The objective of this project was to assess and estimate the survivability of
sole caught in the Solent (ICES Subarea VIId) inshore otter trawl fishery.
This project follows a previous study of the east coast (ICES Subarea IVc)
inshore otter trawl fishery and was designed to improve the confidence in a
fishery wide estimate of sole survival in inshore trawling. There is a strong
perception from the fishing industry that sole has a high survival rate in
this fishery and, where sole quotas are restricted, landing undersized sole
could potentially risk a premature end to the fishing season. Under the
landing obligation, all sole (Solea solea) catches must be landed unless
an exemption, based on scientific evidence demonstrating high survival, is
awarded.
