Ecosystem effects of inshore fisheries

This PhD project focuses on placing inshore fisheries in an ecosystem context. Inshore fisheries target diverse fish and, particularly, shellfish species and operate in a busy environment often of high biodiversity value. The value of these fisheries is often very high in terms of supporting traditional ways of life in fragile communities in remote areas. Much effort is currently devoted to demonstrating sustainable exploitation of inshore fishery resources; besides protecting resource productivity and the environment, this is required by many prominent retailers (e.g. Marks & Spencer), adds value to fishery products, and allows local communities to benefit from regionally-branded produce. Safeguarding non-target species, habitats and the structure and function of ecosystems is an important component of overall fishery sustainability. Whilst it is often assumed that inshore fishing methods are relatively benign in this respect, the evidence-base for this is small, and there is very little consideration of the wider ecosystem context. This project will undertake a case study in Orkney inshore waters, focusing particularly on the creel fisheries for crustacean fisheries but with the opportunity also to work with dive and dredge fisheries for scallops and trap fisheries for whelks. The student will work closely with the local fishing industry, monitoring catch composition and determining the total interaction of the fisheries with both target and non-target species. Removals and incidental mortality of these species will be considered in terms of single species stock dynamics, and in the context of the role of the species in ecosystem structure and function. Research will be directed to identify methods of reducing catch and mortality of non-target species, working with industry to determine practical fishery management solutions. The student will be based at Heriot-Watt University’s Orkney campus.