The Filling the Gap Crustacean FISP is a collaborative research project led by Seafish, Bangor University, Devon and Severn IFCA, and the industry-led Crab and Lobster Management Group. The project has four workpackages (WP):
WP1: Improving understanding of the landings structure of brown crab fisheries within English and Welsh waters.
No data was collected for this workpackage, it used existing datasets.
WP2: Understanding the size structure of crustacean populations, and the environmental, spatial, temporal and fisher behaviour factors that can affect the size structure of landings data.
Data collected: Size composition data of brown crab and European lobster onboard commercial fishing vessels across Wales. Interviews with commercial crustacean fishers in wales on changes in their fishing practises overtime.
WP3: Assessing the potential benthic impacts of crab and lobster pots on habitats of conversation importance.
Data collected: Quadrat and transect data from ecological dive surveys conducted at high- and low-intensity pot fishing sites in North Wales. These were performed to assess the benthic impacts of pot fishing and its subsequent effects on the abundance and size of benthic species in the area.
WP4: Defining and developing an enforceable method to determine a soft-shelled crab.
Data collected: Commercial potting boat surveys targeting Cancer pagurus/brown crab in South Devon, to trial and develop a credible methodology for assessing the softness of a brown crab shell using durometer measurements in collaboration with fishers in the Devon and Severn IFCA district. Laboratory dissections to analyse the relationship between Cancer pagurus/brown crab shell hardness and meat yield.
