Novel approaches to trapping: fishing and surveying (FIS025)

This project investigates the potential for a whitefish trap fishery to the West of Scotland. At-sea deployment of newly designed gear will trial the use of baited fish traps at depth novel way to harvest whitefish. The research asks how this might be achieved on a commercial scale and whether the approach could be used to survey whitefish stocks.

In-water improvements in selectivity (FIS024)

Building on SMARTFISH Selective Retention, this project explores the next steps in intelligent fishing. The researchers are developing and testing at sea novel technologies to allow in-water identification and grading of fish by species and size.

SMARTFISH Selective retention (FIS011-B)

Both spatial selectivity and gear selectivity can help vessels comply with the Landing Obligation. Real-time information flow within the fishing industry will help fishers identify areas to avoid and, in combination, SmartTrawl technology will help ensure the target species are selected. This project demonstrates how these strategies could be implemented in the Scottish demersal industry. See also FIS024.

Post-catch survivability of under-sized Norway lobster (Nephrops norvegicus) (FIS007)

This research explores how likely Nephrops are to survive capture and subsequent discard by a typical Clyde trawler. While damaged or infected animals are less likely to survive, the majority of discarded individuals survive after capture. 95% of discarded Nephrops are still alive after 48 hours of recovery. See also FIS015.

Slippage mitigation and acoustic characterisation (FIS004)

With a focus on the Scottish mackerel fishing fleet, this research explores how acoustic technology can help determine fish size before capture. Such approaches can help vessels comply with the LO by avoiding slippage, the practice of releasing smaller caught fish back into the water.

Innovation in selectivity (FIS011-A)

In preparation for the implementation of the Landing Obligation, this project provides a framework for improving selectivity for the Scottish fishing fleet. The project reviews current knowledge in the sector and identifies innovations from other disciplines that could be applied to fisheries.