Scientists, mussel farmers, and fishers along the Devon and Dorset coast are embarking on a groundbreaking tagging project this month as part of the Ropes to Reefs initiative. Funded through the Fisheries Industry Science Partnership (FISP) scheme under the UK Seafood Fund, this project aims to assess the broader impacts of the UK’s first large-scale offshore mussel farm in Lyme Bay.
Led by scientists at the University of Plymouth in collaboration with partners like Offshore Shellfish Ltd, Scallop Ranch Ltd, Biome Algae Ltd, and various fishing and conservation organisations, the project seeks to fill knowledge gaps on fishes and crustaceans in the region.
In March, tagging work commences with lobsters, followed by thornback ray, black bream, and thick-lipped mullet over the coming months. This research will provide insights into the movements and habitats of these species around the mussel farm, critical for understanding the farm’s impact on local fisheries.
Offshore Shellfish managing director John Holmyard emphasises the environmental benefits of offshore mussel farming, including minimal environmental footprint and positive ecosystem services. The project utilises cost-effective remote sampling techniques and innovative technology, such as echo sounder and multibeam sonar, to monitor the seabed and ocean around the farm.
Greg Clifford, director of Scallop Ranch Ltd, highlights the importance of understanding how the farm interacts with the ecosystem, underscoring the significance of low-trophic aquaculture in modern food production.
The Ropes to Reefs project represents a collaborative effort to advance scientific knowledge and inform sustainable management strategies, demonstrating the potential of offshore aquaculture to benefit both food production and environmental conservation.
