(for the conservative release of Juvenile Prawns)
We were tasked by the fishermen of Sheilding Exports Ltd to help them develop
and manufacture an escape hatch for retro-fitting to the netting on Prawn
Creels. The escape hatch is fitted low down in the Creel Door to allow juvenile
Prawns to escape without being brought to the surface.
When
small prawns are brought to the surface and thrown back in the sea, research
has shown that the prawn reaching the seabed are in a new area and have no
burrow to use. These small prawns are then picked off by predators. The escape
hatch means that these small prawns are left undisturbed on the seabed to
become tomorrow's fishery. The escape hatches were significant contributors to
Sheilding Exports Ltd winning the following certificates/ awards for the
fishery during 2003...
1. Marine Innovation Award 2003 (sponsored by Highland Biodiversity Project,
Crown Estate, Fishmongers, Co, Highland Council, Mallaig and North West
Fisherman's Assn)
2. The Marine Stewardship Council Certification (Jan 2003) - the costs of which
were supported by HIE and Highland Council.
The
costs of the escape hatches themselves were also part funded by Ross and
Cromarty Enterprise, WWF, Highland Council and Wester Ross CED.
As a result of our association with the men of Sheilding Exports Ltd, we have
had enquires from as far a field as the Swedish Government, Lancaster
University, Argyl and Bute Council, met with representatives from the Isle of
Man Government. It's obvious that sustainable fishing is high on the agenda in
many areas although it seems to be the men of Sheilding who are leading the
way.
Quantity
@
£0.78 ex. vat