Uni of Hull - FISP Part A Round 2 (360G-cabinetoffice-G2-GA-202209824033-22-23)

This project will aim to investigate the possibility of a Lithodes maja fishery (subsequently referred to as stone crab) in the northeast of England. The aim is to Investigate catchability and catch dynamics whilst also assessing the population dynamics of the species. This is an emerging fishery with little understanding of the population size and is not a species considered for inclusion in future Fisheries Management Plans under the draft Joint Fisheries Statement. As with many non-quota species, the scientific understanding to adequately assess stock size and structure is lacking. There is a clear evidence gap for this emerging fishery that needs addressing prior to commercial effort targeting the species being undertaken.Stone crab has been caught as bycatch in fisheries along the east coast. Until recently their occurrence has been low with little to no economic value attributed to the fishery in UK waters. Stone crabs are currently landed in Norway and have an overall value of around £22500. There have been recent sales of 212 kg of stone crab reported in the UK media generating high value which has generated interest from fishers in the northeast in prosecuting this previously unfished species. Stone crab can be seen as a potential species to aid static gear fishers in diversifying from traditionally targeted species such as lobster and brown crab that are species that Cefas have assessed as heavily exploited in the region. This addresses the sustainability objective of the Fisheries Act by aiming to encourage static gear fishers into diversifying from the species targeted in the area, thus reducing effort on heavily exploited stocks whilst being able to use the same capture technology. This also encourages the static gear fleet to diversify into a potentially lucrative market, aiding in securing economic viability in fisheries that support coastal communities and future food security, further supporting the sustainability objective of the Fisheries Act.