Gavin Morgan

24 January, 2008

FISHERIES experts in Shetland have launched a study to find out if local brown crabs are migrating outside the island waters to be caught by foreign fishing boats.

The NAFC Marine Centre, in Scalloway, has started tagging brown crabs within six miles of the west coast of Shetland and also offshore to the west of the isle of Foula.

Shetland’s shellfish regulating order, put in place in 2000, gives a clear picture of how stocks are doing within the six mile limit.

Some scientific evidence suggests female crabs move into deeper water offshore at certain points in their breeding season, and this study aims to find out if this is true.

The analysis should tell how far brown crabs travel around Shetland and if they are found on different fishing grounds at different times of the year.

Project leader Dr Beth Leslie said: “If these females are going outside the six miles and are being subjected to fishing pressure that we don’t know about then we cannot factor that into our stock assessments.

“That is why the data we are about to collect will not only tell us a great deal about the biology and distribution of local crab stocks, but will also help to inform sustainable management of the fishery.”

Ryan Leith, of the Shetland Shellfish Management Organisation (SSMO), said he was not aware of any problems with crab stocks around the isles. “The assessments that have been done showed the stock to be quite healthy at the moment,”

Crabs used in the study will have a bright yellow tag on one of their claws displaying a unique tag number and contact information.

If fishermen catch any of these tagged crabs they are requested to pass on the tag number, along with the place and date caught to Dr Beth Leslie on 01595 772 310 or by E mail at beth.leslie@nafc.uhi.ac.uk