Welcome Arrivals? The Ecology and Distribution of Range-Shifting Gilthead Seabream Sparus aurata in UK Inshore Waters
Lead Research Organisation:
UNIVERSITY OF EXETER
Department Name: Biosciences
Abstract
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People |
ORCID iD |
| Franciscus Van Veen (Primary Supervisor) | |
| Jen Lewis (Student) |
| Description | Gilthead bream (Sparus aurata) is a popular target for recreational and commercial fisheries. In response to sea temperature warming, the species has established persistent populations in southern areas of the UK over recent decades. Understanding of its populations will benefit sea-anglers and fishermen, the related coastal tourism sector and conservationists managing the long term sustainability of inshore fisheries. Our current research, in collaboration with CEFAS and Cornwall IFCA, focusses on the ecology and population structure of this species in UK waters. Knowledge of this population structure will provide us with information on the extent to which our local population acts as an isolated self-sustaining unit, a sink or indeed a source for other Atlantic populations. This is important information for informing any potential future management of the population, which is likely to start with local voluntary action (short-term impact). We have good links with local recreational angling clubs, who plan to start using our data to propose voluntary catch size limits for members in the near future to help ensure fish reach reproductive maturity before being retained. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2016 |
| Sector | Leisure Activities, including Sports, Recreation and Tourism |
| Impact Types | Societal |