BANGOR UNIVERSITY CRUSTACEAN STOCK STATUS ASSESSMENT - FISHER SCIENCE RESPONSE.
Please find below the link to access the details regarding the recently advertised Lobster 'V' notching study - Please contact WFA-CPC to register your interest.
http://sustainable-fisheries-wales.bangor.ac.uk/documents/clarification.pdf
The note from Bangor University states:
Due to concerns raised regarding v-notching undersized lobsters, we have re-structured the scheme and it will include the following:
1. V-notching lobster that are above 90 mm carapace length. All fishermen will be given a maximum number to notch once the number of fishermen taking part and the budget is finalised.
2. Data collection on size, sex and presence of v-notches within catch – this can be carried out alongside normal fishing activities.
3. Optional banding of undersized lobsters.
Financial compensation will include (all costs are total costs to include any VAT due):
1. Flat rate of £12/kg for each lobster v-notched. Weight will be estimated using existing length-weight data.
2. Cost of fuel when carrying out v-notching.
3. £100 plus fuel for a 6-hour day carrying out non v-notching data collection (e.g. data collection and banding). You can also land catch during these trips, the £100 is to compensate for how much data collection will slow your normal fishing activities.
4. Any voluntary additional work that can’t be carried out alongside normal fishing activities will be compensated at rates to be determined.
Data collection requirements: Training will be provided either through a socially-distanced field visit or
through a video tutorial. However, the anticipated minimum data collection requirements will be to:
1. Keep a running tally of all lobsters over 90 mm v-notched noting sex and size (camera can be used to capture these data).
2. A record of any lobsters landed during the research will be required.
3. Data collection days will consist of a record of all catch caught, sex, size and presence of v-notches.
It should be noted that each fisher will be given a maximum number of lobsters to v-notch based on
available funds and rate of subscription to the scheme, plus a maximum number of days they can be paid for other data collection activities. This is to ensure that activity does not exceed the available funds.