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Fishing's effect on ecosystems

Fishing activities are no longer seen in isolation from the environment.

Our scientists have extensive expertise in the assessment and wider implications of fishing-related activities on marine environments. Examples of our services in support of this topic include:

  • assessing environmental impacts using a range of data, for example from aerial and vessel-management surveillance
  • monitoring and modelling the effects on non-target and vulnerable species, and on habitats 
  • gathering evidence of biodiversity, and ecosystem structure and function
  • describing and designating habitats and biotopes
  • assessing the implications of, and advising on, relevant legislation and regulations
  • working with the Marine Stewardship Council accreditation scheme for sustainable fisheries.

Our scientists are also members of the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) working group on the ecosystem effects of fishing activities. Thus they are lending their expertise and voice to advice offered at an international level.

For more about our work in this area, please contact us.

© Crown Copyright 2012
Last Modified: 24 June 2011