2014 Fal Oyster Survey: Native Oyster Abundance in Cornwall

Cornwall Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (IFCA) conducted this dredge survey in 2014 to assess the distribution and abundance of native oysters (Ostrea edulis) within the Fal Fishery management area. The survey covered 77 sites and collected data on 1,771 oysters. The dataset was aggregated by the Government Digital Service via the eu_open_data platform.

Use Cases

• Model native oyster population density based on the 77 surveyed sites.
• Analyze spatial distribution patterns of Ostrea edulis within the River Fal.
• Establish baseline abundance metrics for long-term fishery management monitoring.
• Assess the impact of the 2014 management transition on initial oyster stock.

Strengths

• Survey scope is clearly defined, covering 77 specific sites.
• Total count of sampled oysters (1,771) is provided, giving a scale for the data.
• Institutional origin from a fisheries management authority suggests operational relevance.

Limitations

• Column-level documentation is absent; field semantics must be inferred after download.
• Row count is unknown, which may limit suitability assessment.
• Last update date is unknown; freshness unverified.

Provenance

Source

Cornwall Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (IFCA)

Collection Method

Annual dredge surveys within the Fal Oyster Fishery.

Time Range

2014

Freshness

Data is from a single survey year (2014).

Geography

Fal Oyster Fishery management area in the River Fal, Cornwall, UK.