Publication Abstract

The association between arm damage of the common starfish, Asterias rubens, and fishing intensity determined from aerial observation.

The association between arm damage of the common starfish Asterias rubens, and fishing intensity determined from aerial observation

S.I. Rogers, J.R. Ellis and J. Dann

The use of the common starfish Asterias rubens as a biological indicator of physical disturbance was investigated at 20 offshore sites distributed over a wide geographical area. Starfish were collected from the Irish Sea and Bristol Channel during a routine groundfish survey, and the proportion of each starfish sample with missing or partly re-grown arms was recorded. Significant positive correlations were found between the proportion of damaged starfish, and the intensity of bottom-trawl activity at the sample sites observed during the previous 2-8 months by aerial reconnaisance flights. Proportions of arm damage can be used as a broad-scale indicator of the intensity of commercial fishing activity. The implications of this for interpreting changes in benthic community structure are discussed.

Reference:

S.I. Rogers, J.R. Ellis and J. Dann, 2001. The association between arm damage of the common starfish Asterias rubens, and fishing intensity determined from aerial observation. Sarsia, 86(2): 107-112

S. I. Rogers*, J. R. Ellis* and J. Dann*

Sarsia, 86(2): 107-112