Live Wrasse Fishery
A fishery for live wrasse species has developed in the Southern IFC District since 2015. Live wrasse are bought by salmon farms in Scotland to use as a biological alternative to the chemical treatment for lice. Fishing activity is predominantly based around the ports of Weymouth and Portland and incorporates the use of fish traps and rod and line techniques to target ballan wrasse (
The fishery is managed by Southern IFCA by way of
Fishery Guidance measures
. These measures were implemented in 2017 in collaboration with the industry to address sustainability concerns. They were chosen to protect the long-term sustainability of wrasse populations and to maximise the enjoyment of the species by other users. Measures include Europe’s most restrictive minimum and maximum wrasse sizes, a prohibition on the removal of cuckoo wrasse (
Labrus mixtus
), a network of ‘No Take’ and a ‘No Potting Zones’, a maximum fishing depth restriction, pot limits and a closed season. Participants are required to submit monthly catch data and are subject to regular compliance inspections by Southern IFCA Officers.
In addition to the Fishery Guidance measures, the fishery is managed by way of a
Monitoring and Control Plan (M & CP)
. Section seven of the M & CP describes ‘Triggers for Assessment’. Each year the fishery is closely monitored during the season and following the seasons completion in accordance with the M & CP. If trigger points are reached then a review of the fishery is to be activated in line with Section 8.0 of the M&C Plan.
