Fisheries and Aquaculture Journal
Open Access

Matthew J Witt

Publications

• Research Article
  Have Centuries of Inefficient Fishing Sustained a Wild Oyster Fishery: a Case Study
  Author(s): Stephen Long*, Richard Ffrench-Constant, Kristian Metcalfe and Matthew J Witt Stephen Long*, Richard Ffrench-Constant, Kristian Metcalfe and Matthew J Witt
  
  The native European flat oyster (Ostrea edulis) has declined throughout its range, due to over-exploitation, a situation mirrored in oyster stocks globally. There are three remaining oyster fisheries in England (Fal, Solent, and Thames Estuary). The Fal oyster fishery though employs traditional methods, using hand-hauled dredges from rowing punts or under sail and is home to the last commercial sailing fleet in Europe. Against a backdrop of temporary closures to protect dwindling stocks in the Solent and Thames Estuary, this study considers whether the longevity of the Fal oyster fishery is linked to the traditional methods that have been employed for centuries. Using GPS tracking in combination with on board observers, we demonstrate that dredging under sail is inefficient compared to more modern mechanically powered methods that are utilised elsewhere. A review of historical landing.. View More»
  DOI: 10.4172/2150-3508.1000198

  Abstract PDF

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