A scientific basis for regulating deep-sea fishing by depth

Clarke, J., Milligan, R. J., Bailey, D. M. and Neat, F. C. (2015) A scientific basis for regulating deep-sea fishing by depth. Current Biology, 25(18), pp. 2425-2429. (doi: 10.1016/j.cub.2015.07.070) (PMID:26320948)

[img]
Preview
Text
108465.pdf - Published Version
Available under License Creative Commons Attribution.

1MB

Abstract

The deep sea is the world’s largest ecosystem [ 1 ], with high levels of biodiversity [ 2, 3 ] and many species that exhibit life-history characteristics that make them vulnerable to high levels of exploitation [ 4 ]. Many fisheries in the deep sea have a track record of being unsustainable [ 5, 6 ]. In the northeast Atlantic, there has been a decline in the abundance of commercial fish species since deep-sea fishing commenced in the 1970s [ 7, 8 ]. Current management is by effort restrictions and total allowable catch (TAC), but there remain problems with compliance [ 9 ] and high levels of bycatch of vulnerable species such as sharks [ 10 ]. The European Union is currently considering new legislation to manage deep-sea fisheries, including the introduction of a depth limit to bottom trawling. However, there is little evidence to suggest an appropriate depth limit. Here we use survey data to show that biodiversity of the demersal fish community, the ratio of discarded to commercial biomass, and the ratio of Elasmobranchii (sharks and rays) to commercial biomass significantly increases between 600 and 800 m depth while commercial value decreases. These results suggest that limiting bottom trawling to a maximum depth of 600 m could be an effective management strategy that would fit the needs of European legislations such as the Common Fisheries Policy (EC no. 1380/2013) [ 11 ] and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (2008/56/EC) [ 12 ].

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Bailey, Dr David
Authors: Clarke, J., Milligan, R. J., Bailey, D. M., and Neat, F. C.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
Journal Name:Current Biology
Publisher:Elsevier
ISSN:0960-9822
ISSN (Online):1879-0445
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2015 The Authors
First Published:First published in Current Biology 25(18):2425-2429
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record