Publication Abstract
- Title
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Importance of discards from the English Nephrops norvegicus fishery in the North Sea to marine scavengers
- Publication Abstract
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Importance of discards from the English Nephrops norvegicus fishery in the North Sea to marine scavengers
T.L.Catchpole, C.L.J.Frid and T.S.Gray
Nephrops norvegicus fishery is such that it has a positive effect on marine scavenger populations. Field studies were used to identify marine scavenger species and estimate their abundance. Discard experiments combined with data from commercial vessels provided estimates of the partitioning of discards between aerial and marine scavengers and the spatial distribution of discarding. A bioenergetic model was devised to evaluate the importance of discards to marine scavengers. Seabirds utilised an estimated 57% of the discarded material; most discarding (83%) took place over the fishing grounds. Species identified as marine discard scavengers included Liocarcinus depurator, Asterias rubens, Neptunea antiqua, Pagurus bernhardus, Carcinus maenas, Cancer pagurus and Myxine glutinosa. The hagfish M. glutinosa was the most abundant scavenger, and made up 79% by weight of all identified marine scavengers on the fishing grounds. The energy available from discards could potentially provide the identified marine discard scavengers on the fishing grounds with 37% of their energetic requirements during the fishing season. This level of contribution is probably sufficient to allow larger populations of these scavenging species to exist than would otherwise be possible. Reference:
T.L.Catchpole, C.L.J.Frid and T.S.Gray (2006) Importance of discards from the English Nephrops norvegicus fishery in the North Sea to marine scavengers. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 313: 215-226
- Publication Internet Address of the Data
- Publication Authors
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T.L.Catchpole*, C.L.J.Frid and T.S.Gray
- Publication Date
- May 2006
- Publication Reference
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Marine Ecology Progress Series, 313: 215-226
- Publication DOI: https://doi.org/
