Squid jigging survey in English Channel

[glen]

hi jon, is this article related to your surveys?

cheers, glen

NEUK FLEET COULD BE SQUIDS IN

EAST Neuk fishermen could be boosted by a new project aimed at developing a sustainable squid fishery. EAST Neuk fishermen could be boosted by a new project aimed at developing a sustainable squid fishery.



Seafish has set up the UK Squid Fisheries Development Project investigation into whether the unpredictable fish can become the basis of a new fisheries industry.



Squid will prove particularly attractive because they are not subject to quotas and have a high market value.

Billy Hughes, of the Pittenweem-based Fishermen's Mutual Association, believes there could be benefits locally.

"Over the last couple of years we have had a few boats try for squid," he explained. "This move might be very interesting for fishermen here."



But one problem East Neuk fishermen would face is the lack of any viable market nearby.

Mr Hughes said: "Whenever we have caught squid we have had to do a special run up to Fraserburgh market to make sure they get there fresh. There are no local buyers interested in squid."



Working with other organisations such as the University of Aberdeen, Seafish will need to find out more about the biology of squid which can be abundant some years and scarce in others.



The project will carry out a stock assessment, look at which fishing gear will prove the most effective with a series of trials and study the best way to handle squid once caught.



The scheme, funded by the EU, Defra and Seafish, will be completed by the end of 2008.



17 January 2007

Fife Today

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