Ecosystem effects of fishing

No longer are fishing activities seen in isolation from the environment. Cefas has expertise in the assessment and wider implications of fishing related activities upon marine environments.

Areas of expertise include:

• Assessment of impact using fisheries and enforcement data (e.g. from aerial and VMS surveillance)
• Effects of fishing on non-target and vulnerable species and on habitats (including seabirds and turtles)
• Effects on biodiversity, ecosystem structure and function
• Habitat description and designation of biotopes
• Implications of international fisheries conservation legislation
• Working with the Marine Stewardship Council accreditation scheme for sustainable fisheries

Photo © G. Pilling