Quote:Seafish project investigates sustainable squid fishery
Published: 09 January, 2007
A NEW collaborative project managed by Seafish is examining the potential of developing a sustainable fishery for squid in UK waters.
Seafish is working with a range of collaborative partners including the University of Aberdeen, FRS and CEFAS, with the over-riding aim being to ensure that any developments in catching squid are achieved in a responsible and sustainable manner.
The development of sustainable fisheries for squid is an attractive option for UK fishermen, as it is a short-lived non-quota species with a relatively high market value.
However, one of the biggest hurdles in achieving this aim is the lack of knowledge of squid biology. It is an unpredictable species, often being abundant in some years and scarce in others, although in inshore areas there are definite patterns of seasonal abundance.
A further problem in developing a fishery is the lack of knowledge about squid behaviour with regard to fishing gear. Similarly, expertise is lacking in processing techniques and methods for optimising the quality of the catch. The aim of the new UK Squid Fisheries Development Project will be to shed some light on these issues.
The project, which will include a stock assessment, will primarily focus on the four main species of squid found in UK waters.
A major part of the research will look at ways of optimising fishing gear through a series of sea trials. This will include using underwater cameras to observe how squid actually behave inside a trawl. Such information should prove vital in the development of selective fishing gears that will target marketable squid, yet keep catches of undersized and unwanted species to a minimum.
Another part of the research programme will examine the potential of jigging (hooked lures) as a catch method, including the use of lights as a means of attracting squid. Seafish have studied an African vessel that uses this very method to fish at night and it appears to be viable, if labour intensive.
The project will also determine the optimum catch handling methods both onboard and onshore. In addition, processing techniques, shelf life estimation and marketing will be investigated to ensure maximum product value.
The multi-tiered project, which is supported by funding from the EU, Defra (administered by the Marine Fisheries Agency), SEERAD and Seafish is scheduled for completion by the end of 2008.
More information on the Squid Fisheries Development Project can be found on the new business to business section of the Seafish website www.seafish.org/b2b - click on âResource Sustainabilityâ in the left hand menu.
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