Analysis of existing data to study effects of towed fishing gears

Determining whether change to a feature within a Marine Protected Area (MPA) has occurred from natural variation or has arisen from anthropogenic impacts, such as from towed mobile gear, is a question that is particularly prudent during the current phase of implementing management measures for UK MPAs. Management decisions need to be based on sound evidence and understanding and meet the conservation objective caveat “subject to natural change/processes”. The aims of this project are to, (i) review and recommen...