New research now means that scientists have a better understanding of the level of fishing activity that can be carried out within Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and still remain compatible with conservation objectives.
The research, commissioned by the UK’s National Federation of Fishermen’s Organisations (NFFO), looked at the effects of fishing activity and natural environmental conditions on the seabed and has resulted in a more accurate picture of what is happening beneath the waves. With this information scientists have a greater bank of evidence to justify what levels of bottom towed gear fishing activity can be carried out within MPAs and still encourage conservation.
This will be good news for fishermen, says NFFO, who face losing their traditional fishing grounds as the roll out of a series of government-backed MPAs continues. NFFO says that while hardline conservationists demand complete no-fishing zones, this new evidence will help to scientifically justify protected areas that allow fishing activity to continue. This can even include bottom trawls where the fishing gear makes contact with the seabed.
The MPAs and fisheries examined included beam trawling in North Norfolk Sandbanks and Saturn Reef SCI; shrimp trawling in The Wash and North Norfolk Coast SAC; and otter trawling in Margate and Long Sands SCI.
The research has provided greater insight into the environmental impacts of fisheries in two main ways – one assessing how fishing activity affects MPA habitats, the other assessing how environmental conditions do the same. Firstly, it trialled ways to reduce uncertainties in understanding the distribution and intensity of mobile gear fishing activities while also analysing the effects of fishing gears on habitats and species.
Secondly, it modelled the physical disturbance of seabed sediments from wave and tidal action that influences the habitats of the MPAs. This will provide further insight into the environmental context in which the fishing activities are taking place, ensuring that disturbance from fishing is considered in the context of levels of natural disturbance that the habitats and species are adapted to.
“We are very pleased with the results, which help to advance technical approaches to fisheries assessments,” said Dale Rodmell, NFFO assistant chief executive. “We hope the management authorities will take on board the findings, particularly for the three sites in question.”
