Using vessel monitoring system (VMS) data to assess the impact of marine protection boundaries on blue ling fishing northwest of the British Isles
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Published source details
Posen P.E., Lee J., Large P.A. & Kenny A.J. (2014) Using vessel monitoring system (VMS) data to assess the impact of marine protection boundaries on blue ling fishing northwest of the British Isles. Aquatic Living Resources, 27, 17-26.
Published source details Posen P.E., Lee J., Large P.A. & Kenny A.J. (2014) Using vessel monitoring system (VMS) data to assess the impact of marine protection boundaries on blue ling fishing northwest of the British Isles. Aquatic Living Resources, 27, 17-26.
Actions
This study is summarised as evidence for the following.
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Establish move-on rules for temporary, targeted fishing restrictions or closures when a catch or unwanted catch threshold is reached Action Link |
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Establish move-on rules for temporary, targeted fishing restrictions or closures when a catch or unwanted catch threshold is reached
A before-and-after study in 2002–2013 of two fished areas of seabed in the northeast Atlantic Ocean off the coasts of Scotland, UK (Posen et al. 2014) reported that after move-on rules were established for vessels when a catch threshold limit was reached fishing effort and landings of blue ling Molva dypterygia decreased, compared to before. Data were not tested statistically. Across both areas and during the spawning season of blue ling, in 2009–2013 after move-on rules were established fishing effort (744–1,901 h) and average blue ling landings (137 t) were lower compared to 2002–2008 before rules were set (fishing effort: 1,060–2,995 h; landings: 304 t). In January 2009, rules were established for vessels fishing within two defined areas (edge of Rosemary Bank and along the Scottish continental shelf) identified as blue ling spawning grounds. The rules prohibited the retention of >6 t of blue ling/trip; at which limit the vessel must cease fishing immediately and leave the area, not returning (to either area) until the catch is landed and with no discarding of blue ling permitted. Fishing effort data from 2002–2013 were taken from Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) data of all UK vessels ≥15 m. Landings data of ling were taken from vessel logbooks and sales information.
(Summarised by: Natasha Taylor)
