Ecological Impact Study of Pulse Trawling off the English East Coast, 2018-19

A Fisheries Science Partnership survey assessed the effects of pulse trawling technology near Ramsgate, England. The work was funded by Defra and involved collaboration between UK fishermen and scientists. It addresses local fishermen's observations of potential detrimental effects on fishing grounds, including perceived reductions in common sole catches.

Use Cases

• Assess the ecological impact of pulse trawl technology based on survey data mentioned in the description
• Model potential changes in fish stock distribution based on reported observations from local fishermen
• Compare fishing ground health before and after the adoption of pulse trawling based on the study's focus

Strengths

• Data originates from a collaborative programme (FSP) introduced in 2003, suggesting established methodology
• Focuses on a specific, identified hotspot for pulse trawling beyond 12 nautical miles off Ramsgate
• Project involves co-commissioning with the UK fishing industry, potentially increasing data relevance

Limitations

• Row count and column-level documentation are unknown, which may limit suitability assessment
• The description notes a perceived reduction in catch is not addressed, indicating a potential data gap

Provenance

Source

Fisheries Science Partnership (FSP), a Defra-funded programme.

Collection Method

A scientific survey conducted collaboratively between the UK fishing industry and scientists.

Time Range

2018-2019

Freshness

Data is from a 2018/19 study; last update date is unknown.

Geography

English east coast, near the Port of Ramsgate, specifically fishing grounds beyond 12 nautical miles.