Inshore waters - regulated commercial use of traps/pots to catch wrasse: fisheries assessment
A fisheries assessment of how the Scottish inshore wild wrasse fishery interacts with the Marine Protected Areas network.
2. Assessment of the wrasse fishery on rocky reefs in SACs
This assessment considers the targeted removal of wrasse and their role as part of rocky reefs and the associated ecosystem. It also considers the impact of the use of the fishing gear (traps) on rocky reefs.
2.1 Sites affected
The following 17 SACs have rocky reef as a protected feature. Due to the association of wrasse with rocky reefs there could be an interaction with the wrasse fishery in these sites.
Dornoch Firth and Morrich More SAC
Lochs Duich, Long and Alsh Reefs SAC
Sites where Conservation and Management Advice (CMA) is not yet publicly available are marked with *
2.2 High-level Conservation Objectives
The high-level conservation objectives for all the sites are:
1. To ensure that the reefs are in favourable condition and make an appropriate contribution to achieving Favourable Conservation Status.
2. To ensure that the integrity of the site is maintained/restored in the context of environmental changes by meeting objectives 2a, 2b and 2c:
2a. Extent and distribution of reefs within the site.
2b. Structure and function of reefs and the supporting environment on which it relies.
2c. Distribution and viability of typical species of reefs.
Site specific advice is given in the relevant CMA.
2.3 Is the plan or project directly connected with or necessary to the site management for nature conservation?
No, in this assessment, commercial wrasse fishing activity taking place within the site is the plan or project and is not directly connected or necessary to the site management for nature conservation.
2.4 Screening for likely significant effect (LSE)
2.4.1 Fishing activities considered capable of affecting the qualifying/classified features
Commercial fishing – static gear (traps)
Site
Firth of Lorn; Dornoch Firth & Morrich More; East Mingulay; Isle of May; Loch Laxford; Lochs Duich, Long & Alsh; Loch nam Madadh; Mousa; North Rona; Papa Stour; Sanday; Sound of Barra; Sullom Voe; Treshnish Isles
Advice to support management
Reduce or limit pressures – measures should be considered for fishing with static gear (traps)
Relevant pressures
Removal of target species (including lethal), surface abrasion, removal of non-target species (including lethal)
Site
St Kilda
Advice to support management
No additional management required
Relevant pressures
Removal of target species (including lethal), surface abrasion, removal of non-target species (including lethal)
Site
Solway Firth, Sunart
Advice to support management
CMA not publicly available
Relevant pressures
Removal of target species (including lethal), surface abrasion, removal of non-target species (including lethal)
2.4.2 Potential effect mechanisms from fishing with static gear (wrasse traps) and likely significant effect conclusions on rocky reef feature
Sites where fishing activity has occurred and where there is an indication of future demand.
Site
Firth of Lorn SAC
Advice to support management - Static gear
Reduce or limit pressures is recommended
Potential interaction with the wrasse fishery (typically <10m depth)
Potential interaction with shallower records. Feature extends from the shore down to depths of more than 200m.
Removal of target species (including lethal)
LSE
Surface abrasion
LSE
Removal of non-target species (including lethal)
LSE
Site
Loch nam Madadh SAC
Advice to support management - Static gear
Reduce or limit pressures should be considered for fishing with static gear including for wrasse.
Potential interaction with the wrasse fishery (typically <10m depth)
Potential interaction with shallower records.
Removal of target species (including lethal)
LSE
Surface abrasion
LSE
Removal of non-target species (including lethal)
LSE
Sites where no recent recorded wrasse fishing activity has occurred and there is no indication that there will be a future demand. From 2025, no wrasse fishing activity will be authorised in the sites below unless following appropriate review of this assessment.
Site
Dornoch Firth and Morrich More SAC
Advice to support management - Static gear
Reduce or limit pressure should be considered
Potential interaction with the wrasse fishery (typically <10m depth)
No interaction – no fishery currently permitted
Removal of target species (including lethal)
N/A
Surface abrasion
N/A
Removal of non-target species (including lethal)
N/A
Site
East Mingulay SAC
Advice to support management - Static gear
Lophelia pertusa reef - remove or avoid pressures
Rocky reef - Management measures to reduce or limit static fishing gear from rocky reefs should be considered
Potential interaction with the wrasse fishery (typically <10m depth)
No interaction – no fishery currently permitted
Removal of target species (including lethal)
N/A
Surface abrasion
N/A
Removal of non-target species (including lethal)
N/A
Site
Isle of May SAC
Advice to support management - Static gear
Reduce or limit pressures should be considered
Potential interaction with the wrasse fishery (typically <10m depth)
No interaction – no fishery currently permitted
Removal of target species (including lethal)
N/A
Surface abrasion
N/A
Removal of non-target species (including lethal)
N/A
Site
Loch Laxford SAC
Advice to support management - Static gear
Reduce or limit pressures should be considered for fishing with static gear including for wrasse.
Potential interaction with the wrasse fishery (typically <10m depth)
No interaction – no fishery currently permitted
Removal of target species (including lethal)
N/A
Surface abrasion
N/A
Removal of non-target species (including lethal)
N/A
Site
Lochs Duich, Long and Alsh Reefs SAC
Advice to support management - Static gear
Reduce or limit pressures should be considered
Potential interaction with the wrasse fishery (typically <10m depth)
No interaction – no fishery currently permitted
Removal of target species (including lethal)
N/A
Surface abrasion
N/A
Removal of non-target species (including lethal)
N/A
Site
Mousa SAC
Advice to support management - Static gear
Reduce or limit pressures should be considered
Potential interaction with the wrasse fishery (typically <10m depth)
No interaction – no fishery currently permitted
Removal of target species (including lethal)
N/A
Surface abrasion
N/A
Removal of non-target species (including lethal)
N/A
Site
North Rona SAC
Advice to support management - Static gear
Reduce or limit pressures should be considered
Potential interaction with the wrasse fishery (typically <10m depth)
No interaction – no fishery currently permitted
Removal of target species (including lethal)
N/A
Surface abrasion
N/A
Removal of non-target species (including lethal)
N/A
Site
Papa Stour SAC
Advice to support management - Static gear
Reduce or limit pressures should be considered
Potential interaction with the wrasse fishery (typically <10m depth)
No interaction – no fishery currently permitted
Removal of target species (including lethal)
N/A
Surface abrasion
N/A
Removal of non-target species (including lethal)
N/A
Site
Sanday SAC
Advice to support management - Static gear
Reduce or limit pressures should be considered
Potential interaction with the wrasse fishery (typically <10m depth)
No interaction – no fishery currently permitted
Removal of target species (including lethal)
N/A
Surface abrasion
N/A
Removal of non-target species (including lethal)
N/A
Site
Solway Firth SAC
Advice to support management - Static gear
CMA not publicly available
Potential interaction with the wrasse fishery (typically <10m depth)
No interaction – no fishery currently permitted
Removal of target species (including lethal)
N/A
Surface abrasion
N/A
Removal of non-target species (including lethal)
N/A
Site
Sound of Barra SAC
Advice to support management - Static gear
Reduce or limit pressures should be considered for fishing with static gear including for wrasse.
Potential interaction with the wrasse fishery (typically <10m depth)
No interaction – no fishery currently permitted
Removal of target species (including lethal)
N/A
Surface abrasion
N/A
Removal of non-target species (including lethal)
N/A
Site
Sullom Voe SAC
Advice to support management - Static gear
Reduce or limit pressures should be considered for fishing with static gear including for wrasse.
Potential interaction with the wrasse fishery (typically <10m depth)
No interaction – no fishery currently permitted
Removal of target species (including lethal)
N/A
Surface abrasion
N/A
Removal of non-target species (including lethal)
N/A
Site
St Kilda SAC
Advice to support management - Static gear
No additional management required
Potential interaction with the wrasse fishery (typically <10m depth)
No interaction – no fishery currently permitted
Removal of target species (including lethal)
N/A
Surface abrasion
N/A
Removal of non-target species (including lethal)
N/A
Site
Sunart SAC
Advice to support management - Static gear
CMA not publicly available
Potential interaction with the wrasse fishery (typically <10m depth)
No interaction – no fishery currently permitted
Removal of target species (including lethal)
N/A
Surface abrasion
N/A
Removal of non-target species (including lethal)
N/A
Likely significant effect has been concluded for:
Removal of target species (including lethal) within Firth of Lorn SAC and Loch nam Madadh SAC.
Surface abrasion within Firth of Lorn SAC and Loch nam Madadh SAC.
Removal of non-target species (including lethal) within Firth of Lorn SAC and Loch nam Madadh SAC.
No likely significant effect has been concluded for:
Removal of target species (including lethal) within Dornoch Firth and Morrich More SAC; East Mingulay SAC; Isle of May SAC; Loch Laxford SAC; Lochs Duich, Long and Alsh Reefs SAC; Mousa SAC; North Rona SAC; Papa Stour SAC; Sanday SAC; Solway Firth SAC; Sound of Barra SAC; Sullom Voe SAC; Treshnish Isles SAC; St Kilda SAC and Sunart SAC as there is currently no fishery within these sites and no wrasse fishing activity will be authorised in these sites unless following appropriate review of this assessment.
Surface abrasion within Dornoch Firth and Morrich More SAC; East Mingulay SAC; Isle of May SAC; Loch Laxford SAC; Lochs Duich, Long and Alsh Reefs SAC; Mousa SAC; North Rona SAC; Papa Stour SAC; Sanday SAC; Solway Firth SAC; Sound of Barra SAC; Sullom Voe SAC; Treshnish Isles SAC; St Kilda SAC and Sunart SAC as there is currently no fishery within these sites and no wrasse fishing activity will be authorised in these sites unless following appropriate review of this assessment.
Removal of non-target species (including lethal) within Dornoch Firth and Morrich More SAC; East Mingulay SAC; Isle of May SAC; Loch Laxford SAC; Lochs Duich, Long and Alsh Reefs SAC; Mousa SAC; North Rona SAC; Papa Stour SAC; Sanday SAC; Solway Firth SAC; Sound of Barra SAC; Sullom Voe SAC; Treshnish Isles SAC; St Kilda SAC and Sunart SAC as there is currently no fishery within these sites and no wrasse fishing activity will be authorised in these sites unless following appropriate review of this assessment.
2.5 Appropriate Assessment: Assessment of implications of fishing activity on rocky reefs in view of the conservation objectives
2.5.1 Extent and distribution of habitat within the site
Firth of Lorn SAC
Site Specific Advice:
Maintain the current extent and distribution of all rocky reefs within the site.
Assessment of risk from identified effect mechanisms:
The area of rocky reef within the site is 10,475 ha. Large areas of bedrock, boulder and cobble reefs provide a variety of littoral and sublittoral habitats throughout the Firth of Lorn. Rocky reefs extend from the shore down to depths of more than 200m in some areas close inshore on the west of the main island chain (Jura, Scarba, Lunga, Luing, Seil and Easdale). To the south-east of the Garvellachs the seabed slopes down gradually to a depth of 230m. On the west coast of the Garvellachs are extensive areas of sublittoral reefs of sheltered bedrock and boulders along with exposed rock faces.
Due to the physical nature of this habitat (hard bedrock and boulders/cobbles) it is not expected that the reef would change in its extent, or modify its distribution in a significant way through interaction with static gear.
Fishing for wrasse with static gear is not considered to undermine this objective in Firth of Lorn SAC.
Loch nam Madadh SAC
Site Specific Advice:
Maintain the current extent and distribution of reefs within the site.
Assessment of risk from identified effect mechanisms:
The area of reef within the site is predicted as 74ha (Miller et al., 2017). Loch nam Madadh’s reef habitats and associated communities vary from the exposed outer margins and deep water reefs to the sheltered inner basins, narrow shallow channels, tidal rapids and reefs that extend into the intertidal areas. The site contains a large number of inlets, islands and channels encompassing reef including within the two major tidal rapids at Leireabhagh and Sponais.
Due to the physical nature of this habitat (hard bedrock and boulders/cobbles) it is not expected that the reef would change in its extent, or modify its distribution in a significant way through interaction with static gear.
Fishing for wrasse with static gear is not considered to undermine this objective for Loch nam Madadh SAC.
2.5.2 Structure and function of habitat and supporting environment on which it relies
Firth of Lorn SAC
Site Specific Advice:
Maintain the physical structure of the reefs within the site.
Assessment of risk from identified effect mechanisms:
The structure of reefs varies throughout the Firth of Lorn according to the local conditions of exposure and tidal flow. In less exposed and less tide swept areas kelps dominate the rocky reef reducing the wave action further in the intertidal and providing habitat for other encrusting organisms and food for grazers such as the common sea urchin. In more exposed tide swept areas, fauna such as soft corals and sponges dominate.
The area of reef within the 5-15m depth band which fishery operates in within this site is 7% of the total reef area within the site. Much of assessment of the impact on the reef features within the Firth of Lorn is reliant on fishing intensity information. This fishery is licensed from May to November. When considering the available fishable area of the protected feature (6.6km2) the level of activity proposed results in a density of creels (traps/pots) which is considered to be ‘low’ based on thresholds described in Rees et al. (2021). The use of creel limits (traps/pots) for licenced wrasse vessels and the licensing requirements for new vessels entering the fishery mean that this intensity will not change without due consideration of the impacts.
Due to the physical nature of this habitat (hard bedrock and boulders/cobbles) we would not expect the physical structure of the feature to change in a significant way from static fishing activity though the three-dimensional structure created by fauna and flora might.
Site Specific Advice:
Maintain the three-dimensional structure created by fauna and flora (e.g. kelp, sponges, sea fans) that are associated with reefs.
Assessment of risk from identified effect mechanisms:
There are strong associations between all wrasse species and shallow water, algae and kelp covered rocky reefs, wrasse are recognised as a significant component of coastal rocky reefs in UK and Northern European waters. Wrasse are thought to play an important role in maintaining balance in rocky and biogenic reef systems.
The removal of target species (wrasse) from rocky reefs could influence the three-dimensional structure created by fauna and flora due their predation on grazers. Wrasses tend to eat hard-bodied prey, with the relative proportions of food items consumed differing between species, and across sizes within a species. For example, larger ballan wrasse are capable of eating large bivalves which smaller individuals or other wrasse species cannot. Such niche partitioning between species has been found in Scotland, with the feeding activity of ballan wrasse thought to play an influential role in the ecological functioning of algae-covered rocky reefs (for example, preying on algivorous invertebrates thereby preventing overgrazing in algal habitats). A study from the Azores suggests ballan wrasse are an important predator of sea urchins and keep populations of these grazers in check on algal habitats (Figueiredo et al., 2005), however it is unknown if this function is also performed by ballan wrasse in Scotland.
Laminaria hyperborea biotopes are partially reliant on low (or no) populations of sea urchins, primarily the species; Echinus esculentus, Paracentrotus lividus and Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis, which graze directly on macroalgae, epiphytes and the understorey community. Removal of urchin predators such as wrasses may result in a shift away from Laminaria hyperborea biotopes.
Studies on the impact of creeling on rocky reefs show mixed findings, with some research indicating abrasion-related damage to epifaunal communities, while others suggest no measurable long-term effects. The effects are linked to sensitivity of the species and the intensity of fishing effort, with no studies finding measurable impacts in areas of low fishing intensity.
Stephenson et al. (2017) examined the effects of experimental creeling on Laminaria hyperborea kelp forests over 2 months. They found no decline in species abundance. They concluded that even where creeling activity causes damage to erect species, the frequency with which a creel would be expected to impact the same area twice means that species would be able to recover (recovery time given as 6–36 months) sufficiently between fishing events. This is particularly relevant for the wrasse fishery as it is time-limited (closed December to May). At low intensities such as those predicted for the Firth of Lorn SAC there is unlikely to be a long-lasting impact on rocky reef habitats as a result of abrasion.
Non-target removal of species, through fishing, may lead to impacts similar to abrasion. In some cases, removal of more sensitive features can lead to a change in the biotopes or a reduction of diversity. The significance of removal of a species may be linked to that species’ role. At low levels of fishing intensity there is unlikely to be an impact through non-target removal of species.
Most of the kelp biotopes within the 5-15m depth band (e.g. Laminaria hyperborea on tide-swept, infralittoral rock, mixed Laminaria hyperborea and Saccharina latissima forest on sheltered upper infralittoral rock, grazed Laminaria hyperboreaforest with coralline crusts on upper infralittoral rock) are of medium sensitivity to the removal of target species, abrasion and removal of non-target species.
Site Specific Advice:
Maintain the environmental conditions (processes) required to support healthy functioning reefs.
Assessment of risk from identified effect mechanisms:
Fishing gear is unlikely to influence the overall water body condition status or the environmental conditions (processes) required to support a healthy functioning reef.
Site Specific Advice:
Maintain the functions provided by reefs to the wider ecosystem.
Assessment of risk from identified effect mechanisms:
The functions provided by reefs to the wider ecosystems (except as a result of impacting the structure of the reef) could be impacted through impacts to the three dimensional structure created by the associated flora or through impacts and subsequent impacts to the distribution and viability of the typical species of the habitat. Reefs provide habitat for kelp, hydroids, crinoids, crustaceans and small fish which provide a consequential supply of larvae/gametes that are carried through currents to other reefs, so any impact on these species could impact reefs elsewhere. A healthy functioning reef particularly when supporting kelp beds and other macroalgal communities where biomass production is high, have a role in nutrient cycling. Healthy reefs also provide a natural resilience to invasive non-native species (INNS) and disease. The reefs at Firth of Lorn also provide a physical barrier and, when dominated by dense kelp, can have a particularly strong role in coastal protection (i.e. absorbing the force of waves and storm surges). At low levels of fishing intensity, it is unlikely that the functions provided by reefs to the wider ecosystem are impacted.
Since 2018, the Scottish Government introduced and has continued to develop and review management measures which regulate the wrasse fishery. The management regime, based on specific licensing conditions, is flexible in that it can swiftly react to new evidence and changing circumstances, more so than if conditions were legislative based.
While further information is required to be able to adequately understand the impact of removal of wrasse on the ecosystem, the low intensity of fishing proposed within the Firth of Lorn is unlikely to impact the structure and function of the reef feature.
Fishing for wrasse with static gear is not considered to undermine this objective in Firth of Lorn SAC.
Loch nam Madadh SAC
Site Specific Advice:
Maintain the physical structure of the reefs within the site including reefs within tidal rapids.
Assessment of risk from identified effect mechanisms:
The central part of Loch nam Madadh is characterised by strong tidal streams through narrow, shallow channels and the reefs are colonised by many species characteristic of exposed open coast conditions. Most of the channels comprise mixed boulders, stones and coarse sediments on bedrock, supporting dense kelp forests below which there is a rich red algal turf. Fauna found here include cup corals, worms, crustaceans, brittlestars, sea squirts, starfish and sea urchins.
The area of reef within the 5-10m depth band which fishery operates in within this site is 13% of the total reef area within the site. Much of assessment of the impact on the reef features within the Loch nam Madadh SAC is reliant on fishing intensity information. This fishery is licensed from May to November. When considering the available fishable area of the protected feature (0.08km2) the level of activity proposed results in a density of creels (traps/pots) which is considered to be ‘high’ based on thresholds described in Rees et al (2021) (although, habitats in the Rees study were fished continuously throughout the year whereas the wrasse fishery is closed from December to May so is not directly comparable).
Due to the physical nature of this habitat (hard bedrock and boulders/cobbles) we would not expect the physical structure of the feature to change in a significant way from static fishing activity though the three-dimensional structure created by fauna and flora might.
Site Specific Advice:
Maintain the three-dimensional structure created by fauna and flora (e.g. kelp, sponges, seafans) that are associated with this habitat.
Assessment of risk from identified effect mechanisms:
There are there are strong associations between all wrasse species and shallow water, algae and kelp covered rocky reefs, wrasse are recognised as a significant component of coastal rocky reefs in UK and Northern European waters. Wrasse are thought to play an important role in maintaining balance in rocky and biogenic reef systems.
The removal of target species (wrasse) from rocky reefs could influence the three-dimensional structure created by fauna and flora due their predation on grazers. Wrasses tend to eat hard-bodied prey, with the relative proportions of food items consumed differing between species, and across sizes within a species. For example, larger ballan wrasse are capable of eating large bivalves which smaller individuals or other wrasse species cannot. Such niche partitioning between species has been found in Scotland, with the feeding activity of ballan wrasse thought to play an influential role in the ecological functioning of algae-covered rocky reefs (for example, preying on algivorous invertebrates thereby preventing overgrazing in algal habitats). A study from the Azores suggests ballan wrasse are an important predator of sea urchins and keep populations of these grazers in check on algal habitats (Figueiredo et al., 2005), however it is unknown if this function is also performed by ballan wrasse in Scotland. Laminaria hyperborea biotopes are partially reliant on low (or no) populations of sea urchins, primarily the species; Echinus esculentus, Paracentrotus lividus and Strongylocentrotus droebachiensis, which graze directly on macroalgae, epiphytes and the understorey community. Removal of urchin predators such as wrasses may result in a shift away from Laminaria hyperborea biotopes. The introduction of minimum and maximum landing sizes has resulted in the protection of the larger Ballan wrasse, and will likely mitigate against an increase in algivorous invertebrates that might otherwise happen with removal of wrasses, particularly in areas with higher fishing intensities.
Studies on the impact of creeling on rocky reefs show mixed findings, with some research indicating abrasion-related damage to epifaunal communities, while others suggest no measurable long-term effects. The effects are linked to sensitivity of the species and the intensity of fishing effort. In areas with higher fishing intensities (such as those predicted for Loch nam Madadh SAC) there is a higher likelihood of an impact of abrasion on rocky reef habitats (Rees, 2021, Gall, 2020), although a number of studies found no impact of fishing with static gear on rocky reefs (Stephenson et al., 2017, Coleman et al., 2013, Eno et al., 2001) leading to uncertainty in the assessment.
Stephenson et al. (2017) examined the effects of experimental creeling on Laminaria hyperborea kelp forests over 2 months. They found no decline in species abundance. They concluded that even where creeling activity causes damage to erect species, the frequency with which a creel would be expected to impact the same area twice means that species would be able to recover (recovery time given as 6–36 months) sufficiently between fishing events. This is particularly relevant for the wrasse fishery as it is time-limited (closed December to May) which may limit the impact of the fishery even at high densities of creels (traps/pots).
Non-target removal of species, through fishing, may lead to impacts similar to abrasion. In some cases, removal of more sensitive features can lead to a change in the biotopes or a reduction of diversity. The significance of removal of a species may be linked to that species’ role. There is the potential for kelp or epifaunal organisms such as sponges to be entangled by static fishing gear or be drawn up during retrieval. At high levels of fishing intensity there is more likely to be an impact on non-target species, although there is no consensus within the literature on these impacts, leading to uncertainty in the assessment.
Most of the kelp biotopes within the 5-10m depth band (e.g. Laminaria hyperborea park and foliose red seaweeds on moderately exposed lower infralittoral rock, grazed Laminaria hyperborea forest with coralline crusts on upper infralittoral rock, mixed Laminaria hyperborea and Laminaria saccharina park on sheltered lower infralittoral rock) are of medium sensitivity to the removal of target species, abrasion and removal of non-target species.
Site Specific Advice:
Maintain the environmental conditions (processes) required to support healthy functioning reefs.
Assessment of risk from identified effect mechanisms:
Environmental conditions and supporting processes including water movement patterns, water quality, water clarity and nutrient cycling are important in maintaining reefs. Adjacent habitats play an important role in maintaining larval and gamete supplies to the reefs. The current status of these parameters provides suitable conditions for sustaining the reefs. A change in these environmental conditions could detrimentally affect the quality and variety and therefore functions of the reefs in the loch. Fishing with static gear is unlikely to influence the overall water body condition status or the environmental conditions (processes) required to support a healthy functioning reef.
Site Specific Advice:
Maintain the functions provided by reefs to the wider ecosystem.
Assessment of risk from identified effect mechanisms:
The key functions provided by reefs at Loch nam Madadh are: habitat for other species, larval/gamete supply, biomass production, nutrient cycling, carbon storage and climate regulation. Reef provides habitat for kelp, hydroids, crinoids, crustaceans and small fish which provide a consequential supply of larvae/gametes that are carried through currents to other reefs. A healthy functioning reef particularly when supporting kelp beds and other macroalgal communities where biomass production is high, have a role in nutrient cycling, carbon storage and climate regulation. Healthy reefs also provide a natural resilience to invasive non-native species (INNS) and disease. Fishing with static gear over 13% of the reef is unlikely to affect the key functions provided by reefs to the wider ecosystem, even at higher fishing intensities.
Since 2018, the Scottish Government introduced, and has continued to develop and review, management measures which regulate the wrasse fishery. The management regime, based on specific licensing conditions, is flexible in that it can swiftly react to new evidence and changing circumstances, more so than if conditions were legislative based.
Further information is required to be able to adequately understand the impact of removal of wrasse on the ecosystem, and the high intensity of fishing proposed on the protected feature within Loch nam Madadh SAC is likely to impact the structure and function of the reef.
There is potential for static gear fishing for wrasse to undermine the ability to maintain the three-dimensional structure created by fauna and flora (e.g. kelp, sponges, seafans) that are associated with the reef feature in Loch nam Madadh SAC.
2.5.3 Distribution and viability of the typical species of the habitat
Firth of Lorn SAC
Site specific advice:
Maintain the diversity, abundance and distribution of typical species associated with the reefs (including Tubularia indivisa, Corynactis viridis, sponges, Swiftia pallida, Lithophyllum incrustans as well as kelp species).
Assessment of risk from identified effect mechanisms:
Many of the impacts on kelp species and associated epifauna have been described above.
Wrasse species are recognised as vital components of temperate coastal rocky reef ecosystems, often forming specific associations with algae-covered reefs. Although the composition of wrasse assemblages varies seasonally in terms of abundance, these species consistently represent a significant portion of the resident fish community across various rocky reef habitats throughout the year (Magill & Sayer, 2002). Wrasse are among the most abundant fish species on shallow rocky reefs and coastlines in Northern Europe (Halvorsen et al., 2017a).
While individual wrasse species exhibit seasonal variation in abundance, they remain a prominent and consistent component of rocky reef habitats year-round. As such, wrasse can be considered typical species of rocky reefs and kelp beds.
A reduction in the abundance of any wrasse species may affect algae-covered rocky reefs by: (i) reducing the presence of key characteristic species (wrasse), (ii) altering benthic habitat and fish community structure, and (iii) disrupting the trophic structure of food webs associated with the reef feature.
The current management regime, based on specific licensing conditions, is designed to be adaptive and responsive to new evidence. Key measures include the introduction of minimum and maximum landing sizes. It is predicted that ballan wrasse, the primary commercial species in Scotland, will benefit from these measures which help protect both immature females and rare larger males. However, due to differences in life-history strategies among the five target species (e.g., maturation schedules), their susceptibility to overexploitation under the current regime is likely to vary.
Additional management measures include a closed season (December to May) and a requirement for traps to be fitted with escape panels to reduce bycatch. An analysis of the live wrasse fishery identified up to 60 coastal fish species potentially caught by the gear, although only five are used as cleaner fish. A risk assessment concluded that few of these species are at risk of overexploitation, as non-target species are returned to the sea using methods intended to preserve their health and welfare. To mitigate barotrauma, gear hauling speed is limited to six metres per minute, although compliance and the post-release survival of discards have not yet been evaluated.
Ballan and cuckoo wrasse are considered particularly vulnerable to overfishing, partly due to their long life histories and hermaphrodite biology (Pritchard et al., 2025b).
A recent study sampled approximately 1,800 Scottish ballan wrasse caught commercially. None were identified as males, suggesting that maximum landing sizes is effectively protecting larger males. Additionally, none of the sampled fish were spawning, indicating that the closed season is protecting spawning individuals. However, commercial fishing gear was found capable of capturing wrasse outside the designated size limits, potentially exposing wrasse to predation by larger non-target species within traps (Pritchard, 2025a).
Currently, there is no stock assessment for wrasse species or any stock information, and the number of individuals removed per haul remains unclear. Although proposed fishing in the Firth of Lorn involves low creeling (trap/pot) densities, it cannot be concluded that there is no effect on the diversity, abundance, and distribution of typical species – particularly given the concern around over exploitation of ballan wrasse.
There is potential for static gear fishing for wrasse to undermine the ability to maintain the diversity, abundance and distribution of typical species associated with reefs in Firth of Lorn SAC.
Loch nam Madadh SAC
Site Specific Advice:
Maintain the diversity, abundance and distribution of typical species associated with reefs in this site (including Axinella infundibuliformis, Swiftia palida and Caryophylia smithiias well as kelp forests).
Maintain the diversity, abundance and distribution of typical species associated with the reefs within the tidal rapids in this site (including kelp species, Halidrys siliquosa, sponges and anemones).
Assessment of risk from identified effect mechanisms:
Many of the impacts on kelp species and associated epifauna have been described above.
Wrasse species are recognised as vital components of temperate coastal rocky reef ecosystems, often forming specific associations with algae-covered reefs. Although the composition of wrasse assemblages varies seasonally in terms of abundance, these species consistently represent a significant portion of the resident fish community across various rocky reef habitats throughout the year (Magill & Sayer, 2002). Wrasse are among the most abundant fish species on shallow rocky reefs and coastlines in Northern Europe (Halvorsen et al., 2017a).
While individual wrasse species exhibit seasonal variation in abundance, they remain a prominent and consistent component of rocky reef habitats year-round. As such, wrasse can be considered typical species of rocky reefs and kelp beds.
A reduction in the abundance of any wrasse species may affect algae-covered rocky reefs by: (i) reducing the presence of key characteristic species (wrasse), (ii) altering benthic habitat and fish community structure, and (iii) disrupting the trophic structure of food webs associated with the reef feature.
The current management regime, based on specific licensing conditions, is designed to be adaptive and responsive to new evidence. Key measures include the introduction of minimum and maximum landing sizes. It is predicted that ballan wrasse, the primary commercial species in Scotland, will benefit from these measures which help protect both immature females and rare larger males. However, due to differences in life-history strategies among the five target species (e.g., maturation schedules), their susceptibility to overexploitation under the current regime is likely to vary.
Additional management measures include a closed season (December to May) and a requirement for traps to be fitted with escape panels to reduce bycatch. An analysis of the live wrasse fishery identified up to 60 coastal fish species potentially caught by the gear, although only five are used as cleaner fish. A risk assessment concluded that few of these species are at risk of overexploitation, as non-target species are returned to the sea using methods intended to preserve their health and welfare. To mitigate barotrauma, gear hauling speed is limited to six metres per minute, although compliance and the post-release survival of discards have not yet been evaluated.
Ballan and cuckoo wrasse are considered particularly vulnerable to overfishing, partly due to their long life histories and hermaphrodite biology (Pritchard et al., 2025b).
A recent study sampled approximately 1,800 Scottish ballan wrasse caught commercially. None were identified as males, suggesting that maximum landing sizes is effectively protecting larger males. Additionally, none of the sampled fish were spawning, indicating that the closed season is protecting spawning individuals. However, commercial fishing gear was found capable of capturing wrasse outside the designated size limits, potentially exposing wrasse to predation by larger non-target species within traps (Pritchard, 2025a).
Currently, there is no stock assessment for wrasse species or any stock information, and the number of individuals removed per haul remains unclear. The predicted intensity of fishing within Loch nam Madadh SAC is high so currently it cannot be concluded that there is no effect on the diversity, abundance, and distribution of typical species – particularly given the concern around over exploitation of ballan wrasse.
There is potential for static gear fishing for wrasse to undermine the ability to maintain the diversity, abundance and distribution of typical species associated with reefs in Loch nam Madadh SAC.
2.6 Assessment of cumulative and in combination effects of fishing activities with other plans or projects
The wrasse fishery under consideration operates in shallow, nearshore, rocky reef and kelp habitats. Due to the specific habitat requirements there is limited spatial and operational overlap with demersal towed gear fisheries such as trawling or dredging, which are generally confined to deeper, softer sediment habitats. As such, the potential for in-combination effects with demersal towed gear is considered negligible.
However, there is a greater likelihood of interaction with other static gear fisheries, particularly creel fisheries targeting crab and lobster, which may also operate in similar shallow, rocky environments. Currently, comprehensive spatial data on the distribution and intensity of these creel fisheries is limited, but as the main concern with the wrasse fishery is primarily to do with the impact of removing the target species, rather than abrasion to the seabed, the potential for significant in-combination effects with other static gear fisheries is considered low. Nevertheless, the possibility of localised ecological interactions cannot be entirely ruled out.
There are no active licences or applications for plans or projects within Loch nam Madadh or Firth of Lorn that are assessed to impact qualifying features of the site in combination with the wrasse fishery – any plans or projects do not overlap the rocky reefs within the sites.
2.7 Do the current and/or proposed management measures within the fishery allow it to be ascertained that there will be no adverse effect on the integrity of the site?
The above appraisal suggests that the wild wrasse fishery could interact with the rocky reef features of the Firth of Lorn SAC and Loch nam Madadh SAC, primarily through the removal of the target species. Wrasse are ecologically important within reef systems, and their removal may influence trophic dynamics and community structure. As such, careful management is required to ensure that the fishery does not compromise the conservation objectives of these sites - competent authority must not authorise a plan or project unless it can show beyond reasonable scientific doubt that the plan or project will not adversely affect the integrity of a site.
Current management of the fishery includes a range of measures implemented through a derogation system. These include seasonal restrictions, size limits, gear specifications, welfare-based hauling practices, and mandatory reporting. While these measures provide a baseline level of control, they do not yet fully address the concerns around removing wrasse from within Firth of Lorn SAC and Loch nam Madadh SAC.
2.8 Conclusion
The Firth of Lorn SAC and Loch nam Madadh SAC will not be opened to the wrasse fishery unless following appropriate review of this assessment.
2.9 Monitoring and Review
Scottish Ministers will review this assessment as required. A review of this assessment may be in response to updated conservation advice; updated advice on the extent, distribution or condition of the feature; new information on the sensitivity of the feature to pressures arising from activities within the site; or information on changes in fishing activity within the site.
Contact
Email: inshore@gov.scot