Cornwall Sea Fisheries Committee has been awarded an Objective 1 Fisheries Grant for £17,250 to undertake a three-year survey of shellfish stocks around the Cornish coast.

Shellfish such as crabs and lobsters are an important part of the Cornish fishing industry, but there is surprisingly little information concerning their stocks in Cornwall. Although there is data on shellfish landings, there is not much information about the sizes and amounts of smaller shellfish and other species that are caught then returned live to the sea.

This survey will involve monthly surveys at sea with the help of six vessels spread around the Cornish coast. Records will be kept of the size and sex of different species, the presence of berried (egg-bearing) females, whether the shellfish are damaged or diseased and additional information such as the location of fishing gear, , the type of pots and baits used, and weather conditions, including the monitoring of water temperatures using probes attached to the pots.

The data will be collated into a final report in 2006 and will be used to improve the future management of shellfisheries in Cornwall’s inshore waters.

Sam Davis, the fishery officer responsible for the survey work, said "The response I’ve had from the skippers and crews involved in the survey has been fantastic, they have all been really keen to help. The data gathered so far is showing how diverse the fishery is from one area to another, a fact better known to fishermen than scientists, I suspect."

Alison Elvey, Objective 1 Fisheries Programme Manager stated "Work like this which helps decision makers make better informed decisions on fisheries management are brilliant. It is great seeing the fishermen getting involved as they know more than anyone what the fisheries are like."

For more information please contact Sam Davies,

Cornwall Sea Fisheries Committee on 01736 369817