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Annual Research Plan

2017-2018

This document has been produced by: Sally Stewart-Moore (2016) Updated by: Vicky Rae (2017) Environment & Scientific Officer Northumberland Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority 8 Ennerdale Road, Blyth, Northumberland NE24 4RT Email: nifca@nifca.gov.uk This document can also be viewed online at www.nifca.gov.uk

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1. Introduction

The Northumberland Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority (NIFCA) is one of ten IFCAs in England created in April 2011 under Section 150 of the Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 (MaCAA, 2009) tasked with protecting the marine environment through the creation and enforcement of byelaws to manage fishing activity within the district. The NIFCA district extends from a line drawn through the centre of the River Tyne to the Scottish border out to 6 nautical miles and up to the national tidal limit of rivers and estuaries (Fig. 1). The NIFCA district neighbours the North Eastern IFCA district to the south and Scotland to the north.

Figure 1 | Boundaries of the Northumberland Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority district.

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NIFCA are responsible for monitoring and managing fishing activity within a network of marine protected areas in the district, made up of the following sites (outlined in Fig. 2):

Berwickshire and North Northumberland Coast Special Area of Conservation;

Tweed Estuary Special Area of Conservation;

Lindisfarne Special Protection Area;

Farne Islands Special Protection Area;

Coquet Island Special Protection Area;

Northumbria Coast Special Protection Area;

Northumberland Marine Special Protection Area;

in addition to several Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), Ramsar Sites, the Lindisfarne National Nature Reserve and two Marine Conservation Zones:

Aln Estuary Marine Conservation Zone;

Coquet to St. Mary’s Marine Conservation Zone.

This Annual Research Plan sets out NIFCA’s work priorities and research plans between May 2017 and May 2018. The research plans outlined here are based on on-going priorities carried forward from NIFCA’s 2016/17 Annual Plan as well as recently arising and upcoming issues. The key main areas of focus for the May 2017 – April 2018 period are:

assessment of shellfish stock status and sustainability of potting fishery within the district;

assessment of fishing activities within Marine Protected Areas;

development and implementation of monitoring & control plans for fishing activities;

continuation of the development of high resolution seabed maps within the district;

continuation of annual survey work e.g. monitoring of mussel beds (Blyth & Fenham) and fish nursery areas (Aln estuary).

This research plan has been produced to outline the research activities needed to be undertaken to collect the data required to inform these work priorities and provide a sound evidence base to aid NIFCA’s decision making process for ensuring continued sustainable fisheries management and protection of the marine environment within the district.

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Figure 2 ǀ Map displaying Marine Protected Areas within and adjacent to the NIFCA district. Red

dotted line represents approximate boundary of newly designated Northumberland Marine SPA.

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2. Research Resources and Capabilities

2.1 Personnel

Northumberland IFCA has 16 members of staff comprised of a Chief Executive Officer, Chief Officer, six enforcement officers, three environmental officers and five office staff. Enforcement officers and partner organisations assist the environment team with the collection of data (see table 2).

The members of the Environmental team are: Deputy Chief Officer (Environmental) Jon Green: jon.green@nifca.gov.uk

Environmental & Scientific Officers: Natalie Wallace: Natalie.wallace@nifca.gov.uk Vicky Rae: Vicky.Rae@nifca.gov.uk

2.2 Working Groups

The environmental team sits on a variety of focus and working groups relevant to NIFCA’s work (Table 1).

Table 1 | Focus and working groups attended by environmental officers

Group Area Other members Frequency

IFCA Technical Advisory Group

National IFCAs Quarterly

Management of fisheries within MPAs working group

National MMO; IFCAs; Natural England

Monthly

Northumberland Rivers Catchment Partnership

Northumberland NRCP; Northumberland Wildlife Trust; Environment Agency; Port of Blyth; Tyne Rivers Trust; Natural England; Northumberland Coast AONB; Berwickshire and Northumberland Marine Nature Partnership

Quarterly

Joint Working Arrangement

Northumberland MMO; Natural England; Environment Agency

Annually

Berwickshire and Northumberland Marine Nature Partnership steering group

Northumberland Natural England; MMO; Northumberland Wildlife Trust; Berwick Harbour Commission; Eyemouth Harbour Trust; Scottish Natural

Quarterly

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Heritage; Scottish Borders Council; Environment Agency

Amble 2020 & Harbour Village

Amble Northumberland County Council, Amble Development Trust

Quarterly

Lindisfarne Joint Advisory Committee

Lindisfarne Natural England; Berwickshire and Northumberland Marine Nature Partnership; British Association for Shooting and Conservation; Royal Yachting Association; RSPB, Environment Agency

Biannual

Cullercoats Harbour Working Group

Cullercoats North Tyneside Council: local fishermen

Quarterly

North of the Tyne Fisheries Local Action Group (FLAG)

North Shields Fish Quay to Berwick-upon-Tweed

Lead partner Northumberland County Council; North Tyneside Council; MMO; NE; Newcastle University; Local fishing sector (fishermen and wholesalers);

2 – 3 months

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2. Research and Environmental Projects for 2017-2018.

Table 2 ǀ List of all research projects planned from May 2017 to end of April 2018. Rows highlighted in YELLOW represent new projects for this year. Rows

highlighted in RED represent projects proposed at time of this document production but are not confirmed.

Task Area Designation(s) Frequency Objective(s) Methodology Resource Requirements Collaborative

partner(s)

Fisheries Management Stock Assessments

NIFCA District; Lobster Fishery

All Weekly (Sept 2017- Sept 2018)

Assess lobster stock status and exploitation levels based on size distribution and sex ratio of lobster catches.

Observer trips carried out on 4 fishing vessels from North Shields, Amble, Craster and Seahouses. All lobsters measured and non-target species recorded.

2 IFCOs Vernier calipers

Local Fishers

NIFCA District; Brown Crab Fishery

All Weekly (Sept 2017- Sept 2018)

Assess brown crab stock status and exploitation levels based on size distribution and sex ratio of brown crab catches.

Methodology of survey to be decided. EIFCOs to begin consultations with local fishers to define a suitable method.

EIFCOs

Local Fishers

Wholesalers Survey

All Weekly (April 2017 – on going)

Assess shellfish stock status and exploitation levels, collecting landings data.

Site visit to wholesalers in North Shields, Blyth, Amble, Berwick and Eyemouth. All

EIFCOs Vernier calipers Weighing Scales

Local Wholesalers

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lobsters, brown and velvet crabs measured and weight recorded.

Fleet & Quayside Sampling

All Weekly (Jan 2017 – on going)

To survey every shellfish permit holder at least once over a 12 month period.

Measurements taken from all lobsters landed or in fleet as part of inspections. Also collected soak time, number of pots hauled and bait used.

2 IFCOs Vernier Calipers RIB (TT ST. Aidan/

Bravo 1)

Local Fishers

Escape gap study

NIFCA district All Alternative months (August 2016 – June 2017)

Assess the effects of escape gaps on shellfish landings locally, to inform fishing industry and future management of potting fishery.

Setting fleets of pots fitted with escape gaps on alternative pots; analysing and comparing catches between pots with escape gaps and pots without.

4- 5 people PV St. Aidan Fleet 10 parlour

pots (x2) 20 escape gaps Vernier calipers Fish boxes

Local fishermen; Newcastle University

Fisheries Management Plans

NIFCA District- Lobster fishery

All On-going Desk-based Documents to outline all aspects of species specific fishery containing research plans, data deficiencies and monitoring &

EIFCOs

NIFCA District- Brown Crab fishery

All Start 2017

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NIFCA District- Velvet Crab fishery

All Start 2017 control plans etc.

V-Notching Scheme

NIFCA District All July 2017- October 2017

1,000 egg bearing female lobsters v-notched protecting breeding population of fishery.

Berried hens purchased from wholesalers, v-notched, measured, and transported by Bravo 1 to suitable hard ground habitats. V notched lobster released evenly throughout the four sectors of NIFCA district.

3 IFCOs Bravo 1 RIB Vernier Calipers Fish boxes V-notch clippers

Local wholesalers Local fishers

Mussel Surveys

Fenham Flats

Lindisfarne SPA; Lindisfarne SSSI

Annual; March 2018

Monitor size distribution, density and spatial extent of mussels

Defra ‘Walker and Nicholson’

6 people Sieves (x2) 1m2 sediment corer

(x2) Fork/trowel (x2) Handheld GPS Vernier calipers Electronic weighing

scales Buckets

Natural England; Environment Agency; Berwickshire and Northumberland Marine Nature Partnership

Blyth Estuary Northumberland SSSI

4 monthly (July, November, March)

Monitor size distribution, density and spatial extent of mussels at 3 sites* (6 areas)

Dutch wand 4-6 IFCOs Dutch wand Sieves (x2) Fork/trowel (x2) Handheld GPS Vernier calipers

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*Survey expanded with addition of 1 site (2 areas).

Electronic weighing scales

Buckets

Marine Environment Surveys

Fish surveys

Aln Estuary

Aln Estuary MCZ Bi-Annual (May & October)

Analyse size and species composition of fish communities and identify seasonal migratory trends.

TrAC survey 6 people Fyke Nets (x2) Beach Seine net Inflatable dinghy YSI water probe Measuring stick Buckets Handheld GPS

Natural England; Environment Agency; The Rivers Trust

To Be decided Monthly Analyse size and species composition of fish communities and identify seasonal trends.

TrAC survey

8 people Beach seine net Beam Trawl Bravo 1 RIB Net hauler Measuring board Buckets Handheld GPS YSI water probe

Committee members; Natural England; Environment Agency; Wildlife Trust; Students

Royal Quays Marine

Weekly. May 2017 to Oct 2017

Assess presence and population size of European sandeel population within the marina

Prawn pots baited and set in marina by PV. Species composition and fish lengths recorded.

2 IFCOs Prawn pot Fyke net Measuring board Bucket YSI water probe

Royal Quays Marina

Beam Trawl (Bass nursery grounds)

Coquet to St. Mary’s MCZ

Monthly (August 2017 to Dec 2017)

Assess presence and population size of Sea Bass in designated

Approx. 200m Beam Trawl transects towed by Bravo 1. All species

Beam Trawl Bravo 1 RIB Min 3 people Measuring stick

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nursery grounds identified and lengths recorded.

Net hauler YSI Probe Buckets Camera

North East Beached Bird Survey

Druridge Bay Coquet to St. Mary’s MCZ

Monthly Analyse rates, and identify causes, of bird fatalities within the NIFCA district.

1km beach walks; any dead birds recorded and measured; auk species and fulmars submitted for dissection

2 people Measuring ruler Camera

North East Beached Bird Survey

Beadnell Bay BNNC SAC Northumbria Coast SPA

Broadscale habitat mapping

NIFCA district All Weekly Collect high resolution seabed habitat maps within NIFCA district.

Operating WASSP multibeam sonar during routine patrols

3 people PV St. Aidan WASSP multibeam

Natural England; Newcastle University

Grab

Sampling

BNNC SAC Coquet to St Mary’s MCZ

BNNC SAC Coquet to St Mary’s MCZ Northumberland Marine SPA

May 2017 & Sept 2017

Pilot survey May

2017 to

familiarise IFCOs

with equipment.

September survey

to collect data for

benthic and

burrowing

species

composition

analysis & Particle

Sediment Analysis

Survey sites to be

selected from

broadscale habitat

mapping project

(see above).

Samples are

examined in grab

to ensure true

representation and

photo taken. PSA

core sample

removed using

Min 5 people PV St Aidan Offset Day Grab Van Veen Grab 5mm & 1mm sieve Tweezers Syringe Sample bags Formaldehyde Camera Labels

Porcupine Marine Natural History Society; Natural England

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by Porcupine

Marine Natural

History Society in

MCZ and/ or SAC.

syringe (approx.

20ml). Sample

sieved through a

5mm then 1mm

mesh and all

organisms placed

in formaldehyde

solution for

analysis.

Fishery Impact Assessments in Marine Protected Areas

Northumber

land Marine

SPA

Northumberland Marine SPA BNNC SAC Lindisfarne SPA Farne Is SPA Coquet Is SPA

On- going to Dec 2018

Assess levels of fishing activity and impacts on bird species and supporting habitats to determine whether additional management is required.

Desk- based Enviro IFCOs Natural England; National Trust; RSPB; Northumberland Wildlife Trust; Marine Conservation Society

Aln Estuary

MCZ

Aln Estuary MCZ On- going to Dec 2017

Assess levels of fishing activity and impacts to designated habitats to determine whether additional management is required.

Desk- based Enviro IFCOs Natural England

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Coquet to St

Mary’s MCZ

Coquet to St Mary’s MCZ Northumbria Coast SPA

On- going to Jan 2018

Assess levels of fishing activity and impacts to designated habitats to determine whether additional management is required.

Desk- based Enviro IFCOs Natural England

Monitoring

of bait

collection

activity in all

EMS sites

NIFCA district BNNC SAC Tweed Est SAC Lindisfarne SPA Farne Is SPA Coquet Is SPA North Coast SPA

On-going to Dec 2018

Monitor bait

collection activity

throughout

district and

identify hotspots

to inform

Habitats

Regulations

Assessment in

2017/18.

NIFCA officer

observations of

bait collection

activity within

NIFCA district.

All IFCOs Natural England; The fishing industry; NIFCA; Newcastle University

Monitoring

& Control

Plans

NIFCA District All MPAs

Jan – Feb 2018

Collate and

analyse data to

assess levels of

fishing activities

and conservation

status of

designated

features.

Desk-based EIFCOs NIFCA; RSPB; National Trust; Marine Conservation Society; NEBBS; MMO; Natural England

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Table 3 ǀ Time frames of research projects, data analysis and report writing

Survey May 17 Jun 17 Jul 17 Aug 17 Sept 17 Oct 17 Nov 17 Dec 17 Jan 18 Feb 18 Mar 18 Apr 18 Fisheries Management

Lobster Stock Assessment

Brown Crab Stock Assessment Proposed start time

Wholesaler Surveys

Fleet & quayside sampling

Escape Gap Survey

Fisheries Management Plans (x3)

V-notching Scheme

Mussel Surveys

Fenham Flats

Blyth

Fish Surveys

Aln Estuary

New site to be confirmed Monthly surveys

Royal Quays Marina

Beam Trawl: Bass nursery ground

Environment Monitoring

NEBBS- Druridge

NEBBS- Beadnell

Broadscale Habitat Mapping

Grab Sampling

MPA Assessments

Northumberland Marine SPA

Aln Estuary MCZ

Coquet to St Mary’s MCZ

Bait Collection

Monitoring & Control Plans

Key Field work

Data analysis/ Report writing

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3. Collaborative research projects 3.1 Newcastle University

Paula Lightfoot

Status: PhD due to complete in 2017 Study: Object-based image analysis of multi-resolution remote sensing data to map and monitor subtidal and intertidal rocky reef habitats in North Sea MPAs (specifically Coquet – St. Marys MCZ).

Ashleigh Tinlin Status: PhD due to complete in 2017 Study: effects of collection of Littorina littorea (winkle) and Arenicola marina (lugworm) from sandy/muddy shores within the BNNC EMS, based on social and ecological field data on the extent and locations of activities, potential effects on the target species and associated communities.

Charles Rhodes (2nd year Marine Biology student)

Status: Report due summer 2017 Study: Repeat 2016 questionnaire to assess changes in attitude of Northumberland fishermen towards the use of escape gaps on lobster pots.

Christie Powell (International Marine Environmental Consultancy MSc student)

Status: Report due September 2017 Study: The effects of pot size on CPUE calculations and possible resulting impacts to fisheries management.

Amy Mchugh (International Marine Environmental Consultancy MSc student)

Status: Report due September 2017 Study: Long-term change in Northumberland trawler fisheries using historic and contemporary data.

Nick Brodin (Mphil student)

Status: Report due December 2018 Study: The factors driving food provisioning in Little Tern Sternula albifrons

3.2 Manchester University

Graeme Fox (PhD) Status: Currently unknown, EIFCOs currently trying to re-establish contact. Study: Assessing genetic structure of lobster stocks (and identifying stock ‘units’). Tissue samples from lobster pleopods taken and submitted to Manchester University for genetic analysis

3.3 Internship

Anna Blaylock (MSc Evolution, ecology and Systematics, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich) Status: Summer 2017 Study: Modelling and statistical analysis of NIFCA 2014/16 lobster stock data.

4. Partnership Working

The Research and Environmental Projects outline the key pieces of work that will be taking place within Northumberland throughout the course of this year. Partnership working is crucial for the effectiveness for all IFCAs. Key partner organisations for the NIFCA’s research and environment team include our funding authorities-Northumberland County Council and North Tyneside County Council-The Marine Management Organisation, Natural England, The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), the Environment Agency, local biodiversity partnerships, and wildlife NGOs including the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Wildlife Trusts. In addition, the NIFCA benefits from collaborating with other relevant authorities on the management groups for the Berwickshire and Northumberland Marine Partnership within the district.

5. Research Equipment

NIFCA has a variety of equipment which may be utilised to undertake research to fulfil the work priorities outlined in this plan. Details of NIFCA’s vessels and equipment available to undertake research are outlined in Tables 4 & 5.

Table 4 | Description of NIFCA vessels

Vessel Description

Patrol Vessel St. Aidan

- Built 2014/2015 at Goodchild Marine (Great Yarmouth)

- 16metre GRP Catamaran - Top Speed 23knts - Multi-Purpose Enforcement/Survey Vessel - Carries 5.3m RIB onboard (TT St. Aidan),

deployed via A-frame on stern - Without RIB, ‘A’ frame can be used to carryout

grab-sampling, trawling and towing of multi beam equipment.

- 1.5ton starboard pot hauler - Wet-lab - Electronics include: Olex, WASSP Multi Beam,

Nav-net and 2 computer stations.

T.T. St. Aidan

- Built 2014/2015 - On-board P.V. St. Aidan - 5.3metre Ribcraft - 60 HP Suzuki outboard engine - Multi-purpose RIB used primarily for

enforcement boardings but can also be used for close inshore survey work e.g. towing a Starfish or Side-scan Sonar.

Bravo 1

- 7metre shore-based RIB (Ribcraft) - Twin 70 HP Suzuki outboard engines - Launched from 4 locations in district - Multi-purpose, used for enforcement and survey

work e.g. deploying/recovering beach seine net - Fore Net hauler

Inflatable dinghy

- Flat bottomed - Outboard engine - Used for estuary surveys

Table 5 | Inventory and description of NIFCA survey equipment

Equipment category

Item description

Positional Garmin etrex 20 handheld GPS

Garmin map 60Cx handheld GPS

Acoustic Starfish Sidescan 452F Including 50metres of tow cable and software key for Sonar TRX mosaic program

Furuno WASSP 160F multibeam system (St. Aidan)

Video & stills Olympus Tough digital camera 2.1m shockproof, 10m waterproof

2 x GoPro 3+ black edition camera with accessories

Sony HDR 260 8.9 megapixel camera Seapro waterproof housing Colour filters, L.E.D. light rig and two laser scale pointers Aluminium ‘drift’ frame

Panasonic HC-X920 20 megapixel video camera Seapro waterproof housing Colour filters, L.E.D. light rig and two laser scale pointers

Aluminium ‘drop’ frame

Waterproof Seapro housing To install GoPro camera (for live surface feed)

60 metres umbilical cable

160 metres umbilical cable (with video amplifier)

Surface box: GPS and text overlay, Lyyn Hawk video enhancer, Pinnacle dazzle HD screen capture card, 7 inch LED screen, Getac fully rugged laptop including additional storage

Seabed sampling

0.1m2 offset Day grab and stand

0.1m2 Van Veen grab

Grab table, damper and separator

Deploy & recovery

Rib-mounted North Lift NH200 electric pot/net hauler (Bravo 1)

1000kg lift A-frame (St. Aidan)

1000kg Spencer Carter pot hauler

1000kg Spencer Carter trawl winch with 200 metres warp

Fishing equipment

Assortment of lobster pots, ropes, anchors and buoys

Standard estuary survey seine net Estuary Survey Seine Net 43m x 4m deep – 210/12 6.5mm & 14mm

Sand eel seine net Knotless netting, fully rigged, in 17mm, 10mm and 5mm in the centre. Five Panels per net, 25 yards x 6ft deep

2 x Standard fyke nets (including anchors and buoys) 7-hoop large double dee fyke net 10 & 14mm – 100cm x (2 x 5.3mtrs) – 32ft Leader

Fish storage buckets, air pumps, measuring boards and hand nets

Water parameter

YSI 650 Professional Plus handheld multiparameter meter

Intertidal survey

2 x ‘Dutch wand’

2 x 6mm mesh aluminium sieve

2 x 1m2 stainless steel quadrat

6. References

Clark, S. 2012. Devon and Severn Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority Annual Research Plan 2012-2013. Brixham. Devon and Severn Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority. Data Protection Act (1998), London, http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1998/29/contents DEFRA (2011a) Guidance to Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities on monitoring and evaluation, and measuring performance, DEFRA, London, pp. 25. DEFRA (2011b) Guidance to Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authorities on their contribution to the achievement of sustainable development, DEFRA, London, pp. 13 Jessop, R W 2013. Eastern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority Research Report 2013.King’s Lynn. Eastern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority. Natural England (2010) European Marine Site Risk Review, Natural England Research Report NERR038, pp.40The Marine and Coastal Access Act (2009), HMSO, London, pp. 347 http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2009/23/contents The Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations (2010), Statutory Instruments No. 490, Wildlife and Countryside, HMSO, London, pp.96