Findings from my MSc thesis suggest that commercial potting within Skomer Marine Conservation Zone may be having an impact on the benthic communities. I think it is really important that commercial potting is not overlooked as a detrimental fishing practice. There's been limited research into how commercial potting affects these communities as the main focus has previously been on trawling.
It would be great if a no potting zone was set up within the MCZ and also to use this zone as a control to really investigate whether commercial potting is having a significant impact on the communities.
Findings from my MSc thesis suggest that commercial potting within Skomer Marine Conservation Zone may be having an impact on the benthic communities. I think it is really important that commercial potting is not overlooked as a detrimental fishing practice. There's been limited research into how commercial potting affects these communities as the main focus has previously been on trawling.
It would be great if a no potting zone was set up within the MCZ and also to use this zone as a control to really investigate whether commercial potting is having a significant impact on the communities.