pagurus £388,312.3 £432,958.3

Common prawn (English prawn) Palaemon serratus £296,329.7 £340,917.4

Spider crabs (Spinous spider crab) Maja squinado £141,613.7 £142,539.7

Common sole (Dover sole) Solea solea £105,963.9 £107,314.4

Crawfish (Spiny lobster, Crayfish, Rock lobster) Palinurus elephas £63,702.41 £63,746.41

Thornback ray Raja clavata £53,343.82 £69,242.34

Queen scallop Aequipecten opercularis - £404,915.7

Table 2.1: Top ten species according to value (GBP) of catch landed

Tonnes (South Tonnes (All Common name/s Lan name Wales only) Wales) Common whelk Buccinum undatum 2906 4253

King scallop (Great Atlanc scallop) Pecten maximus 424.7 843.8

Edible crab (Brown crab) Cancer pagurus 324.5 843.8

Spider crabs (Spinous spider crab) Maja squinado 131.2 132

European lobster (Common lobster) Homarus gammarus 113 148.6

Bass (European seabass) Dicentrarchus labrax 76.3 78.7

Thornback ray Raja clavata 44.2 55.6

Dogfish (Catshark) Scyliorhinidae sp. 21.4 21.4

Velvet swimming crabs Necora puber 15.5 15.8

Common prawn (English prawn) Palaemon serratus 14.7 16.9

Common sole (Dover sole) Solea solea 13.6 13.8

Crawfish (Spiny lobster, Crayfish, Rock lobster) Palinurus elephas 3.4 3.4

Queen scallop Aequipecten opercularis - 994.5

Table 2.2: Top ten species according to weight (tonnes) of catch landed

Table 2.1 shows the top ten species by value landed into ports in south Wales only CHAPTER 2. METHODOLOGY 15 compared to the total value landed into all ports in Wales. Table 2.2 shows the top ten species by live weight landed into ports in south Wales only compared to the total value landed into all ports in Wales.

Ranking by Ranking by Regulated by Common name/s Lan name value weight quota in area Common whelk Buccinum undatum 1 1

European lobster (Common lobster) Homarus gammarus 2 5

King scallop (Great Atlanc scallop) Pecten maximus 3 2

Bass (European seabass) Dicentrarchus labrax 4 6

Edible crab (Brown crab) Cancer pagurus 5 3

Common prawn (English prawn) Palaemon serratus 6 10

Spider crabs (Spinous spider crab) Maja squinado 7 4

Common sole (Dover sole) Solea solea 8 11 Yes Crawfish (Spiny lobster, Crayfish, Rock Palinurus elephas 9 19 lobster) Thornback ray Raja clavata 10 7 Yes

Table 2.3: Details of species analysed

The assessment in this report will focus on the top ten species by landings value (Ta- ble 2.3). Although there are many different fisheries in Wales this cut off point has been used in order to select the major targeted fisheries in Wales. Chapter 3

Biology

The first decision on the assessment tree (Figure 2.1) considers the biology of the species

Decision 1 - Are there any indications form the species biology research data that give serious cause for concern over the harvest of this species?

The decision on the biology of the species is based on a combination of four factors, when considered collectively give an indication of the vulnerability of the species to fishing pressure:

• The resilience of the species - this gives an indication of how well populations can withstand fishing pressure. Low resilience means that populations are more vul- nerable to overfishing. FishBase resilience information were used where possible (Fishbase, 2014)

• The species doubling time - this gives an indication of how quickly the species can respond to changes in fishing pressure. Low doubling time means that a

16 CHAPTER 3. BIOLOGY 17

species can recover quickly if pressure is reduced. FishBase reported doubling times were used where possible (Fishbase, 2014)

• Whether the species is categorised as at risk of extinction under the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

• Whether the species biology allows fishing methods to be developed to select mature individuals that have spawned and return immature fish. This enables fishing methods to be introduced to reduce the impacts of fishing on the species ability to reproduce. For example Minimum Landing Sizes (MLS).

Table 3.1 outlines the assessment on the biology of each species considered from in- formation obtained and identifies WTSWWs’ level of concern over species biology in relation to the harvesting of the species. CHAPTER 3. BIOLOGY 18 Low Low Low High Medium Medium Medium Medium Medium Medium WTSWW level species biology of concern over

Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes alive (303mm). (45mm MLS) North Wales. size at first maturity size at first maturity Cauon - discrepancy Cauon - discrepancy conservaon measures minimum size is 44.8mm between MLS and size at undersize to be returned adults to breed and allow Technical measures allow Wales = 45cm). No MLS for Cauon - Apparent regional between MLS (240mm) and Cauon - minimal biological variaon in size at maturity. first maturity. MLS for South informaon available and no Cauon - due to variaons in Stable No data No data No data No data No data No data Unknown Decreasing Decreasing (IUCN Redlist) Populaon trend List) Vulnerable (VU) Not yet assessed Not yet assessed Not yet assessed Not yet assessed Not yet assessed Not yet assessed Least concern (LC) Least concerm (LC) Near threatened (NT) Exncon risk (IUCN Red 4.5 - 14 4.5 - 14 No data No data No data No data No data No data No data 1.4 - 4.4 me (Fishbase) otherwise stated Units = yrs unless Populaon doubling ) Fishbase Low Low No data No data No data No data No data No data No data Medium pressure ( Resilience to fishing ) )

us )

) ) ) ) WTSWW level of concern over species biology for ten commercially important species in Wales ) serrat

undatum

solea sp.

clavata maximus elephas pagurus

) Homarus ) Dicentrarchus Maja Solea ( (Raja analysed Palaemon Pecten Buccinum Cancer Table 3.1: labrax Palinurus gammarus seabass Species Spider crabs ( Common sole ( European lobster ( Crawfish ( Edible crab ( Thornback ray King scallops ( European Common prawn ( Common whelk ( CHAPTER 3. BIOLOGY 19

3.0.3 Information on species Biology

The following section outlines the notes on individual species biology which have been taken into account during the assessment decision making. This has been draw together from a variety of published sources. Information relevant to the species in Welsh waters has been used where available.

Common whelk (Buccinum undatum)

Whelks are predators and scavengers found in water depths between 3-600m. Females can suffer imposex (growth of male sex organs) when exposed to certain marine pollu- tants and can become infertile (Haig et al., 2015b). Spawning occurs in the UK between November and January. Fecundity for whelks is Low. An egg mass can contain Females produce approximately 140 eggs per egg mass (Haig et al., 2015b) and as many as 2000 or more egg capsules, with each capsule containing up to 1000 or so eggs. Egg masses can be up to 500 mm across and contain capsules from a number of females. Only a small percentage of the eggs complete development, with the majority utilised as food by the embryos (Fish and Fish, 2011).

The size at maturity for common whelks sampled in Welsh waters between 2013 and 2014 varied over small spatial scales (8-10 miles) (Haig et al., 2015b). For two of the four regions where whelk samples were collected in the study by (Haig et al., 2015b) the size at maturity was determined as 65.1mm TSL (total shell length) for north Wales around Anglesey and 62.3mm TSL in south Wales (Bristol channel area). This presents some difficulties when assessing whelk populations as management units, further com- plicating the issue is the seasonal variation in maturity estimates.

Technical measures - do not take account of regional variations in size. Other exam- CHAPTER 3. BIOLOGY 20 ples - CEFAS Solent (44.8mm female, 46.4mm male), 77.8mm female and 76.2mm from southern North sea and Fish and Fish, (2011) report 60mm as size at sexual matu- rity.

Technical measures allow adults to breed and allow undersized to be returned alive; Caution - due to variations in size at first maturity minimum size is 44.8mm (45mm MLS).

European lobster (Homarus gammarus)

European lobster can be found distributed within the continental shelf from the Arc- tic circle to the Mediterranean, more commonly found in shallower waters up to 50m depths although may be found in depths up to 150m (Woolmer et al., 2013). European lobsters favour rocky reef and rough ground, with rocks and boulders providing crevices for shelter (Woolmer et al., 2013).

Lobsters are nocturnal, they are opportunistic feeders and will scavenge for food al- though they mainly feed on mussels and other crustaceans. Female lobsters will con- tinue to feed when berried and are commonly caught in baited pots. Mating occurs between soft shelled females (soon after moult) and hard-shelled males, females can retain the sperm plug for up to two years until fertilisation. The eggs are extruded onto the tail and develop for between 9-12 months. Eggs are usually released into the water column during the summer months (MAFF, 1996 in (Woolmer et al., 2013)). Newly hatched larvae take between 4-8 years, depending on water temperature and conditions, to attain EU minimum landing size (87mm CL) (Woolmer et al., 2013).

Lobsters rate of growth slows as they age with juveniles moulting several times a year and mature lobsters moulting annually or less often (Woolmer et al., 2013). Lobsters CHAPTER 3. BIOLOGY 21 usually live for at least 20 years but can live for up to 50 years (Tully et al., 2006). Larger males will mate with females and females of larger sizes produce a greater number of eggs (Tully, 2004; Gunning, 2012).

Regional variation in size at first maturity has been observed there is little data for the Welsh inshore population of lobsters. However, minimum landing size of 90mm for whole of Wales would be beneficial for management purposes as well as breeding potential. Studies have shown that a mean size at maturity (CL50) of 95mm (variation 93-96mm) CL is found in stocks around the Irish coast (Tully et al., 2006).

Extinction risk (IUCN Red List) - Least concern (LC)

Technical measures allow adults to breed and allow undersized to be returned alive; Yes - Potential changes to crustacean legislation in Wales to increase MLS to 90mm for the whole of Wales would be beneficial to the population breeding poten- tial.

King scallops (Pecten maximus)

In UK waters king scallops become sexually mature at approximately 2-3 years old and 80-90mm in shell length (Beukers-Stewart and Beukers-Stewart, 2009; Howarth and Stewart, 2014), ¿60mm (Bangor University website, 2015). King scallops can live for up to 20 years and they reach sexual maturity between 3 and 5 years. King scallops have both male and female reproductive organs (hermaphrodites) and fertilization takes place externally. Their larvae develop in the water column and are dispersed in the currents often over considerable distances (Howarth and Stewart, 2014). After approximately 30 days they settle to the sea floor and attach to a suitable surface using their byssal threads (strong, silky fibres). Young scallops usually remain attached by byssal threads CHAPTER 3. BIOLOGY 22 until they are between 4 and 13 mm in length and then settle on the seabed. After 30 days they settle to the sea floor and attach to a suitable surface using their byssal threads (strong, silky fibres) where they develop into free-swimming adult form (University, 2015).

The reproductive success and recruitment of scallops is influenced by a number of fac- tors including spawning stock biomass, the availability of suitable settlement habitat, environmental conditions and ecological interactions such as predator density (Beukers- Stewart and Beukers-Stewart, 2009). As adults king scallops are relatively static, not moving much further than 30m in 18 months (Howarth and Stewart, 2014).

Technical measures allow adults to breed and allow undersized to be returned alive; Yes

European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax)

Sea bass are slow growing and do not reach maturity between 4 and 7 years of age for females and size at maturity is around 40cm, whilst in males maturation occurs between 3 and 6 years at around 35cm (Carroll, 2014). Bass may continue to reproduce for up to 20 years. Juvenile stage occurs approximately 2 months after spawning, larval bass remain in the plankton and are moved around by inshore currents into estuaries and shallow coastal waters (10-15mm), bass spend much of the juvenile stage in these brackish waters (Carroll, 2014).

Bass are long lived and slow growing, female bass mature at a greater size and age than males and fully mature bass undertake seasonal migrations from summer coastal grounds to winter offshore spawning grounds, concentrating their populations in specific areas at particular times of year, making them easier to catch (Hirst, 2015). Bass appear CHAPTER 3. BIOLOGY 23 to have a strong fidelity to summer feeding grounds to which they will return each year, most recaptures have been within 80km of their first release (Carroll, 2014). Juvenile bass can be affected by periods of low sea temperatures, making them vulnerable in the northern parts of their range and that a number of cold winters since 2008 may have killed a significant proportion of juveniles (Hirst, 2015).

The spawning season of bass around Welsh waters has been estimated to be between January and May (Cambie et al., 2015). There are features specific to the bass stock around Wales which include a sex ratio highly skewed towards females across all sea- sons in North Wales (Cambie et al., 2015).

Further information on the life history parameters of sea bass can be found in (Cambie et al., 2015).

Extinction risk (IUCN Red List) - Least concern (LC)

Technical measures allow adults to breed and allow undersized to be returned alive; Yes - introduction of new Minimum Conservation Reference Size (MCRS) (420mm) helps to minimise the removal of immature bass from the stock, helping to increase po- tential spawning stock biomass.

Edible crab (Cancer pagurus)

Edible crabs are commonly found in UK waters, it is a temperate water species with a broad distribution. Juveniles are found in high abundance in the intertidal zone and as adults up to a depth of 100m . They are commonly found on rocky grounds, under boulders and on coarse sediments, females prefer soft sandy substrates, suggesting a gender specific habitat preference (Haig et al., 2015a). CHAPTER 3. BIOLOGY 24

Larger males mate with females from December to February, males mate guard the female until she is ready to moult by carrying her around under the abdomen. Once mating has occurred the male may continue to guard the female for up to two days after which point the males will leave the females to find another mate (Haig et al., 2015a). Egg laying occurs from January to June (fur months after mating) but can be delayed for up to 15 months, this is when berried hens are observed with a peak season from April to June. Berried females generally migrate from rocky substrates to softer substrates and feeding is reduced, it is believed that berried hens very rarely enter pots and many fishermen report not having ever seen one, others will catch hundreds (Haig et al., 2015c). The eggs are brooded for 8 months, after which they hatch as larvae (coincides with spring plankton bloom) and undergo five zoeal stages before the final moult stage when they settle on the seabed (Haig et al., 2015c).

Edible crabs are able to breed for multiple seasons and therefore have the ability to breed more than once in a lifetime.

Bangor University have conducted a study to assess size variation at maturity - the CW50 (Carapace length at which 50% of sampled animals are mature) observed for Welsh crab populations in the study was smaller than Scottish, Swedish or Irish popu- lations. Males appear to be smaller than females in both north and south Wales. Study shows that stocks in Wales are maturing smaller than MLS (135-145mm) both males and females have an opportunity to reproduce at least once prior to capture.

Caution, a decrease in size at maturity occurs when cost of growth outweighs cost of reproducing this can occur in populations experiencing size selective mortality, e.g. if large individuals are fished. Maturing early may occur if population abundance de- creases to a level where finding mate becomes more difficult or environment no longer provide adequate resources for growth (Haig et al., 2015a). In the absence of histori- CHAPTER 3. BIOLOGY 25 cal data it is not possible to conclude that fishing mortality is driving down the size at maturity for Welsh populations however, data collected important for future compar- isons.

Further investigations on size at maturity, more frequently recommended, currently male - 117.8 mm (mean for north & south wales) and female - 122.5 mm (mean for north & south wales) (Haig et al., 2015a). A study into the fecundity of edible crabs in Wales showed that estimates were highly variable and many were lower than published litera- ture - this could be a true artefact of low egg numbers produced by Welsh crabs - further research required to determine source of variation (Haig et al., 2015c).

Technical measures allow adults to breed and allow undersized to be returned alive; Yes

Common prawn (Palaemon serratus)

Common prawns are decapod crustaceans that are widely distributed within inshore waters of Europe, the temperate waters around the UK form the northern limit of the geographical range of the species (Emmerson et al., 2014) although their abundance around the UK is spatially variable (Haig et al., 2014).

Common prawns undergo seasonal migrations, inhabiting rocky shore and estuarine habitats during summer these provide valuable nursery habitats juveniles and valuable feeding areas for adults; moving offshore into colder, deeper waters during the winter (Emmerson et al., 2014). This species has a relatively short lifespan, thought to survive no longer then two and five years (Haig et al., 2014) and exhibits sexual dimorphism with females generally larger and heavier than males (Haig et al., 2014).

Growth in females slows down with the onset of reproduction as energy investment is CHAPTER 3. BIOLOGY 26 focused on egg production. Egg development and release occurs in open water, plank- tonic larvae then settle out of the water column during the summer into inshore estuarine habitats (Haig et al., 2014). They migrate to deeper waters during October and are then at a size that can be caught in fishing gear (Haig et al., 2014).

A study in Welsh waters found that there was no variation in morphology, reproductive patterns or catch per unit effort between prawns from north, mid or south Wales (Haig, 2014). Prawns are sexually dimorphic in catches, on average males are smaller than females (Haig, 2014). Females mature at a size of around 60 mm total length, therefore many of the berried females caught would be of a land-able size (Haig, 2014).

A study conducted by Bangor University determined that berried females can be found throughout the year and so the seasonal nature of the fishery may be allowing females to carry broods to term in months outside the winter fishery (Haig et al., 2014). Males mature faster than females, reaching sexual maturity at six to seven months old, females at nine to ten months (Haig, 2014).

Egg development is slower in colder inshore waters during winter. Temperature may be a key factor underpinning regional variation of reproductive patterns in shrimp; sea- sonal migration to shallow inshore waters in summer - attributable to cold temps and low salinities found inshore during winter due to river discharges. Majority caught in UK waters are exported to markets in southern Europe, very few are retained for local markets, however, it is thought that there is potential for a local market for shrimp and prawns (Haig et al., 2014).

Technical measures allow adults to breed and allow undersized to be returned alive; Caution - minimal biological information available and no conservation mea- sures CHAPTER 3. BIOLOGY 27

Spider crabs (Maja sp.)

Morphological studies and genetic research have determined that spider crabs found around British coasts and along the Atlantic coast of western Europe to be a distinct species (Maja brachydactyla) (Woolmer et al., 2013).

Common spider crab has a patchy distribution within its range, they inhabit a broad depth range from intertidal areas to down to 120m, more commonly found on flat seabed and soft substrate in coastal waters, moving further offshore in winter months (Woolmer et al., 2013). Large congregations can be found on large boulders in inshore waters in Cardigan Bay during the summer months (pers comm. Sarah Perry).

Spider crabs feed on seaweeds and benthic invertebrates, particularly species that are sessile or have low mobility, feeding rate decreases prior to and just after moult. Spider crabs grow quickly and mature crabs can live for a number of years (Woolmer et al., 2013).

Spider crabs stop growing once they reach sexual maturity and are therefore able to reproduce, once per year, when hard-shelled. It is thought that this occurs between May to July, when berried females were observed (Woolmer et al., 2013). Spider crabs are not able to regenerate lost limbs unlike other crab species (Cancer pagurus).

The terminal moult (final moult) may take place at a wide range of sizes with regional variations in size. In Brittany, adult females were recorded between 80-165mm CL, with adult males between 80-200mm; in comparison, an Irish study reports female size at terminal moult of between 95-125mm CL, with a CL50 (size at which 50% of the population is mature) estimated at 110mm (Fahy, 2001 in (Woolmer et al., 2013)). This suggests that the EU MLS of 120mm CL (EC regulation 850/98) for spider crabs is overlapped on either side by mature and immature animals. There is currently no data CHAPTER 3. BIOLOGY 28 available for Welsh species development.

Technical measures allow adults to breed and allow undersized to be returned alive; Caution - Apparent regional variation in size at maturity. Welsh specific stud- ies required to determine suitability of MLS in the local fishery and need for further conservation measures.

Common sole (Solea solea)

Sole is a flatfish which mainly occurs in the temperate waters of the eastern Atlantic, with a preference for sandy and muddy bottoms (ICES Advice, Sole in Division VIIa (Irish Sea) June 2014) down to depths of 150m (Seafish, 2013). Sole are known to live for up to 40 years, but currently fish over the age of 15 years are rarely caught.

Females grow larger than males and can reach lengths of 50-60cm. They are sexually mature at age two to three but do not achieve full reproductive potential until age four or five. Sole undergo seasonal migrations between spawning and feeding grounds but do not move great distances and once recruited to a spawning ground they appear to continue to spawn on that ground. They migrate offshore in winter and move inshore in spring, spawning activity occurs in April May (Seafish, 2013). Planktonic larvae move inshore into estuaries, tidal inlets and sandy bays and at 15-18mm in length the left eye moves to the right side of the head. Juveniles are found in coastal nurseries and remain there for around two years before moving to deeper offshore waters where adults are found (Seafish, 2013).

Sole is a nocturnal predator feeding on worms, molluscs, and small crustaceans, and therefore more susceptible to capture by fisheries at night than in daylight. Recruitment is known to be variable in this species (ICES Advice, Sole in Division VIIa (Irish Sea) CHAPTER 3. BIOLOGY 29

June 2014). The size at first maturity is recorded as 303mm (Fishbase).

Technical measures allow adults to breed and allow undersized to be returned alive; Caution - discrepancy between MLS (240mm) and size at first maturity (303mm).

Crawfish (Palinurus elephas)

Crawfish are a lobster-like marine crustacean that have small claws and a spiny body and are bright red/orange in colour. Around the British Isles they mainly occur along the south and west coast (Hunter et al., 1996); they prefer areas of reef with strong currents and steep topography with crevices, in 5-70m but have been recorded as deep as 200m. There is no known published information on the depth distribution and habitat prefer- ence of crawfish in Welsh waters (Leslie and Shelmerdine, 2012) although records show they are found around the Llyn Peninsula and Pembrokeshire, in low numbers.

Crawfish hatch from the egg into planktonic larval stage and from there they go through various stages before becoming an adult. There are no free-swimming larval stages, they are transported via currents.

Growth of no more than 4mm carapace length has been recorded at moult for crawfish, in some cases change in length was non-existence but weight increases were observed (Leslie and Shelmerdine, 2012). It is estimated that crawfish at lengths of 111mm CL for males and 110mm for females are about four to five years old. Males are larger than females throughout their geographic distribution (Leslie and Shelmerdine, 2012).

In UK waters females moult in summer months (July to September), mating is observed to take place within two weeks of the female moult with egg laying occurring five to ten days after. The female carries the eggs throughout the winter before they hatch in the following spring. Considerable variation in egg production between females of CHAPTER 3. BIOLOGY 30 similar size has been observed however, the number of eggs per clutch was found to increase linearly with increasing body size, maximum reproductive yield occurred in females from 100 to 110mm CL. The size at maturity varies throughout its range with the smallest berried female in Wales was reported as 121mm CL, with males being slightly larger.

Studies note that mature individuals appear to be more residential than juveniles (Goni et al. (2001) in (Leslie and Shelmerdine, 2012)) suggested that juvenile Palinurus elephas settled in shallow water but then undergo a migration to deeper water at between two and three years of age, migration taking place during winter or spring.

Data for crawfish in Wales is scarce and further information on Welsh populations is required to be fully informed.

Extinction Risk: Vulnerable (VU) (IUCN Red List) - Palinurus elephas has been heav- ily harvested throughout its range and is generally considered to be overexploited, al- though long-term catch per unit effort (CPUE) data are not available for most fisheries (Goi and Latrouite 2005). In the Atlantic, catch rates from the Welsh fishery showed a decline of 92% between 1980 and 1997 Hunter 1999. This species is harvested through- out its range by recreational and commercial fisheries. Over-exploitation by fisheries is a major threat to this species.

Technical measures allow adults to breed and allow undersized to be returned alive; Yes - Potential changes to crustacean legislation in Wales to increase MLS to 110mm for the whole of Wales (Current SW 110mm, 95mm NW) would be benefi- cial. CHAPTER 3. BIOLOGY 31

Thornback ray (Raja clavata)

Thornbacks prefer soft substrates such as mud and sand and can also be found over gravel and rock beds. Thornbacks are seasonally migratory, spending the winter in deeper water and coming into shallower areas in the late spring and summer to breed. Juveniles are more likely to be found in shallower, coastal waters than adults as these areas are used as nursery grounds. This species is mainly found on hard seabed (e.g. gravel and pebble), in areas of intermediate to strong tidal currents at depths of 7192m (Ellis et al., 2005). Observed length range at size at maturity is 58.865.7 cm TL and 70.571.8cm TL for males and females, respectively (Irish Waters (VIIa) - 50% maturity, Females - 718 (Disc Width = 472.64), Males - 657 (DW = 432.56). North Wales (VII) - 50% maturity, Females - 705 (DW = 464.24), Males - 588 (DW = 387.34)) (McCully et al., 2013).

The maximum age is reported at 12 years (Ryland and Ajayi, 1984), maturing at age 6 and length 6571cm (Gallagher et al., 2005), with estimated fecundity from 60140 eggs per year (Holden, 1975). A high abundance of juveniles have been observed in inshore areas, including northern Bristol Channel, Cardigan Bay, Luce Bay, and Solway Firth (Ellis et al., 2005). Thornback ray are slow growing, late maturing and have low fecundity rates.

Extinction risk (IUCN Red List) is Near threatened (NT) - There is some limited evidence of a decline in landings in the northern part of the East Atlantic range of this species and management of the fishery is required. Thornback Skate is a very important component of demersal fisheries in most European waters and is taken by trawl and gillnet, particularly as bycatch.

Technical measures allow adults to breed and allow undersized to be returned CHAPTER 3. BIOLOGY 32 alive; Caution - MLS South Wales = 45cm, possibly greater than size at first matu- rity depending on length information used, particularly for females. No MLS for North Wales. Chapter 4

Management

The second decision on the assessment tree (Figure 2.1) considers the management of the species. The use of the term minimum conservation reference size MCRS has now replaced the former reference to the Minimum Landing Size (MLS).

Decision 2 - Is there effective fisheries management in place for this species, is the stock healthy and is fishing pressure appropriate?

The decision on the management of the species is based on a combination of five factors, considered collectively they give an indication of the effectiveness of current manage- ment:

• Is there a quota system in place to manage the landings from the ICES sea areas around Wales (VIIa, VIIf & VIIg). Under the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), quotas control the quantity of the species that can be landed.

• Are there sufficient data available, to draw conclusions on the state of the stock in the local area and manage it effectively. The effectiveness of fisheries manage-

33 CHAPTER 4. MANAGEMENT 34

ment depends on the strength of the data on which decision are made. If there is limited or poor data available for a particular species then effective management decisions may be impeded.

• What is the current state of the stock - two measures are used: fishing mortality, (Fmsy) describes the impact that fishing has on a population and spawning stock biomass gives an indication of the health of the population.

• Reference points/levels for both fishing mortality and spawning stock biomass are set that allow an assessment of whether fishing effort is at a level such that a stock can achieve Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSL). MSL describes the largest average catch or yield that can continuously be taken from a stock under current environmental conditions.

• Are there technical measures in place to select mature individuals that have spawned and return immature fish alive. This reduces the effect on the species ability to reproduce.

The International Council for the Exploration of the Seas (ICES) provides data and advice to Governments on fisheries management. ICES information is used (where pos- sible) to assess the decision on management as well as information and data in relation to local (Welsh/Irish Sea) populations of species being assessed.

The overall level of concern reflects the highest level of concern from any of the five factors. A lack of data for informing management will automatically result in higher levels of concern as we are adopting the precautionary principle. Notes on individual species can be found in the following section.

Table 4.1 outlines the assessment on the management of each species considered from information obtained and identifies WTSWWs’ level of concern over species manage- CHAPTER 4. MANAGEMENT 35 ment in relation to the harvesting of the species. CHAPTER 4. MANAGEMENT 36 High High High High High Medium Medium Medium Medium Medium management WTSWW level of concern over stock

No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Cauon Cauon Cauon returned alive adults to breed and Technical measures allow undersize to be (byelaws, orders) allow

notes notes notes Bmsy? Sea stock Sea stock Not known Biomass about See management See management See management No informaon for No informaon for Welsh waters/Irish Welsh waters/Irish Is spawning stock

notes notes notes Sea stock Sea stock Not known controlled to below Fmsy? See management See management See management No informaon for No informaon for Welsh waters/Irish Welsh waters/Irish Is fishing pressure

No 2015). available Sea stock Sea stock Data limited Is the stock Welsh waters data available data limited? managed but Stock managed, Limited data for managed (March No informaon for No informaon for Welsh waters/Irish Welsh waters/Irish Stock not currently No No No No No No No Yes Yes Sea) ) subdivisions a,f,g around Wales ICES advice for areas Yes (Celc Sea and Irish VIII( ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) labrax )

serratus

undatum gammarus

solea sp.)

clavata maximus elephas pagurus

WTSWW level of concern over species management for ten commercially important species in Wales Maja Solea Raja Palaemon Dicentrarchus Homarus Pecten Buccinum Cancer ( Palinurus Species analysed Table 4.1: seabass Spider crabs ( Common sole ( Crawfish ( Edible crab ( Thornback ray ( King scallops ( Common prawn ( Common whelk ( European lobster ( European CHAPTER 4. MANAGEMENT 37

4.0.4 Information on species Management

The following section outlines the notes on individual species management which have been taken into account during the assessment decision making. This has been draw together from a variety of published sources.

Common whelk (Buccinum undatum)

In a study conducted by Haig et al. (2015b), investigating the size at maturity for the common whelk, Buccinum undatum in Welsh waters, the proportion of whelks between the current minimum landing size (MLS) of 45mm Total shell length (TSL) and the size at which 50% of whelks are found to be mature (L50) varied with each location sampled; between 7 - 58% of the catch from the scientific post were immature. The study showed that the current MLS does not protect brood stocks of whelks in Welsh waters. The per- sistent removal of immature whelks exposes whelk populations to growth overfishing, whereby the removal of whelks under size at maturity interferes with a maximum yield per recruit, this is the result of fewer animals are reaching maturity prior to being caught (Haig et al., 2015b).

Data for the B. undatum fisheries in Wales and England are regarded as data poor and stock assessments are not available to inform total allowable catch limits (McIntyre et al., 2015). Concerns are that whelk fishing is comparatively cheap to enter into and with decreased landings and increased restrictions in other fishing sectors an increase in whelk effort is expected and therefore with no effort controls in place and unmanaged latent effort the future sustainability of whelk fishing is considered to be at risk Haig et al (2015).

In order to manage the whelk fishery in Wales, fishers were most open to the idea of CHAPTER 4. MANAGEMENT 38 effort control (as opposed to closed seasons or minimum landing sizes) (Haig et al., 2015b). Research suggests that the current MLS is too low to protect brood stocks in Welsh waters (Haig et al., 2015b). Byelaw 11 (South Wales) states that any whelk that passes through a riddle with bars of at least 35mm apart should be return to the sea, close to where they were taken, whelks under this size are allowed as long as the total number does not exceed 10% of random sample of at least 100 individuals.

Further research is currently being undertaken to develop more accurate methods of ageing whelk and determining the growth rates. Results from these studies are essential for future stock management, (Haig et al., 2015b).

Is ICES advice available for areas VII(a,f,g) subdivisions around Wales?; No

Is the stock managed but data limited?; No information currently available

Is fishing pressure controlled to below Fmsy?; No information currently available

Is spawning stock Biomass about Bmsy?; No information currently available

Technical measures (byelaws, orders) allow adults to breed and allow undersize to be returned alive; No - due to variations in size at first maturity minimum size is 44.8mm (45mm MLS (NW) riddle mesh size 35mm (SW)).

European lobster (Homarus gammarus)

Lobster fishery in Cardigan Bay, in particular around Aberystwyth was not established on a commercial basis until the 1950s (Cook et al., 1989). Prior to this time exploita- tion was based on local demand, marketing of the catch was handled by local mer- chants.

There is no stock management in terms of limits on the numbers taken just a MLS in CHAPTER 4. MANAGEMENT 39 place in Wales (at the time of writing this was different for north (87mm) and south Wales (90mm), but will potentially create Wales wide MLS of 90mm.

A Cefas (2008) report estimates a high proportion (95%) of Welsh landings originate from the inshore fishery (<6nm) - regional data likely to be important to relevant lo- cal management (Woolmer et al., 2013). Limited migration of lobsters has been ob- served in mark-recapture studies with most movements less than 3.8km from release, this supports the idea that Irish Sea populations are relatively local in nature (Smith et al., 2001).

A voluntary v-notch scheme is in place, allowing fishermen to tag berried females by removing a small v-shape from a tail paddle. It is illegal to land v-notched or mutilated individuals. V-notching is beneficial to females in population, measures needed to pro- tect males as only the largest and most dominant males mate with females (Gunning, 2012).

A stock assessment for local inshore fishery throughout Wales is required. Bangor Uni- versity have been conducting juvenile crustacean survey aimed at identifying key habitat types for juvenile lobsters and crab (Unknown, 2013). Preliminary results indicated a preference for boulder habitat type.

Other studies looking into the growth of lobsters around the Welsh coast are being con- ducted to help predict numbers of lobsters that will be large enough for the industry to catch in 1-2 years, thus contributing to information to contribute to management measures and help fishers manage fishing effort and local stocks sustainably. Lobsters tagged as part of this study are measured and sexed and are v-notched. When re-caught assess growth, moult rate, movement and abundance. Preliminary results showed cara- pace length of re-caught lobsters 66-105mm and majority of lobsters have moved less CHAPTER 4. MANAGEMENT 40 than 200m, other tagging studies have suggested that most lobsters are recaptured close to their release position, smaller individuals moving considerable distances (Cook et al., 1989).

Is ICES advice available for areas VII(a,f,g) subdivisions around Wales?; No

Is the stock managed but data limited?; No information currently available

Is fishing pressure controlled to below Fmsy?; No information currently available

Is spawning stock Biomass about Bmsy?; No information currently available

Technical measures (byelaws, orders) allow adults to breed and allow undersize to be returned alive; Yes - Potential changes to crustacean legislation in Wales to increase MLS to 90mm for the whole of Wales would be beneficial to the population breeding potential.

King scallops (Pecten maximus)

There are currently seasonal closures and a MLS of 110mm in Wales is in place. Some stock assessments have been carried out by Bangor University but more information required as to the implications on the population of current closed/open areas to scallop fishing.

There is an annual seasonal closure when scalloping is prohibited in Welsh waters from 1st May to 31st October. Scalloping is prevented in all but one area of Cardigan Bay Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and in coastal waters outside and within other parts of SACs.

Other technical restrictions are in place such as a maximum permissible engine power for scallopers in Welsh waters of 221kw. The number of dredges a vessel can tow is CHAPTER 4. MANAGEMENT 41 restricted depending on the distance from shore and the number of dredges towed is also restricted by the size of the fishing vessel. In Welsh waters there is also a total ban on fishing with dredges between the shore and 1 nm; between 1 and 3 nm the number of dredges is restricted to 3 per side, provided the vessel is less than 10 metres; 4 a side between 3 and 6 nm; and outside 6 nm a maximum of 7 dredges per side, (The Scallop Fishing (Wales) (No.2) Order 2010).

Albrecht (2013) study suggests that the existing scallop fishery has not had observ- able negative impacts on the taxonomic or functional communities in the closed area of the SAC. The reason for this is attributed to the mobile sand wave habitat present in Cardigan Bay, unstable shifting seabed. The study suggests that epifaunal communi- ties in Cardigan Bay are adapted to the unstable environmental sedimentary habitat and are able to recover quickly due to a short life cycle and a large dispersal range. Caution needs t be observed with regard to this as the process of ”cleaning” of the fishing ground may have occurred. The process of ”cleaning” involves the removal of large structures such as rocks which have the potential to damage fishing gear or catch if caught in the trawl, it is thought that this process may have occurred in Cardigan Bay. The removal of these rocks reduces habitat complexity and may be one factor resulting in long term changes in community composition in the Irish Sea which leads to an increase in mobile, robust, scavenging taxa and a decrease in sessile, fragile taxa.

Changes in community composition have been observed in other areas where scal- lop fishing has occurred, for example Stangford Loch, although this is very different habitat to that in Cardigan Bay being sheltered with low levels of background distur- bance. Other more relevant comparisons include Devon Inshore Potters Agreement (IPA), which consists of exposed coastline with sand and gravel substrate. Signs of recovery were found two years after the areas were closed to bottom trawling. CHAPTER 4. MANAGEMENT 42

Is ICES advice available for areas VII(a,f,g) subdivisions around Wales?; No

Is the stock managed but data limited?; No information currently available

Is fishing pressure controlled to below Fmsy?; No information currently available

Is spawning stock Biomass about Bmsy?; No information currently available

Technical measures (byelaws, orders) allow adults to breed and allow undersize to be returned alive; Yes

European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax)

Bass is currently a non quota stock. ICES Advice June 2014 5.3.32. Eco-region Celtic Sea and West of Scotland. Divisions IVbc, VIIa, and VIId-h. Advice for catches in 2015 - Total landings from commercial and recreational sectors should be no more than 1155 tonnes.

ICES Advice published 30 June 2015 for Sea bass in Divisions IVb and c. VIIa amd VIId-h (Central and South North Sea, Irish Sea, English Channel, Bristol Channel, Celtic Sea). ICES Stock Advice states that ICES advises that when the MSY approach is applied, total landings (commercial and recreational) in 2016 should be no more than 541 tonnes. ICES cannot quantify corresponding catches. According to ICES, the UK landed approximately 1,038 tonnes in 2014.

ICES advises that a management plan is urgently needed to develop and implement mea- sures to substantially reduce fishing mortality throughout the range of the stock.

Measures previously introduced to prevent over-fishing of the species around the UK included a minimum landing size (MLS) of 36 cm (37.5cm in south Wales (regional byelaw)), a landings limit of 5t/boat/week for all French and UK trawlers landing bass. CHAPTER 4. MANAGEMENT 43

Closure of 37 bass nursery areas in England and Wales to specified fishing methods, a minimum gill net mesh size of 100mm in south Wales and a moratorium on commercial fishing for sea bass around Ireland (Hirst, 2015).

In 2015 the European Commission recognised that there was an urgent need to protect sea bass stocks due to a rapid decline in their numbers. The science to support over- fishing pressure on the stock is very strong and the European Commission has therefore seen the need to introduce a raft of measures to reduce the fishing pressure.

Technical conservation measures to help preserve bass stocks have therefore been intro- duced these include a ban on pelagic trawling for sea bass during its spawning season effective until 30 April 2015; a limit on recreational sea anglers of three fish per day per angler (Council Regulation (EU) 2015/523) and a proposed maximum catch per month by gear type aimed at limiting the targeting of vulnerable stock (Hirst, 2015).

Additionally, vessel catch limits for commercial vessels have now been introduced. There is also a ban on all EU vessels fishing for and retaining seabass in the waters around Ireland, excluding the Bristol Channel area and other areas inside the UK 12 mile zone.

From the 1 September 2015 a new minimum catch size of 42cm was introduced. This new minimum size (also referred to as the Minimum Conservation Reference Size MCRS) applies to sea bass retained by both commercial and recreational fishermen.

There are some discrepancies between size at first maturity and minimum landing size (MLS). It is argued by sport fishing bodies that adult female sea bass do not breed until they are at least 40-45cm and by increasing the MLS to 45cm will help to ensure more females can breed before they are caught.

Fish in Wales appear to have a length of maturity of approximately 39-40cm - statement CHAPTER 4. MANAGEMENT 44 by Michel Kaiser, Bangor University, May 2015. According to Carroll (2014) the min- imum length at which sea bass mature is as 35cm TL in males and has recently been suggested to be around 40cm TL in females. This means that the new MCRS, introduced in September 2015, for sea bass in the UK helps to minimise the removal of immature bass from the stock, helping to increase potential spawning stock biomass.

A recent study by Cambie et al. (2015) indicated that the size at maturity of female bass in Welsh waters appeared significantly lower than ICES estimate and estimates state that if the MLS was increased to 40cm in Wales it would allow 82% of the females to spawn at least once. If a 40cm MLS adopted, in the short term fishers using gillnets will lose 11.6% of their catch, fishers using rod and line (rod and line and/or longline) will lose, on a yearly basis 14.8% of their catch. This increases even further if the MLS is increased to 42cm. However, all estimated catch losses will occur in the short-term after implementation of a new MLS and the loss of catches should decrease over time, with no loss expected in terms of landed biomass (Cambie et al., 2015). Whilst changes in the MLS of sea bass will affect fishers in the short-term and increase in MLS could benefit the recreational angling sector, as it would result in an increase number of larger bass.

Cambie et al. (2015) also suggests that there is a possible presence of local spawning grounds in Mid and North Wales as well as South Wales and this requires further inves- tigation. Analysis of adult bass collected around Welsh waters showed a connectivity between North and Mid Wales for feeding behaviour in adult bass, whilst fish from South Wales appeared more isolated suggesting that there may be two separate sub- populations of bass in Welsh waters with little mixing of the bass in South Wales with those in Mid and North Wales, indicating there may be a need for different management units (Cambie et al., 2015). CHAPTER 4. MANAGEMENT 45

Cambie et al. (2015) also suggest that a proportion of the largest bass adopt estuaries as preferential feeding areas even when they are a large size. Large bass spawners produce the highest number of eggs and therefore, management measures to protect the largest fish might include a maximum landing size.

There is some scientific evidence to suggest that the use of MLS in fisheries management can lead to reductions in the overall size of fish in a population. The removal of larger fish from a population may lead to evolutionary changes and lead to smaller fish sizes over time, although more research is needed to confirm this (Borrell, 2013).

Is ICES advice available for areas VII(a,f,g) subdivisions around Wales?; Yes

Is the stock managed but data limited?; Stock not currently managed (March 2015). Some technical measures have been introduced by EC to help protect stocks. Other measures being considered

Is fishing pressure controlled to below Fmsy?; ICES advises that a management plan is urgently needed to develop and implement measures to substantially reduce fishing mortality throughout the range of the stock.

Is spawning stock Biomass about Bmsy?; ICES advises that a management plan is ur- gently needed to develop and implement measures to substantially reduce fishing mor- tality throughout the range of the stock.

Technical measures (byelaws, orders) allow adults to breed and allow undersized to be returned alive; Caution - due to discrepancies between size at first maturity and MLS CHAPTER 4. MANAGEMENT 46

Edible crab (Cancer pagurus)

Current MLS varies between north & south Wales. Increase to 140mm for all Wales (currently 130mm in N Wales) would be beneficial. CEFAS stock Assessment 2011 for Celtic Sea (South Wales) gives fishing mortality above Fmsy for females. Assessment for males was not possible due to the low level of landings. As it is the size of the female proportion of the stock which mainly governs the potential to produce further generations it is considered justifiable to express the status and exploitation rates of this stock solely on the fishery statistics for females. Biomass for females is below Bmsy. There is a restriction on the number of shellfish licences available, ban on landing of berried hens and soft shelled individuals.

Is ICES advice available for areas VII(a,f,g) subdivisions around Wales?; No

Is the stock managed but data limited?; Welsh stock not directly managed

Is fishing pressure controlled to below Fmsy?; CEFAS Assessment 2011 gives fishing mortality above target Fmsy for females but below maximum recommended limit. No assessment for males.

Is spawning stock Biomass about Bmsy?; CEFAS assessment 2011 gives biomass below target Bmsy and above the minimum recommended limit for females. No assess- ment for males

Technical measures (byelaws, orders) allow adults to breed and allow undersize to be returned alive; Yes CHAPTER 4. MANAGEMENT 47

Common prawn (Palaemon serratus)

Few management measures in place for this species. Voluntary management measures in Cardigan Bay (Haig et al., 2014). No enforceable minimum landing size in place, size landed is dictated by the market demand (larger individuals); currently there is a market pressure for a certain sized prawn and this length corresponds to a 10 mm carapace width (the riddle size usually). This market demand is driving the fishery to select for mostly females (Haig et al., 2014). As females mature at a size of around 60 mm total length, therefore many of the berried females caught would be of a land-able size. The market driven selection for larger prawns protects the immature stocks, though would preferentially take females over males. Prawns were highest seafood import into UK in 2012. Larger species such as (Penaeus monodon) are imported. Palaemon serratus is smaller species and not available year around. They are exported live and command a premium price in Europe.

It is thought that there is a potential for P. serratus to enter the local market if the right processing and marketing infrastructure was in place (Haig, 2014).

Bangor University report Haig et al. (2014) states that the Prawn fishery in Wales is the largest of its kind in the UK, the species is fished throughout Britain for live export to Europe where it commands a premium price. It is caught in pots and is a seasonal fishery in Wales (October to May). At present the fishery is unregulated with little management in place to protect stocks from overexploitation. A closed season is imposed from May to August in Ireland. Stock status of P. serratus is unknown and fishery is considered ”data poor” - stock fluctuations have been observed through landings data. In Ireland dramatic decrease in landings in 1980s. In Cardigan Bay they are landed in ports from Milford Haven to Menai Strait, primarily Cardigan and Aberdyfi. CHAPTER 4. MANAGEMENT 48

Fishers in Cardigan Bay have adopted voluntary measures to ensure small prawns are returned to the sea. Measures include riddling catch and increasing pot mesh size (Haig, 2014). Appropriate management of the fishery is dependent on whether the Welsh stock are self-recruiting. Bangor University and Cardigan Bay Fishermens Association host- ing projects aimed at providing a better understanding of stock status and population trends of P. serratus in Welsh waters.

There are voluntary measures in place in Cardigan Bay which include:

• Increasing the mesh size on the prawn pots from 8 to between 10-14 mm, either on the pot-end or main-body as preferred by the fisher.

• Grading the catch by hand on a ”Minimum Landing Size” dictated by market preference.

• Grading the catch using a 10 mm riddle to a MLS dictated by market preference. ((Haig et al., 2014) - Cardigan Bay).

The prawn fishery in Wales is the largest of its kind in the UK, caught primarily in pots, almost all (97.5%) of total species landings into south Wales are caught by pots and is a seasonal fishery in Wales.

Is ICES advice available for areas VII(a,f,g) subdivisions around Wales?; No

Is the stock managed but data limited?; Stock unregulated, limited data

Is fishing pressure controlled to below Fmsy?; No information currently available

Is spawning stock Biomass about Bmsy?; No information currently available

Technical measures (byelaws, orders) allow adults to breed and allow undersize to be returned alive; Caution - minimal biological information available and voluntary CHAPTER 4. MANAGEMENT 49 conservation/management measures in place in Cardigan Bay

Spider crabs (Maja sp.)

Welsh specific studies required to determine suitability of MLS in the local fishery (as well as species determination) and need for further conservation measures (Woolmer et al., 2013). Existing legislation for spider crabs in Wales includes minimum landings size of 130mm for males and 120mm and a prohibition of landing detached parts of spider crabs in south Wales.

Is ICES advice available for areas VII(a,f,g) subdivisions around Wales?; No

Is the stock managed but data limited?; No information currently available

Is fishing pressure controlled to below Fmsy?; No information currently available

Is spawning stock Biomass about Bmsy?; No information currently available

Technical measures (byelaws, orders) allow adults to breed and allow undersize to be returned alive; Caution - MLS (Females = 120mm & males 130mm) possi- bly greater than size at maturity as size varies greatly depending species (squinado or brachydactyla).

Common sole (Solea solea)

Minimum Landing Size (MLS) for sole in Wales is 240 mm. ICES advice June 2014, Celtic Sea - ICES advices catches in 2015 should be no more than 652 tonnes to ensure a long term optimal use of this resource (35% less than 2014 TAC). ICES Advice June 2014, Irish Sea - ICES advices that there should be no directed fishery for Irish Sea Sole in 2015 to avoid catches that could lead to a reduction of the production of offspring. CHAPTER 4. MANAGEMENT 50

Celtic Sea - spawning stock biomass has been above MSY Btrigger (Bmsy) since 2001 but is declining. Since 2010 fishing mortality has been increasing and is now at Flim. Irish Sea - the fishing mortality has shown a declining trend since the late 1980’s and dropped to just above Fmsy in 2013. The Spawning stock biomass has continuously declined in the period 2001-2009 and has been below Blim since 2005.

Spawning stock biomass is well below Bmsy. There is reduced reproductive capacity of the population.

Is ICES advice available for areas VII(a,f,g) subdivisions around Wales?; Yes

Is the stock managed but data limited?; Yes data available

Is fishing pressure controlled to below Fmsy?; Celtic Sea - No (Fmsy well above target). Irish Sea (caution) - No (Fmsy is just above but close to target)

Is spawning stock Biomass about Bmsy?; Celtic Sea - Yes (Bmsy only just above target). Irish Sea - No (Bmsy well below target)

Technical measures (byelaws, orders) allow adults to breed and allow undersize to be returned alive; No - discrepancy between MLS and size at first maturity.

Crawfish (Palinurus elephas)

Species is on the UK Biodiversity action Plan species list and is protected under sched- ule 5 of the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981. Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE) data available for Welsh pot-hauled crawfish fishery fell from 55,000kg in 1979 to less than 500kg in 1995 (Hunter et al., 1996).

There are a number of measures in place for the management of this species, including: prohibition of landing berried females, minimum landing size (MLS), restrictions on CHAPTER 4. MANAGEMENT 51 gear type and number of nets and pots per boat. Closed seasons, where in force, are considered to be the most effective management measure for the species. Suggested changes to crustacean legislation in Wales to increase MLS to 110mm for whole of Wales.

Is ICES advice available for areas VII(a,f,g) subdivisions around Wales?; No

Is the stock managed but data limited?; Yes limited data available for Welsh wa- ters

Is fishing pressure controlled to below Fmsy?; No information currently available

Is spawning stock Biomass about Bmsy?; No information currently available

Technical measures (byelaws, orders) allow adults to breed and allow undersize to be returned alive; Yes - Potential changes to crustacean legislation in Wales to increase MLS to 110mm for the whole of Wales (Current SW 110mm, 95mm NW).

Thornback ray (Raja clavata)

Minimum landing size (MLS) of 45 cm minimum disc width (DW) for landed skates and rays, measured from the extreme tips of the pectoral fins in the South Wales Sea Fisheries Committee area. In addition, fishers cannot land wings less than 22cm in their maximum dimension. This species may benefit from scavenging on trawl-damaged, organisms and discards (ICES Advice, October 2014).

The Thornback ray project is looking at the population structure of Thornbacks around the Llynˆ Peninsula, North Wales. The stock size indicator in the last two years (2012 - 2013) is 60% higher than the average of the five previous years (2007 - 2011). MLS (South Wales = 45cm) possibly greater than size at first maturity depending on length in- CHAPTER 4. MANAGEMENT 52 formation used, particularly for females. No minimum landing size for North Wales.

Based on the ICES approach to data-limited stocks, ICES advises that landings could be increased by a maximum of 20%. Based on best estimate of species-specific landings, this implies landings of no more than 1235 tonnes in each of 2015 and 2016. Discarding is known to take place but has not been quantified, and there is some discard survival. There is no management plan for this stock, or for any skate stock in the ICES area (ICES Advice, October 2014).

Is ICES advice available for areas VII(a,f,g) subdivisions around Wales?; Yes

Is the stock managed but data limited?; No current management plan for the stock (2015) and limited data for Welsh waters available

Is fishing pressure controlled to below Fmsy?; Not known

Is spawning stock Biomass about Bmsy?; Not known

Technical measures (byelaws, orders) allow adults to breed and allow undersize to be returned alive; Caution - MLS (SW = 45cm) possibly greater than size at first ma- turity depending on length information used, particularly for females. No min landing size for NW. Chapter 5

Capture Methods

The capture methods for each individual species according to the vessel landings data obtained from the Marine Management Organisation (MMO) for 2013 have been ex- plored and are detailed in the following sections. The vessel landings information re- lates to landings into Welsh ports by Welsh vessels only.

The final decision on the assessment decision tree (Figure 2.1) relates to the capture methods used for each species.

Decision 3 - Is this species landed into Welsh ports after being caught by low ecologi- cally impacting methods?

To answer this decision we used a two step process:

• To assess the environmental impacts of different fishing methods

• To apply the results of the assessment on the environmental impacts of different fishing methods that are relevant to Welsh fisheries

The assessment of environmental impacts of fishing gear considered the potential im-

53 CHAPTER 5. CAPTURE METHODS 54 pacts of different fishing gear on:

• Habitats

• Non-target species (bycatch)

• Other marine wildlife (marine mammals and seabirds)

To do this we created a simple ranking system developed using published literature which used scoring systems based on expert opinion as well as reports published by external organisations in particular (Chuenpagdee et al., 2008; Thomas, 2003; Fuller et al., 2008; Eno et al., 2013).

In order to assess the impact on habitat we used information obtained from a sensitivity matrix of fishing activity types against seabed habitats developed by (Eno et al., 2013). Eno et al. (2013) formulated a method for assessing the sensitivity of different seabed habitats to existing fishing activities across a range of potential fishing intensities. Their approach was to assess the resistance of 31 habitats and their associated biological as- semblage to damage by 14 categories of fishing activity as well as the rate at which each habitat would recover following impact (resilience). They scored sensitivity based on a combination of the resistance of a habitat to damage and its subsequent rate of recovery. All assessments were based, where possible, on scientific literature and expert judge- ment was used to extrapolate the results to habitat and gear combinations not directly examined in published literature. A full account of the method used and the resulting assessment can be found in Eno et al. (2013) and Hall et al. (2008).

In order to obtain a score for impact on seabed habitat we used information relating to gear types that were identified as being used to capture the key species in this assessment only. The sensitivity of all habitat types were combined into one in order to identify an overall sensitivity (low, medium or high) based on the mode (most often occurring) sen- CHAPTER 5. CAPTURE METHODS 55 sitivity value for each gear type in the assessment by Eno et al. (2013). To achieve this we used a simple scoring system to calculate the most frequently occurring sensitivity value for each gear type, converting a category (low, medium, high) to a number in or- der to obtain the most commonly occurring sensitivity value (see Table 5.1) and then back to a category. Intensity was not taken into account as our assessment was generic to Welsh waters, not area specific and therefore it was beyond the scope of this report to analyse the impact on seabed habitats based on area and seabed habitat type in each area where potential fishing activity would take place.

Sensivity Score Low 1 Medium 2 High 3

Table 5.1: A simple scoring system was used to calculate the most frequently occurring sensitivity value for each gear type. The sensitivity value was converted to a numeric score.

The gear type impact on marine mammals and seabirds was based on ratings developed by Chuenpagdee et al. (2008) (Table 5.2) and Fuller et al. (2008) (Table 5.3). CHAPTER 5. CAPTURE METHODS 56

Table 5.2: Ratings of habitat and bycatch impacts for fishing gear class. Table taken from Chuenpagdee et al. (2008) CHAPTER 5. CAPTURE METHODS 57

Table 5.3: Rating of ecological impacts of fishing gears used on the west and east coast of Canada - ratings based on expert consultations and reviews of scientific literature. Table taken from Fuller et al. (2008)

The resultant impact assessment by different gear type is summarised in Table 5.4 CHAPTER 5. CAPTURE METHODS 58

Low Low Low Low Low impact Overall Medium Medium Medium Medium Medium Medium Medium Medium

erent fishing gear on ff

Low Low Low Low Low Low Low Low Medium Medium Medium Medium Medium seabirds Impacts on

Low Low Low Low Low Low Low Low Low High High High High Marine Impacts on megafauna

Low Low Low High High High High High High High High finfish Medium Medium Bycatch -

Low Low Low Low Low Low Low Low High High shellfish Medium Medium Medium Bycatch -

Low Low Low Low Low Low Low Low Low High High High High Habitat

Trawls Trawls Trawls Trawls Dredging/ Dredging/ Dredging/ Dredging/ fixed - nets fixed - nets fixed - nets fixed - nets fixed - nets fixed - pots hand fishing hand fishing Professional Rod and line Rod and line and longlines and longlines and longlines and longlines and longlines Stac or non- Stac or non- Stac or non- Stac or non- Stac or non- Stac or non- Gear category handgathering

pelagic pelagic pelagic pelagic pelagic pelagic pelagic pelagic pelagic Benthic Benthic Benthic Benthic column in water Benthic or Benthic or Benthic or Benthic or Benthic or Benthic or Benthic or Benthic or Benthic or Target area Pots Low impact High impact Beam trawls Trammel nets Gear descripon Oer twin trawls Mechanized dredges Set gillnets (anchored) Gillnets (not specified) Longlines (not specified) Hand fishing/hand picking Oer trawls (not specified) Hooks and lines (not specified) The assessment of environmental impacts of fishing gear considered the potential impacts of di Handlines and pole-lines (hand-operated) Gillnets and entangling nets (not specified) Table 5.4: habitats, potential bycatch, marine megafauna and seabirds,guided by reported literature. CHAPTER 5. CAPTURE METHODS 59 Low Low Low Low Low Low High High High Medium concern over medium, low) methods (High, WTSWW level of

trawls) using pots caught in pots caught using pots caught using pots almost certainly as bycatch south Wales are caught with gill nets) target Crawfish (CCW report 989. 34%) Is a low impact method providing fish in quanty? of species landings into south Wales are dredge caught Yes (58.17% of total species landings into south Wales are Almost all (>99%) of species landings into south Wales are gillnets (18.8%), oer trawls (46%) or beam trawls (29.6%). Almost all (>99%) of total species landings in south Wales is fisheries for lobsters and crabs. Nets are historically used to Almost all (>99.9%) of species landings into south Wales are caught by pots. A small amount (<3%) are caught in dredges caught by hook and line and 32.7% of total bass landings into No (Most of this species landings in south Wales are caught in No (55% are caught in beam trawls and 35% are caught in oer Small quanes (0.5%) are caught in pot as bycatch. Most >99% Almost all (97.5%) of total species landings into south Wales are Yes (64.9% of total species landings into south Wales are caught in pots. Crawfish caught in pots in Welsh waters are a bycatch of Almost all (99.4%) of species landed into south Wales are caught ) - pragus ) ) Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes bycatch bycatch (bycatch) ( ( ecological impact? University publicaon fishers ecological knowledge Bangor Is there a method used that has a low oen used as bait (e.g. Cancer Inshore fisheries of Wales study based on Concerns over whelk pot bait crab species Yes - but not primary method of collecon Yes - but not primary method of collecon Yes - but not primary method of collecon ) ) ) ) ) ) ) ) labrax )

.) serratus

undatum gammarus

solea sp

clavata maximus elephas WTSWW level of concern over the availability of low environmental impact capture of the ten species pagurus

Maja Solea Raja Palaemon Dicentrarchus Homarus Pecten Buccinum Cancer ( Palinurus Species analysed Table 5.5: seabass Spider crabs ( Common sole ( Crawfish ( Edible crab ( Thornback ray ( King scallops ( Common prawn ( Common whelk ( European lobster ( European CHAPTER 5. CAPTURE METHODS 60

Table 5.5 identifies whether there are low impact methods of capture available for the ten species assessed and in what quantities they are captured and associated concerns with methods of capture for individual species.

5.1 Capture methods for individual species

5.1.1 Common whelk (Buccinum undatum)

There are three gear types recorded as having been used to capture whelks in south Wales during 2013 (Figure 5.1). These were pots, gillnets (not specified) and otter trawls (not specified). The data shows that the main gear type used to capture the whelks landed was pots with (99.95% of the landed catch) £2,140,160 worth of whelks and 2904 tonnes being landed in 2013. In this assessment pots are considered a low impact method of fishing (Table 5.4). These were mainly landed into the ports of Aberystwyth, Burry Port, Fishguard, Milford Haven, New Quay, Neyland, Saundersfoot, Stackpole Quay and Swansea. CHAPTER 5. CAPTURE METHODS 61

10000000 Common whelk (Buccinum undatum)

1000000

100000

10000

1000 Landings value (GBP)

100

10

1 Mechanised Pots Gillnets and Hooks and lines Gillnets (not Trammel nets Longlines (not Oer trawls (not Beam trawls Handlines and Set gillnets Oer twin trawls Hand fishing dredges entangling nets (not specified) specified) specified) specified) pole-lines (hand- (anchored) (not specified) operated) (a) Value of landings by capture method

10000 Common whelk (Buccinum undatum)

1000

100 Live weight (tonnes) 10

1

0.1 Mechanised Pots Gillnets and Hooks and lines Gillnets (not Trammel nets Longlines (not Oer trawls (not Beam trawls Handlines and Set gillnets Oer twin trawls Hand fishing dredges entangling nets (not specified) specified) specified) specified) pole-lines (hand- (anchored) (not specified) operated) (b) Weight of landings by capture method

Figure 5.1: Value and weight of landings of Common whelk by capture method CHAPTER 5. CAPTURE METHODS 62

5.1.2 European lobster (Homarus gammarus)

There are seven gear types recorded as having been used to capture lobsters in south Wales during 2013 (Figure 5.2). These were dredges, pots, gillnets and entangling nets (not specified), hooks and lines (not specified), gillnets (not specified), trammel nets, longline (not specified). The data shows that the main gear type used to capture the lob- sters landed was pots with £1,192,636 worth of lobsters and 112 tonnes being landed in 2013. In this assessment pots are considered a low impact method of fishing (Table 5.4). The lobster were mainly landed into the ports of Aberaeron, Aberystwyth, Burry Port, Cardigan, Fishguard, Llanelli, Milford Haven, New Quay, Neyland, Porthgain, Saun- dersfoot, Solva, Stackpole Quay, Swansea and Tenby. The lobsters were mainly landed by under 10m vessels landing £824,990.2 worth of lobsters in 2013. CHAPTER 5. CAPTURE METHODS 63

10000000 European lobster (Homarus gammarus)

1000000

100000

10000

1000 Landings value (GBP)

100

10

1 Mechanised Pots Gillnets and Hooks and lines Gillnets (not Trammel nets Longlines (not Oer trawls (not Beam trawls Handlines and Set gillnets Oer twin trawls Hand fishing dredges entangling nets (not specified) specified) specified) specified) pole-lines (hand- (anchored) (not specified) operated) (a) Value of landings by capture method

1000 European Lobster (Homarus gammarus)

100

10

1 Live weight (tonnes)

0.1

0.01

0.001 Mechanised Pots Gillnets and Hooks and lines Gillnets (not Trammel nets Longlines (not Oer trawls (not Beam trawls Handlines and Set gillnets Oer twin trawls Hand fishing dredges entangling nets (not specified) specified) specified) specified) pole-lines (hand- (anchored) (not specified) operated) (b) Weight of landings by capture method

Figure 5.2: Value and weight of landings of European Lobster by capture method CHAPTER 5. CAPTURE METHODS 64

5.1.3 King scallop (Pecten maximus)

There were two gear types recorded as being used to capture the scallops landed in 2013 (Figure 5.3). Mechanised dredging and pots, with the primary gear type used being mechanised dredges with £740,279 worth and 424 tonnes of scallops landed having been caught in dredges. The use of mechanised dredges is considered a medium impact method of fishing due to the impact on the seabed habitat and bycatch of shellfish. King scallops were landed into the ports of Aberystwyth, Cardigan, Fishguard, Milford Haven and New Quay in 2013. The under 10m vessels landed 38% of the scallops landed in 2013 (£283,284.4). CHAPTER 5. CAPTURE METHODS 65

1000000 King Scallop (Pecten maximus)

100000

10000

1000 Landings value (GBP)

100

10

1 Mechanised Pots Gillnets and Hooks and lines Gillnets (not Trammel nets Longlines (not Oer trawls (not Beam trawls Handlines and Set gillnets Oer twin trawls Hand fishing dredges entangling nets (not specified) specified) specified) specified) pole-lines (hand- (anchored) (not specified) operated) (a) Value of landings by capture method

1000 King scallop (Pecten maximus)

100 Live weight (tonnes)

10

1 Mechanised Pots Gillnets and Hooks and lines Gillnets (not Trammel nets Longlines (not Oer trawls (not Beam trawls Handlines and Set gillnets Oer twin trawls Hand fishing dredges entangling nets (not specified) specified) specified) specified) pole-lines (hand- (anchored) (not specified) operated) (b) Weight of landings by capture method

Figure 5.3: Value and weight of landings of King scallop by capture method CHAPTER 5. CAPTURE METHODS 66

5.1.4 European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax)

There are nine gear types recorded as having been used to capture seabass in south Wales during 2013 (Figure 5.4). These were dredges, pots, gillnets and entangling nets (not specified), hooks and lines (not specified), gillnets (not specified), otter trawls (not specified),beam trawls, handlines and pole-lines (hand-operated) and set gillnets (anchored). The data for 2013 shows that the main gear type used to capture the sea bass landed was hooks and lines (not specified) with £296,198.4 worth of bass and 44 tonnes being landed in 2013, equating to 58% of the total weight of bass landed. These were mainly landed into the ports of Aberystwyth, Burry Port, Cardiff, Cardigan, Llanelli, Milford Haven, New Quay, Neyland, Porthcawl, Saundersfoot, Swansea and Tenby. Bass was mainly, 99.7% (£507,796.5) landed by under 10m vessels. CHAPTER 5. CAPTURE METHODS 67

1000000 European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax)

100000

10000

1000 Landings value (GBP)

100

10

1 Mechanised Pots Gillnets and Hooks and lines Gillnets (not Trammel nets Longlines (not Oer trawls (not Beam trawls Handlines and Set gillnets Oer twin trawls Hand fishing dredges entangling nets (not specified) specified) specified) specified) pole-lines (hand- (anchored) (not specified) operated) (a) Value of landings by capture method

100 Bass (Dicentrarchus labrax)

10

1 Live weight (tonnes)

0.1

0.01

0.001 Mechanised Pots Gillnets and Hooks and lines Gillnets (not Trammel nets Longlines (not Oer trawls (not Beam trawls Handlines and Set gillnets Oer twin trawls Hand fishing dredges entangling nets (not specified) specified) specified) specified) pole-lines (hand- (anchored) (not specified) operated) (b) Weight of landings by capture method

Figure 5.4: Value and weight of landings of European seabass by capture method CHAPTER 5. CAPTURE METHODS 68

5.1.5 Edible (brown) crab (Cancer pagurus)

The Edible crab landed into south Wales ports in 2013 was mainly (99.7%) captured in pots £387,541.5 and 323.5 tonnes worth (Figure 5.5). Other gear recorded as having captured edible crab in south Wales included mechanised dredges, hooks and lines (not specified), gillnets (not specified) and otter trawls (not specified). These were mainly landed into the ports of Aberaeron, Aberystwyth, Cardigan, Fishguard, Milford Haven, New Quay, Neyland, Porthgain, Saundersfoot, Solva, Stackpole Quay, Swansea and Tenby. The under 10m, inshore vessels landed 56% (£218,848) of the edible crab landed into south Wales in 2013. CHAPTER 5. CAPTURE METHODS 69

1000000 Edible crab (Cancer pagurus)

100000

10000

1000 Landings value (GBP)

100

10

1 Mechanised Pots Gillnets and Hooks and lines Gillnets (not Trammel nets Longlines (not Oer trawls (not Beam trawls Handlines and Set gillnets Oer twin trawls Hand fishing dredges entangling nets (not specified) specified) specified) specified) pole-lines (hand- (anchored) (not specified) operated) (a) Value of landings by capture method

1000 Edible crab (Cancer pagurus)

100

10 Live weight (tonnes) 1

0.1

0.01 Mechanised Pots Gillnets and Hooks and lines Gillnets (not Trammel nets Longlines (not Oer trawls (not Beam trawls Handlines and Set gillnets Oer twin trawls Hand fishing dredges entangling nets (not specified) specified) specified) specified) pole-lines (hand- (anchored) (not specified) operated) (b) Weight of landings by capture method

Figure 5.5: Value and weight of landings of Edible crab (Brown crab) by capture method CHAPTER 5. CAPTURE METHODS 70

5.1.6 Common prawn (Palaemon serratus)

There were two gear types recorded as being used to capture the prawns landed in 2013 (Figure 5.6). Mechanised dredging and pots, with the primary gear type used being pots with £288,957.7 worth and 14 tonnes of prawns landed having been caught in pots. In this assessment pots are considered a low impact method of fishing, 97.5% of prawns caught were captured using this gear type. The prawns caught in 2013 were landed into the ports of Aberystwyth, Cardigan, Fishguard, Milford Haven, New Quay and Porthgain. Prawns were landed by under 10m vessels and vessels in the 10-15m bracket with the majority, 82% (£243,702.5) being landed by the under 10m vessels. CHAPTER 5. CAPTURE METHODS 71

1000000 Common Prawns (Palaemon serratus)

100000

10000

1000 Landings value (GBP)

100

10

1 Mechanised Pots Gillnets and Hooks and lines Gillnets (not Trammel nets Longlines (not Oer trawls (not Beam trawls Handlines and Set gillnets Oer twin trawls Hand fishing dredges entangling nets (not specified) specified) specified) specified) pole-lines (hand- (anchored) (not specified) operated) (a) Value of landings by capture method

100 Common Prawn (Palaemon serratus)

10 Live weight (tonnes)

1

0.1 Mechanised Pots Gillnets and Hooks and lines Gillnets (not Trammel nets Longlines (not Oer trawls (not Beam trawls Handlines and Set gillnets Oer twin trawls Hand fishing dredges entangling nets (not specified) specified) specified) specified) pole-lines (hand- (anchored) (not specified) operated) (b) Weight of landings by capture method

Figure 5.6: Value and weight of landings of Common prawn by capture method CHAPTER 5. CAPTURE METHODS 72

5.1.7 Spider crabs (Maja sp.)

There were four gear types recorded as being used to capture the spider crabs landed in 2013 (Figure 5.7). Mechanised dredging, pots, gillnets (not specified) and trammel nets. The primary gear type used was pots with £141,332.2 and 130 tonnes of spider crabs landed having been caught in pots. In this assessment pots are considered a low impact method of fishing, 99.4% of spider crabs caught were captured using this low impact method. Other methods used to capture spider crabs are considered as medium impact due to the potential impact on one or more aspects of the environment (see Table 5.4). The spider crabs caught in 2013 were landed into the ports of Aberaeron, Aberystwyth, Cardigan, Fishguard, Milford Haven, New Quay, Neyland, Porthgain, Saundersfoot, Solva, Stackpole Quay, Swansea and Tenby. This was mainly by under 10m vessels who landed 64% (£90,377.29) of the total value of landings. CHAPTER 5. CAPTURE METHODS 73

1000000 Spider crab (Maia squinado)

100000

10000

1000 Landings value (GBP)

100

10

1 Mechanised Pots Gillnets and Hooks and lines Gillnets (not Trammel nets Longlines (not Oer trawls (not Beam trawls Handlines and Set gillnets Oer twin trawls Hand fishing dredges entangling nets (not specified) specified) specified) specified) pole-lines (hand- (anchored) (not specified) operated) (a) Value of landings by capture method

1000 Spider Crab (Maja squinado)

100

10 Live weight (tonnes) 1

0.1

0.01 Mechanised Pots Gillnets and Hooks and lines Gillnets (not Trammel nets Longlines (not Oer trawls (not Beam trawls Handlines and Set gillnets Oer twin trawls Hand fishing dredges entangling nets (not specified) specified) specified) specified) pole-lines (hand- (anchored) (not specified) operated) (b) Weight of landings by capture method

Figure 5.7: Value and weight of landings of Spider crab by capture method CHAPTER 5. CAPTURE METHODS 74

5.1.8 Common sole (Solea solea)

There were seven gear types recorded as being used to capture the common sole landed in 2013 (Figure 5.8). Mechanised dredging, hooks and lines (not specified), gillnets (not specified), otter trawls (not specified), beam trawls, set gillnets (anchoured) and otter twin trawls. The primary gear type used was beam trawls with £53,384.15 and 7.5 tonnes of sole landed having been caught in beam trawls. In this assessment beam trawls are considered a medium impact method of fishing due to the impact on the habitat, bycatch of shellfish and bycatch of finfish. The common sole caught in 2013 were landed into the ports of Burry Port, Milford Haven, Neyland, Porthcawl and Swansea. Theses were landed by both under 10m sized vessels (£52,579.78, 49.6%) and vessels over 10m (£53,384.15, 50.4%). CHAPTER 5. CAPTURE METHODS 75

100000 Common Sole (Solea solea)

10000

1000

Landings value (GBP) 100

10

1 Mechanised Pots Gillnets and Hooks and lines Gillnets (not Trammel nets Longlines (not Oer trawls (not Beam trawls Handlines and Set gillnets Oer twin trawls Hand fishing dredges entangling nets (not specified) specified) specified) specified) pole-lines (hand- (anchored) (not specified) operated) (a) Value of landings by capture method

10 Common sole (Solea solea)

1

0.1 Live weight (tonnes)

0.01

0.001 Mechanised Pots Gillnets and Hooks and lines Gillnets (not Trammel nets Longlines (not Oer trawls (not Beam trawls Handlines and Set gillnets Oer twin trawls Hand fishing dredges entangling nets (not specified) specified) specified) specified) pole-lines (hand- (anchored) (not specified) operated) (b) Weight of landings by capture method

Figure 5.8: Value and weight of landings of Common sole by capture method CHAPTER 5. CAPTURE METHODS 76

5.1.9 Crawfish (Palinurus elephas)

There were three gear types recorded as being used to capture the crawfish landed in 2013 (Figure 5.9). Pots, gillnets (not specified) and trammel nets. The primary gear type used was pots with £34,218.8 and 2.2 tonnes of crawfish landed having been caught in pots. In this assessment pots are considered a low impact method of fishing. The crawfish caught in 2013 were landed into the ports of Fishguard, Milford Haven and Stackpole Quay, by vessels 10m and under (£31,803.5, 49.9%) and vessels 10.01-15m in size (£31,898.91, 50.1%). CHAPTER 5. CAPTURE METHODS 77

100000 Crawfish (Palinurus elephas)

10000

1000 Landings Value (GBP) 100

10

1 Mechanised Pots Gillnets and Hooks and lines Gillnets (not Trammel nets Longlines (not Oer trawls (not Beam trawls Handlines and Set gillnets Oer twin trawls Hand fishing dredges entangling nets (not specified) specified) specified) specified) pole-lines (hand- (anchored) (not specified) operated) (a) Value of landings by capture method

10 Crawfish (Palinurus elephas)

1 Live weight (tonnes)

0.1

0.01 Mechanised Pots Gillnets and Hooks and lines Gillnets (not Trammel nets Longlines (not Oer trawls (not Beam trawls Handlines and Set gillnets Oer twin trawls Hand fishing dredges entangling nets (not specified) specified) specified) specified) pole-lines (hand- (anchored) (not specified) operated) (b) Weight of landings by capture method

Figure 5.9: Value and weight of landings of Crawfish by capture method CHAPTER 5. CAPTURE METHODS 78

5.1.10 Thornback ray (raja clavata)

There were nine gear types recorded as being used to capture the thornback ray landed in 2013 (Figure 5.10). Mechanised dredges, pots, hooks and lines (not specified), gill- nets (not specified), trammel nets, otter trawls (not specified), beam trawls, set gillnets (anchored) and otter twin trawls. The primary gear type used was otter trawls with £25,741.84 and 20.4 tonnes of thornback ray landed having been caught in otter trawls. In this assessment otter trawls are considered a medium impact method of fishing due to their impact on the seabed habitat and bycatch of finfish. The thornback ray caught in 2013 were landed into the ports of Burry Port, Llanelli, Milford Haven, Neyland, Porth- cawl and Swansea; mainly by vessels sized 10m and under which landed £38,970.54 of the total catch of thornback ray (£53,344)). CHAPTER 5. CAPTURE METHODS 79

100000 Thornback Ray (Raja clavata)

10000

1000

Landings value (GBP) 100

10

1 Mechanised Pots Gillnets and Hooks and lines Gillnets (not Trammel nets Longlines (not Oer trawls (not Beam trawls Handlines and Set gillnets Oer twin trawls Hand fishing dredges entangling nets (not specified) specified) specified) specified) pole-lines (hand- (anchored) (not specified) operated) (a) Value of landings by capture method

100 Thornback Ray (Raja clavata)

10

1 Live weight (tonnes)

0.1

0.01 Mechanised Pots Gillnets and Hooks and lines Gillnets (not Trammel nets Longlines (not Oer trawls (not Beam trawls Handlines and Set gillnets Oer twin trawls Hand fishing dredges entangling nets (not specified) specified) specified) specified) pole-lines (hand- (anchored) (not specified) operated) (b) Weight of landings by capture method

Figure 5.10: Value and weight of landings of Thornback ray by capture method Chapter 6

Summarising the results

The Wildlife Trust of South and West Wales has carried out a simple sustainability assessment of the top ten species of fish landed into south Wales ports. The species assessed included those that comprised more than £50,000 in landings value in 2013 and represent 98.1% by value of the total landings into ports in south Wales in 2013.

In order to make an assessment of the environmental sustainability of key species landed into Wales three factors which take into account the potential impacts of fishing activi- ties both on the populations of target species and also on the wider marine environment were considered:

• Species biology - how resilient are populations to fishing pressure.

• Current management - is there effective, evidence based management of fishing pressure?

• Capture methods - what are the wider environmental impacts of the different fishing methods?

80 CHAPTER 6. SUMMARISING THE RESULTS 81

We have identified different areas of concern for the species in each of these areas. The results of this are summarised in Table 6.1.

WTSWW level of WTSWW level of WTSWW level of Species analysed concern over species concern over stock concern over biology management methods

Common whelk (Buccinum undatum) Medium High Medium

European lobster (Homarus gammarus) Low Medium Low

King scallops (Pecten maximus) Low Medium High

European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) Medium High Low

Edible crab (Cancer pagurus) Low Medium Low

Common prawn (Palaemon serratus) Medium Medium Low

Spider crabs (Maja sp.) Medium Medium Low

Common sole (Solea solea) Medium High High

Crawfish (Palinurus elephas) Medium Medium Low

Thornback ray (Raja clavata) High High High

Table 6.1: A summary table identifying areas of concern from the sustainability analysis of Wales top ten species landed in south Wales. Further information in relation to these concerns (biology, management and methods) can be found below, under the appropriate species headings.

The question ”Which of Wales’s fisheries are environmentally sustainable?” is an ever changing complicated and complex one and the results of this study do not enable us to definitively answer this question.

The study has provided us with the opportunity to draw together information on a num- ber of the fisheries in south Wales and enabled us to identify areas of concern; in partic- CHAPTER 6. SUMMARISING THE RESULTS 82 ular where more regionally relevant information may be required to be able to inform appropriate management measures for the species.

Bangor University Fisheries & Conservation Science Group based in Menai Bridge, Anglesey has been collaborating with the fishing industry, research institutes and gov- ernment to gather scientific evidence to ensure the future of fisheries in the UK and abroad. This collaboration has lead to the production of a variety of research reports, providing additional information on many of the species of importance to the commer- cial fishing sector in Wales as part of a European Fisheries Fund Project ”Sustainable Use of Fisheries Resources in Welsh Waters”. The information obtained as part of this project and reports produced as well as other sources of information referenced at the end of this document have been used for this report. Further information can be found on the Bangor University website (http://fisheries-conservation. bangor.ac.uk).

6.0.11 Notes on concerns over individual species

The following section summaries our concerns on individual species in relation to the summary Table 6.1.

Common whelk (Buccinum undatum)

Technical measures do not take account of regional variations in size and therefore MLS may not allow them to reach maturity. Whelks are slow growing animals with limited potential for movement and have low (per individual) recruitment and low fecundity rates. Currently no closed season for whelk fishing and limited information available on whelk abundance/stocks in Welsh waters although Bangor University is in the process of CHAPTER 6. SUMMARISING THE RESULTS 83 conducting research projects on whelks in Welsh waters (report due 2015, not available at time of writing).

Although potting is a low impact method of fishing, concerns about bait used in whelk pots as crab species often used as bait (e.g. Cancer pagurus).

European lobster (Homarus gammarus)

Regional variation in size at first maturity with little data for Welsh inshore population. Sizes around the UK vary greatly, minimum landing size of 90mm for whole of Wales would be beneficial for management purposes as well as breeding potential.

The V-notch scheme beneficial to females in population. The larger males will mate with females and females of larger sizes produce a greater number of eggs and adult in- dividuals remain in the same area, whilst younger animals move considerable distances. No stock management in terms of limits on the numbers taken or a limit to the number of pots deployed, just a MLS in place in Wales.

King scallops (Pecten maximus)

Some stock assessments have been done by Bangor University but more information required as to the implications on the population of current closed/open areas to scallop fishing. >99% caught using dredges. There is an annual seasonal closure when scallop- ing is prohibited in Welsh waters from 1st May to 31st October. Scalloping is prevented in all but one area of Cardigan Bay Special Area of Conservation (SAC).

Scallop dredges are considered to be the most damaging to non-target benthic com- munities and seafloor habitats (Collie et al., 2000; Kaiser et al., 2006). The Newhaven CHAPTER 6. SUMMARISING THE RESULTS 84 dredges used by the UK king scallop fishery are considered to be one of the most damag- ing types of scallop dredge due to the effect of their long teeth, which can penetrate 3-10 cm into the seabed (Beukers-Stewart and Beukers-Stewart, 2009; Howarth and Stewart, 2014) and the heavy chain bags that hold the catch drag along the seabed. Bangor Uni- versity are working with local scallop fishermen to test the use of steel skids attached to the underside of the bag it is lifted clear of the ground, reducing damaging effects.

European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax)

Concerns over MLS and catch quantities are not currently controlled although Bass has been proposed as a new quota stock. Currently there is no TAC for bass. Latest ICES Advice published 30 June 2015 Sea bass in Divisions IVb and c. VIIa amd VIId- h (Central and South North Sea, Irish Sea, English Channel, Bristol Channel, Celtic Sea). ICES Stock Advice ICES advises that when the MSY approach is applied, total landings (commercial and recreational) in 2016 should be no more than 541 tonnes. ICES cannot quantify corresponding catches.

ICES advises that a management plan is urgently needed to develop and implement measures to substantially reduce fishing mortality throughout the range of the stock. The EU have recently proposed a number of measures to protect bass stocks. The minimum length at which sea bass mature is 35cm TL in males and has recently been suggested to be around 40cm TL in females. From the 1 September 2015 a new minimum catch size of 42cm was introduced. This new minimum size (also referred to as the Minimum Conservation Reference Size MCRS) applies to sea bass retained by both commercial and recreational fishermen. The European Commission recognise that there is an urgent need to protect sea bass stocks due to a rapid decline in their numbers. CHAPTER 6. SUMMARISING THE RESULTS 85

Edible crab (Cancer pagurus)

Bangor University have studied fecundity as well as assessments of variation in size at maturity. Study shows that stocks in Wales are maturing smaller than MLS. Caution - further research required to assess the reasons for this - possibly due to fishing mortality. Fecundity study showed that estimates were highly variable and many were lower than published literature, this could be a true artefact of low egg numbers produced by Welsh crabs. Further research is required to determine source of variation. Almost all (¿99%) are caught in pots. CEFAS stock Assessment 2011 for Celtic Sea (South Wales) gives fishing mortality above Fmsy for females. Biomass for females is below Bmsy.

Common prawn (Palaemon serratus)

Few management measures in place for this species. Voluntary management measures in Cardigan Bay. No enforceable minimum landing size in place, size landed is dictated by the market demand (larger individuals). Caught in pots and is a seasonal fishery in Wales (October to May).

Bangor study found that that berried females can be found throughout the year and so the seasonal nature of the fishery may be allowing females to carry broods to term in months outside the winter fishery. Majority caught in UK waters are exported to markets in southern Europe, little retained for local markets, however there is a considerable local market for shrimp and prawns (Haig et al., 2014). Potential for P. serratus to enter local market if right processing and marketing infrastructure in place. CHAPTER 6. SUMMARISING THE RESULTS 86

Spider crabs (Maja sp.)

Almost all (99.4% ) of species landed into south Wales (2012) were caught using pots although Pantin et al. (2015), report that the majority of spider crab fishing areas iden- tified are fished using tangle nets or gill nets. It has been identified that Welsh specific studies are required to determine the suitability of MLS in the local fishery (as well as species determination) and need for further conservation measures (Woolmer et al., 2013).

Common sole (Solea solea)

There is a discrepancy between the MLS and size at first maturity. MLS in Wales is 240 mm and size at first maturity is recorded as 303mm (fishbase). ICES advice June 2014, Celtic Sea - ICES advices catches in 2015 should be no more than 652 tonnes. ICES Advice June 2014, Irish Sea - ICES advices that there should be no directed fishery for Irish Sea Sole in 2015 to avoid catches that could lead to a reduction of the production of offspring. ICES area VIIa - The stock is outside safe biological limits while not under a long-term plan, or is subject to a scientific advice that there should be no fishing. VIIf & VIIg - The stock is overfished compared to producing the highest yield in the long term, but is inside safe biological limits or is being managed under a long-term plan which has been approved by scientific advice.

Crawfish (Palinurus elephas)

There are a number of measures in place for the management of this species, including: prohibition of landing berried females, minimum landing size, restrictions on gear type CHAPTER 6. SUMMARISING THE RESULTS 87 and number of nets and pots per boat and closed seasons in certain areas. Suggested changes to crustacean legislation in Wales to increase MLS to 110mm for whole of Wales. This species is harvested throughout its range by recreational and commercial fisheries.

Over-exploitation by fisheries is a major threat to this species. Catches in pots are possibly bycatch in crab and lobster fishery rather than being the target species. Dive fishery has been identified as the source of the decline of Crawfish in parts of south Wales, in one area females were targeted with the idea that more females would be attracted into the area where males were however mature crawfish are more residential, moving smaller distances.

Thornback ray (Raja clavata)

Raja clavata is a coastal and inner shelf species that is a by-catch species of trawl and gillnet fisheries, mainly caught close to the eastern side of the Irish Sea by beam and otter trawlers, and in the Bristol Channel. As one of the larger species in the skate complex, it may be targeted in some local, seasonal fisheries. It is one of the important species in the Bristol Channel skate fishery (ICES Advice Oct 2014). Classed as Near threatened (NT) by IUCN red list. Caution - MLS (South Wales = 45cm) possibly greater than size at first maturity depending on length information used, particularly for females. No min landing size for North Wales. Currently no stock management in place. Thornback ray project is collecting data on the population structure of Thornback Rays around the LlÅn Peninsula, North Wales. Chapter 7

Deck to Dinner Plate

As part of the Future Fisheries project we are interested in the Deck to Dinner plate scenario, in order to find out about where the fish caught in Wales goes and where the fish sold in Wales comes from. As part of a small pilot study we contacted local fishers, fish mongers and seafood merchants as well as restaurants selling fish to build up a picture and greater understanding of the Deck to Dinner plate in Wales.

88 CHAPTER 7. DECK TO DINNER PLATE 89

Cyflenwyd y delweddau gan Seafish Images supplied by Seafish www.seafish.org

CANLLAW DEFNYDDWYR AR GYFER Dulliau coginio Cooking Methods

Grilio Bwyd Môr Cymru Grill Ffrio Bas A CONSUMER GUIDE TO Shallow Fry Potsio Poach

Pobi Welsh Seafood Bake Tro-Ffrio Stir Fry

BERDYSEN FROWN BROWN SHRIMP CIMWCH LOBSTER COCOS COCKLES CORGIMWCH PRAWN Crangon crangon Homarus gammarus Cerastoderma edule Palaemon serratus Stemio Steam Ar gael: Ebrill-Gorffennaf Ar gael: Ebrill-Tachwedd Ar gael: Mai-Rhagfyr Ar gael: Ebrill-Gorffennaf Available: April-July Available: April-November Available: May-December Available: April-July Ffrio Dwfn Deep Fry

Barbeciw BBQ

Argymhellion coginio: Argymhellion coginio: Argymhellion coginio: Argymhellion coginio: Berwi Cooking recommendations: Cooking recommendations: Cooking recommendations: Cooking recommendations: Boil

CRANC BROWN BROWN CRAB CRANC HEGLOG SPIDER CRAB CREGYN BYLCHOG SCALLOPS CREGYN GLEISION MUSSELS CYLLYLL MÔR RAZOR CLAMS Cancer pagurus Maja squinado Pecten maximus Mytilus edulis Ensis ensis

Ar gael: Ebrill-Rhagfyr Ar gael: Ebrill-Hydref Ar gael: Medi-Mawrth Ar gael: Medi-Ebrill Ar gael: Mai-Medi Available: April-December Available: April-October Available: September-March Available: September-April Available: May-September

Argymhellion coginio: Argymhellion coginio: Argymhellion coginio: Argymhellion coginio: Argymhellion coginio: Cooking recommendations: Cooking recommendations: Cooking recommendations: Cooking recommendations: Cooking recommendations:

GWICHIAID MÔR WHELKS WYSTRYS OYSTERS CORBENFRAS HADDOCK DRAENOG Y MÔR SEA BASS LLEDEN PLAICE Buccinum undatum Ostrea edulis Melanogrammus aeglefinus Dicentrarchus labrax Pleuronectes platessa

Ar gael: Chwefror-Awst Ar gael: Medi-Ebrill Ar gael: Mai-Chwefror Ar gael: Awst-Mawrth Ar gael: Mai-Chwefror Available: February-August Available: September-April Available: May-February Available: August-March Available: May-February

Argymhellion coginio: Argymhellion coginio: Argymhellion coginio: Argymhellion coginio: Argymhellion coginio: Cooking recommendations: Cooking recommendations: Cooking recommendations: Cooking recommendations: Cooking recommendations:

LLEDEN ARW (Torbwt) TURBOT LLEDEN CHWITHIG DOVER SOLE LLEDEN LEFN LEMON SOLE MINGRWN GREY MULLET MORLAS POLLACK Psetta maximus Solea solea Microstomus kitt Chelon labrosus Pollachius pollachius

Ar gael: Ebrill-Chwefror Ar gael: Mai-Chwefror Ar gael: Mai-Mawrth Ar gael: Mai-Tachwedd Ar gael: Mai-Medi Available: April-February Available: May-February Available: May-March Available: May-November Available: May-September

Argymhellion coginio: Argymhellion coginio: Argymhellion coginio: Argymhellion coginio: Argymhellion coginio: Cooking recommendations: Cooking recommendations: Cooking recommendations: Cooking recommendations: Cooking recommendations:

PENFRAS COD PENHAEARN COCH RED GURNARD CORBENNOG SPRAT MACRELL MACKEREL GWYMON LAFWR LAVER WEED Gadus morhua Aspitrigla cuculus Sprattus sprattus Scomber scombrus Porphyra umbilicalis

Ar gael: Mehefin-Chwefror Ar gael: Gorffennaf-Chwefror Ar gael: Hydref-Mawrth Ar gael: Ebrill-Rhagfyr Ar gael: Ar gael drwy’r flwyddyn ar lannau môr creigiog Available: June-February Available: July-February Available: October-March Available: April-December Available: Available all year on rocky shores

Argymhellion coginio: Argymhellion coginio: Argymhellion coginio: Argymhellion coginio: Argymhellion coginio: Cooking recommendations: Cooking recommendations: Cooking recommendations: Cooking recommendations: Cooking recommendations:

Figure 7.1: Cywain Fisheries Consumer Guide to Welsh Seafood CHAPTER 7. DECK TO DINNER PLATE 90

Cywain are Menter a Busnes projects that have been developed to support the devel- opment of new products and markets for agricultural and fishery products. Cywain Fisheries is a project dedicated to adding value to fish and shellfish caught or farmed on Welsh shores. This is achieved by developing new products and facilitating access to new markets in order to sustain a future for the sector.

The specific aim of Cywain Pysgod (ended in March 2015) was to help make the Welsh fisheries sector more profitable and sustainable by increasing the value it receives from its current production by providing a variety of support groups and individuals to de- velop new products and markets. As part of a Welsh Fisheries campaign Cywain Fish- eries produced a number of printed materials including a Consumer Guide to Welsh Seafood, (Figure 7.1) a Welsh seafood species poster highlighting species caught off the Welsh coast and Welsh seafood recipe cards.

Further information on the Fisheries project is available on their website (www.menterabusnes. co.uk/en/cywain/cywain-fisheries).

Seafish is a Non-Departmental Public Body (NDPB) set up by the Fisheries Act 1981 to improve efficiency and raise standards across the seafood industry. They are funded by a levy on the first sale of seafood products in the UK, including imported seafood.

Seafish have developed a fisheries risk assessment tool that is designed to help buyers make an informed judgement on the risks they face when sourcing seafood. The Risk Assessment for Sourcing Seafood (RASS) provides information to support commercial seafood buyers on a range of fisheries whose products are in the UK supply . Seafish also have available a series of responsible sourcing guides as well as a variety of additional information relating to the seafood industry, sourcing seafood, buying seafood, cooking and eating seafood. CHAPTER 7. DECK TO DINNER PLATE 91

Further information is available on the Seafish website (www.seafish.org).

7.1 Question and answers

7.1.1 Fishers

We posed a few questions to some of the local fishers with regard to their fishing activity to gain an understanding of which species are being caught locally. This is something we would like to expand on in the future, to gain a wider perspective of fishers from all around the South and West Wales coast.

Which species do you target?

• Scallops, prawns, crabs, lobsters and mackerel when in season

• Prawn, crab and lobster

• Scallops and prawns

Do you sell mainly to local restaurants or fish mongers/outlets or merchants if so who (if you dont mind saying)?

• Land mainly to Merchant from Pembrokeshire (Castle Bay Seafoods) and another merchant based in North Wales. Also provides some seafood to local restaurants

• Lands mainly to a merchant (Syren, Haverfordwest)

• Lands to a merchant (Castle Bay Seafoods) CHAPTER 7. DECK TO DINNER PLATE 92

Do you have an idea of where the fish you catch goes/ends up after you have sold it?

• Understands that the catches of prawn, crab and lobster go to the merchant and from there go over to Europe, mainly to Spain

7.1.2 Fishmongers

Where do you source the fish you sell?

• Fish is sourced from a Birmingham supplier i.e. Birmingham fishmarket. They try source fish, such as sea bass, from local fishermen when possible. A couple of local fishers have provided lobster to them in the past.

• Fish is sourced from Cardigan Bay and Milford Haven

• Four out of the seven fishmongers who responded to an online questionnaire stated that their primary source of stock was from merchants outside of Wales, the other three sourced directly from local fishermen.

Is it easy to source local seafood? Are there any barriers to the accessibility of local seafood?

• Fishmongers feel that they are not given the option to buy the local seafood, as the fish that is caught locally is taken away. This is not the fault of the Fishermen, its easier for them if they only have to deal with one individual or company who comes to buy their whole catch. However, it was suggested that the system needs to be re-evaluated. One example given was that they had made an agreement with CHAPTER 7. DECK TO DINNER PLATE 93

one fishers for a bag of scallops. When it came to collecting the scallops, the fishers had forgotten and had packed their promised bag on the back of the truck along with all of his other scallops.

• They find it hard to source local seafood because its protected and there aren’t many fishing boats. They source mackerel, lobster and crab from local fishermen

Which fish do your customers demand?

• In general customers locally demand species such as sea bass, cod and hake.

• Customers often demand local mackerel and seabass

Do people ask for locally caught seafood?

• There is an increasing demand for local seafood, with customers wanting to know which seafood that is on sale is caught locally, in addition to what is farmed or wild caught. The fishmongers/fishmarkets feel that their customers feel they should have seafood available that is different (i.e. local) to the seafood available in supermarkets. When possible, the fishmongers try to sell local trout, lobster, crab, mackerel and bass and source mussels from north Wales. The impression is that customers would certainly like more locally caught seafood to be available.

• One of the fishmongers also owns a local seafood restaurant whose aims is to try to use fish landed by the local fishing boats as they are located directly on the harbour. This would include sea bass, crab, lobster, scallop and cod. Otherwise fish they source will mainly be Scottish or Cornish. CHAPTER 7. DECK TO DINNER PLATE 94

• Customers often ask where the fish is sourced from and are interested in the species caught locally such as mackerel

Do you think there is a need to further promote locally sourced seafood?

• The demand is there but you just cannot get it!

• There is definitely a need to promote locally sourced seafood in the area

Online questionnaire

An online questionnaire was set up to obtain information from fishmongers that we were unable to speak to directly, to find out information about particular species of interest. Table 7.1 details the questions and the responses received to the questions posed. CHAPTER 7. DECK TO DINNER PLATE 95

Queson Possible answer No. responses

Direct from local fishermen 3 What is the primary source of your Merchants in my region of Wales 0 stock? Merchants outside my region of Wales 4

Yes 7

Do you sell locally caught lobster? No 0

Not answered 0

Yes 4

Do you sell locally caught spider crabs? No 2

Not answered 1

Yes 2

Do you sell locally caught scallops? No 4

Not answered 1

Yes 6

Do you sell locally caught brown crabs? No 1

Not answered 0

Yes 3

Do you sell locally caught prawns? No 3

Not answered 1

Yes 3

Do you sell locally caught sole? No 4

Not answered 0

Yes 1

Do you sell locally caught crawfish? No 6

Not answered 0

Yes 2

Do you sell locally caught whelks? No 5

Not answered 0

0 No customer demand 1 Price of Welsh seafood compared to overseas sources 2 What are the main barriers that prevent Customer demand is for seafood that isn't available locally you from selling more locally caught 4 seafood? Lack of local suppliers 2 Lack of me to source locally 4 Unreliability of supply 2 Other:

Table 7.1: Responses to an online questionnaire that was sent out to fishmongers in the south and west Wales area via email. CHAPTER 7. DECK TO DINNER PLATE 96

The ”other” responses to the question ”What are the main barriers that prevent you from selling more locally caught seafood?” included the following:

• We only sell locally sourced seafood and we have our own boat and purchase from other local boats . Our customer base is probably 99% tourists and 1% local. This amount of local support for Welsh seafood is a concern to us especially out of season.

• They have never been approached by Fishers

7.1.3 Restaurants

We approached a number of the local restaurants selling seafood in New Quay for in- formation on the seafood they sell, not all outlets were in a position to respond to the questions asked. Responses to the questions posed were received from five restaurants and are listed below:

Where do you source the fish you sell/have on your menu?

• Much of the fish is sourced from Welsh Seafoods (Merchant) based in Milford Haven, pembrokeshire. Some fish is also sourced locally and the restaurant tries to source fish directly from the local fishermen. Species such as lobsters, her- ring, mackerel, grey mullet, seabass, crabs, scallops, whitebait and plaice can be sourced directly from fishermen when in season. Species such as hake and cod come from Cornwall through the merchant and black bream is farmed.

• Fish and shellfish sourced from a Merchant in Pembroke

• Fish is sourced from the Irish Sea or North Sea and is bought from fishermen CHAPTER 7. DECK TO DINNER PLATE 97

• Fish is sourced from a merchant in Wales

• Fish is sourced from a merchant, mainly comes from Spain or Russia and is im- ported frozen

Is it easy to source local seafood? Are there any barriers to the accessibility of local seafood?

• It depends on the weather conditions and what is being caught or being fished. Generally local fishermen are happy to provide the restaurant with whatever is required if they are catching it. It would be good to have a harbour market that was open on a specific day/time every week and for the fishermen to ring ahead to let restaurants know what they had caught and in what quantities. The restaurant is keen to purchase as much fish from the local fishermen as possible and to support them. They believe the barriers to accessibility of local seafood include season and the ability of fishermen to catch different species as well as consumer demand which dictates what fish are popular and can be sold.

• Would prefer to buy from local fishers because its cheaper and fresher, manager works as a fisher but it is difficult to buy fish off local fishers

• Buy some fish outside of Wales because they can’t source from Wales

• They would prefer to buy through local fishers to support local businesses

• Occasionally buy particular fish species from fishers directly - e.g. Mackerel and would buy from fishers more often if the price was competitive CHAPTER 7. DECK TO DINNER PLATE 98

Which fish do your customers demand?

• The restaurant finds that a fish menu with a variety of fish is what people like to see. However, they do see an increase in demand for shellfish such as lobsters. Grey mullet and scallops are really popular and are sourced from local fishermen usually, unless none are being landed. Although they are aware of the potential is- sues surrounding scallops and the methods of capture there is still a huge demand for scallops from their customers and therefore when they do buy them they try to support the local fishing industry by buying scallops from local scallop fishermen.

• Most popular fish is cod which is supplied by a merchant in Pembroke

• Most popular fish is cod

• Most popular fish is seabass

Do people ask for locally caught seafood? What is the demand for locally caught seafood?

• Customers tend to be drawn to the local fish on the menu and it is often a good selling point. Locally caught seafood is always popular e.g. Cardigan Bay Crab, Cardigan Bay lobster.

• Customers often ask where the fish is sourced from

Do you think there is a need to further promote locally sourced seafood?

• An increase in promotion of locally sourced/caught seafood would help fishermen and also lead to increase in variability of fish available on menus in restaurants CHAPTER 7. DECK TO DINNER PLATE 99

which is ultimately good for fish stocks as well. We should be encouraging people to eat a variety of species, the restaurants does find that people are willing to try different species. E.g. Cockles when available.

7.2 Summary

The Deck to Dinner plate scenario is an interesting one with a number of outlets selling seafood suggesting that potential consumers are interested in purchasing locally sourced fish and shellfish. We believe that further more quantitative research is required to determine the actual level demand for local seafood this should include a more detailed analysis of the responses received from the different type of outlets to determine where to target local seafood marketing campaigns. Bibliography

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