Shellfish survey Vestlandet 2023 — Survey 2023005013

Abstract

Knowledge about the abundance, distribution and life-history of brown crab (Cancer pagurus) and Norway lobster (Nephrops norvegicus) along the Norwegian coast is limited due to a lack of fisheries-independent data. This coincides with a general monitoring gap of inshore areas in Western Norway (Vestlandet) where no regular fisheries survey takes place. The survey in October 2023 was a pilot study aiming to 1) collect data on the two important shellfish species in an area where commercial and recreational fishing takes place, 2) test a survey design as basis for potential future monitoring of these species on a more routine basis, including with a video sled, and 3) validate the representativeness of commercial data collected by reference fisheries on both species. In total, 74 stations were conducted: 41 with crab pots (6 pots in each link), 26 with Nephrops pots (12 in each link) and 7 with video sled. Stations were placed in a semi-randomized design in pre-selected areas based on bottom substrate, and in case of crab pots partially at or near stations of IMR’s fyke and gill net survey.

Shellfish survey Vestlandet 2023 — Survey 2023005013