What a haul! Portsmouth academics net £500k to make UK fishing more sustainable and productive

Scientists at the University of Portsmouth are working to develop sustainable solutions for the country’s fishing industry – which could also prove more productive.

Their research has just received a major boost thanks to the Fisheries Industry Science Partnerships scheme, which saw the project secure £569,361 in funding.

Dr Ian Hendy, Senior Lecturer in Marine Restoration and Conservation, will lead the team as they collect biology, ecology, habitat and genetic data from five lesser-studied species of fish – sea bass, black sea bream, skates and rays, tope and smooth hound.

Throughout the 22-month initiative they’ll be relying on citizen scientists to provide the catches in question, with a particular focus on the newly established Sea Angling Classic competition.

Dr Hendy said: “For many species, ecological and biological data to make evidence-based decisions are limited, leading to unsustainable catches.

“Collecting this data requires significant investment of people and money, with one increasingly popular approach to use members of the public.

“Sea fishing is a globally popular activity, so recreational anglers are a substantial group of highly motivated and engaged potential citizen scientists.”

Researchers are aiming to gather geolocated images of the fish, track them, perform DNA swabs, and take sonar scans of the areas in which they were caught.

At the end of the project these data points will then be compiled into a unique profile for each species, helping to inform fishery management plans and conservation efforts.

Dr Hendy added: “From the data we hope to be able to build an evidence-based action plan, developed in collaboration with the fishing sector and other stakeholders, to deliver a thriving, sustainable fishing industry and healthy marine environment for generations to come.”

The grant comes as part of the £100 million UK Seafood Fund, with the university working in partnership with Angling Spirit, Southern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority, and Navico Ltd.

• port.ac.uk