Publication Abstract

The Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science – Solving Problems in Fisheries and the Environment

E C E Potter

IFM is compiling a set of papers describing the role of various UK organisations in freshwater fisheries. This paper covers the history of CEFAS, and its role in advice and research relating to salmonid and freshwater fisheries management, aquaculture and fish health and environmental protection. The abstract is as follows:

Established in 1902, CEFAS has been at the forefront of national and international research in the aquatic environment for nearly 100 years and now has over 550 staff based at three laboratories in Lowestoft, Burnham-on-Crouch and Weymouth. CEFAS provides a comprehensive portfolio of research, consultancy and training services in fisheries science and management, environmental monitoring and assessment, and fish health and cultivation. Work on inland fisheries is included in all these sectors. A substantial part of CEFAS work involves providing advice on fisheries and the environment to Government Departments, and much of our research is undertaken in support of these aims; however we also work for a growing range of customers in UK and abroad. Work on freshwater fisheries and diadromous fish stocks is formally co-ordinated with the Environment Agency’s programme through the DEFRA/EA Fisheries R&D Liaison Group, but more importantly through regular meetings and discussions between the respective scientific staff. This is essential to ensure the optimum use of resources in tackling major fisheries management problems in the future, including the conservation of declining stocks, the protection of freshwater habitats and ecosystems, and the effects of climate change.

Reference:

E. C. E. Potter. 2003. The centre for the environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science - Solving problems in Fisheries and the Environment. In Proceedings of the Institute of Fisheries Management Annual Science Conference