Fisheries science for sustainable management of our seas

Description

Scallop annual survey and assessment Scallop seabed integrity metric Bass FMP evidence Whelk stock assessment The delivery of scallop, bass, and whelk stock surveys and analyses to inform the development and implementation of Fisheries Management Plans as set out in the Joint Fisheries Statement. The work will include the following: 1. Scallop annual survey and assessment including: Finalise lab work from 2023 survey; Conduct March 2024 survey; and Stock assessment design and application (alongside ICES scallop working group). 2. Scallop seabed integrity metric including: Design baseline survey; Conduct survey March 2024; and Lab work post-survey started. 3. Bass FMP evidence including: Design stable isotope sampling and purchase lab time for analysing bass samples from mid-Wales (25 fish need to be sampled spring/summer); Home Office personal license training for new staff member for bass tagging; and Purchase 50 Data Storage Tags (DST) for use tagging bass spring/summer. 4. Whelk stock assessment including: Review current whelk assessment methodology and advise; and Re-design whelk survey based on review.