![]() This study highlights the potential for positive conservation benefits beyond the traditional feature-based approach to MPA designation and monitoring. Coarse sediments open to bottom-towed gear had greater abundances of motile, scavenging or opportunistic species. pink sea fans, ross coral, branching sponges) than were present in areas still actively towed over. Coarse sediments in areas closed to bottom-towed gear supported a greater abundance of sessile, upright, slow growing species (e.g. In this study, images from drop-down camera surveys were analysed to quantitatively assess patterns in diversity and abundance of benthic fauna on reef and mixed substratum habitats that are closed, and remain open, to bottom-towed fisheries. On 1st of January 2014 bottom-towed fisheries were prohibited within designated areas of the reef. The reef is at high risk from fisheries, particularly bottom-towed fishing gear. The Eddystone Reef (part of the Start Point to Plymouth Sound and Eddystone SAC, South West UK) is designated solely for its reef features. In accordance with legislation, the UK has adopted a feature-based approach to MPA designation and monitoring, whereby protection of listed species and habitats are prioritised. In UK (English) waters, MPAs incorporate Special Protection Areas (SPAs), Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) and Marine Conservation Zones (MCZs), each with specific conservation objectives. The global marine environment has seen recent rapid growth in Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). This report was therefore commissioned by the Sustainable Inshore Fisheries Trust with the aim of collating existing knowledge on the management and environmental impacts of scallop fisheries around the UK. With recent legislation soon to result in the development of a new network of marine protected areas (MPAs) around the UK, and improved management of fisheries in European Marine Sites, now is a crucial time to review the UK scallop dredge fishery and its impacts on the wider environment so that this new legislation can support a sustainable future for the UK scallop fishery. This report therefore proposes that better monitoring and stock assessments are needed for these scallop fisheries and stocks. Although, there have been several recent improvements in the management of scallop fisheries in parts of the UK, information on many scallop stocks around the UK is still lacking. In addition, several scallop stocks are showing signs of overexploitation and there is concern over future impacts of ocean warming and acidification. This is because the majority of scallop landings (95%) are made by vessels towing scallop dredges, a type of fishing gear known to cause substantial environmental impacts. However, concerns have been raised about the effects of this recent growth of UK scallop fisheries among scientists and conservation bodies, as well as amongst the public following recent media campaigns (e.g. The UK is also home to the largest queen scallop fishery out of all of Europe. The king scallop fishery is the fastest growing fishery in the UK and currently the second most valuable.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |