Shellfish Stocks and Fisheries Review 2018: an assessment of selected stocks

This review presents information on the status of selected shellfish stocks in Ireland. In addition, data on the fleet and landings of shellfish species (excluding Nephrops and mussels) are presented. The intention of this annual review is to present stock assessment and management advice for shellfisheries that may be subject to new management proposals or where scientific advice is required in relation to assessing the environmental impact of shellfisheries especially in areas designated under European Directives. The review reflects the recent work of the Marine Institute (MI) in the biological assessment of shellfish fisheries and their interaction with the environment. Stock status and exploitation status indicators are presented, where estimated, as a contribution to the assessment of Good Environmental Status (GES) of shellfish for Descriptor 3 (Commercial Fisheries) of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). Mitigation measures to protect habitats within Natura 2000 sites, which have been developed in response to Habitats Directive Article 6 assessments and in consultation with the industry, are summarised. The competent authority for the management of these sites is the National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS). The Department of Housing, Planning and Local Government oversees the implementation of the MSFD in Ireland. The information and advice presented here for shellfish is complementary to that presented in the MI Stock Book on demersal and pelagic fisheries. Separate treatment of shellfish is warranted as their biology and distribution, the assessment methods that can be applied to them and the system under which they are managed, all differ substantially to demersal and pelagic stocks.

URI

http://hdl.handle.net/10793/1392

Citation

Marine Institute & Bord Iascaigh Mhara (2019). Shellfish Stocks and Fisheries Review 2018: An assessment of selected stocks. Marine Institute.