Modelling the impact of spatial fishery closures on commercially exploited shellfish stocks

The project will develop a spatial population model for scallops, that are the third most economically valuable species landed in the UK (Pecten maximus). The model will be used to explore the demographic consequences of the connectivity, through larval transport, between scallop grounds, and the potential population contribution of scallops within fishery exclusion zones, including those around marine renewable installations in Scottish waters. Scallop fisheries are of major economic importance to coastal communities around Scotland, but it is unknown whether the expansion of wind turbine installations on scallop grounds may result in positive or negative pressures on the fishery. Negative effects may arise as a result of the loss of access to fishing grounds and displacement of fishing effort, while positive effects may result from enhanced production and resilience through a marine reserve effect. Additional pressure may arise through changes in temperature and subpopulation connectivity resulting from climate- driven changes to the physical environment. The net outcome for the fishery will depend on the balance between all of these. Model outputs from this project will thereby contribute to the resource management of this valuable stock under the twin challenges of climate change and changing patterns of marine habitat use.