Whelk Size-at-Maturity

NWIFCA is currently carrying out research looking at the size at which whelks in the District reach maturity. The purpose of this work is to identify a suitable minimum conservation reference size (MCRS) for management of the fishery. The current national MCRS for whelk is 45 mm, which has been shown to be insufficient at protecting juvenile stock, and allowing whelk to breed at least once before removal.

The carried out by NWIFCA involves collecting multiple whelk samples from across the District, and dissecting them to identify their maturity. This data will be used to identify the shell length at which whelks reach maturity, and from this, determine an appropriate MCRS.

Shrimp Populations Study

Fishing industry representatives have reported declines in the number and size of shrimp (Crangon crangon) fished in the Northwest over the past decade. Shrimp form an important part of the regions seasonal fishing opportunities and well established traditional potted shrimp businesses.

Brown shrimp also fulfil an important ecosystem function in the form of food for other commercially important stock such as cod and whiting. It is, therefore, important we improve our knowledge of this fishery, and identify potential causes for its decline.

The fishery is data limited. Therefore, the first stage of this study focusses on improving our understanding of the fishery, gathering both historical and current data from literature and stakeholder sources. This information will help inform the Authority’s next steps in investigating the cause of the decline in shrimp.

Cockle and Mussel Stock Monitoring

Every year NWIFCA officers undertake extensive surveys and inspections of the cockle and mussel beds across the NWIFCA District. The aim of the surveys is to conduct stock assessments on each bed, and determine managment recommendations from this.

Allonby Bay HPMA Crab and Lobster Surveys

Allonby Bay Highly Protected Marine Area was designated in 2023. The site is designated to protect all habitats, species and associated ecosystem processes within its boundary.

Research is being lead by Natural England into the status of the species and habitats within the HPMA. As part of this. NWIFCA is collecting data and undertaking potting surveys from North Western Protector to gain an understanding of the levels of crab and lobster in the HPMA.