Cuttlefish come under the spotlight as ferry firm hosts research by Portsmouth marine scientists

Postgrad marine scientist Emma Chappell is on a mission to learn more about the cuttlefish living in and around Portsmouth Harbour.

As part of a collaboration with Wightlink Ferries, she’s begun an ongoing research project around Ryde Pier and the company’s FastCat terminal at the harbour.

So far Emma has installed strands of rope anchored by breezeblocks beneath the port structures, with researchers like herself from the University of Portsmouth hoping that the resident cuttlefish will choose to lay their eggs on the ropes.

She’ll be returning throughout the summer to monitor these six nurseries.

Emma said: “Cuttlefish are an iconic and important species in the Solent.

“Despite this, they don’t receive as much protection as other commercially valuable species found in the Channel, and coastal stocks are exploited – often by offshore trawlers.

“In 2018, this was the fifth most valuable fishery in England, worth £14.9 million.

“The results of my research will help increase our knowledge about cuttlefish egg-laying behaviour on artificial structures, which could be helpful in decision-making about the management of cuttlefish in our waters.”

Cuttlefish belong to the same family of marine invertebrates as squid and octopi, and they can change both their colour and texture in order to avoid predators or attract mates.

The Wightlink team has noticed first-hand a decline in cuttlefish populations in and around Portsmouth Harbour, so for them, this initiative couldn’t be happening soon enough.

Keith Greenfield, Chief Executive at Wightlink, added: “We are always delighted to work with University of Portsmouth marine scientists to learn more about life beneath the waves.

“We look forward to hearing updates on Emma’s valuable research.”