Linking scallop distribution and abundance with fisher behaviour: implication for management to avoid repeated stock collapse in a recreational fishery

Published source details Tracey S.R. & Lyle J.M. (2011) Linking scallop distribution and abundance with fisher behaviour: implication for management to avoid repeated stock collapse in a recreational fishery. Fisheries Management and Ecology, 18, 221-232.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

	Action	Category
	Establish temporary fisheries closures Action Link

Establish temporary fisheries closures

A replicated, before-and after study in 2005–2009 in a sandy seabed area in the D’Entrecasteaux Channel, southeastern Tasmania, Australia (Tracey & Lyle 2011) found that temporarily reopening an area previously closed to all fishing to recreational fishing only led to changes in scallop species community composition over time and a 52% decline in overall scallop abundance after four fishing seasons. Community data were reported as statistical model result. Changes in scallop community composition over time was mostly due to changes in abundance of the scallop Pecten fumatus, which declined by 69% after four fishing seasons. In 2005, an area was reopened to scallop recreational fishing after 12 years of full fishing closure. Scallops (Pecten fumatus, Equichlamys bifrons, Mimachlamys asperrimus) were surveyed once before the first fishing season (in February 2006) and annually for four years after the fishing season (July–August 2006–2009). Twenty-four sites were surveyed in 2006–2007, and an additional 38 (total 62) in 2008–2009. Two divers identified and sized all scallops along a 200 m² transect at each site. No data prior to the closure are presented.

(Summarised by: Anaëlle Lemasson)