Impact of mussel dredging on the ecosystem component benthic fauna in Natura 2000 areas (Benthic fauna) (39423)

The aim of the project is to provide the professional basis for the management of mussel and oyster fisheries in Natura 2000 areas in relation to the ecosystem component benthic fauna. It is a specific sub-objective to develop a suitable method for detecting potential effects of fishing with mussel and oyster dredgers on benthic fauna. In addition, it is an object to link the impact of fisheries on the benthic fauna with the actual area impact through a comprehensive analysis of data collected under the black box scheme. With the project, a mapping of one of the key ecosystem components in the mussel policy will be carried out in all relevant Natura 2000 areas, where mussel and oyster fishing is currently carried out. In addition, a tool will be developed that can quantify the effect of this fishery on benthic fauna. One effect of the project will be to provide an opportunity for better planned and potentially expanded fishing. Another effect will be that fishing in the areas can be planned for a number of years without having to have an impact assessment every year.

Funding
The project is funded by the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund and the Danish Fisheries Agency. 

Research area: Coastal Ecology
Research area. Ecosystem based Marine Management