NIFCA Strengthens Nephrops Survey Expertise Through Collaborative Research

This summer, NIFCA joined the Marine Directorate on a multi-day Nephrops stock assessment survey, gaining hands-on experience with a variety of methodologies, including trawls and a drop-down camera sled. This collaboration, alongside the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), provided a valuable insight into standardising survey techniques and knowledge that will be applied to Nephrops grounds within the NIFCA district.

Inshore Nephrops Burrow Count Surveys

The team also received expert training from Cefas in identifying and counting Nephrops burrows, further enhancing local capacity for stock assessments. During the summer, NIFCA officers also developed a burrow count survey for inshore Nephrops areas, aligning with CEFAS surveys in the Farn Deeps.

They established a 150-station survey grid, with stations spaced 1 km apart. A random subsample of 50 stations was surveyed this year, which is up from just six stations in 2024.

Using a towed sledge camera borrowed from North Eastern IFCA, officers recorded seabed footage for 12 minutes at each station. Burrows visible in the footage are counted as a proxy for Nephrops abundance.

North Eastern IFCA officers also joined one of the survey days. Analysis of the footage is underway in line with the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) guidance, and a full report will follow. The resulting data will improve understanding of inshore Nephrops populations and help interpret any changes in local catch rates.

Scottish Marine Directorate Nephrops Surveys

Following an invitation to the ICES Nephrops Working Group in late 2024, NIFCA also participated in the Scottish Marine Directorate’s annual Underwater TV (UWTV) Nephrops survey. Officers Andrew Boon and Sarah Richardson joined the MRV Scotia in Aberdeen for a seven-day offshore trip, assisting with drop-down camera surveys, grab sampling, and trawling for Nephrops. The survey spanned the Firth of Forth and extended as far as the Devil’s Hole. This experience will help shape future NIFCA surveys and strengthen inter-organisational cooperation going forward.