WP 2.3 Fish und Fisheries

WP 2.3 will examine the current status and distribution of demersal fish and invertebrate fauna in relation to fishing pressure in the Natura 2000 sites. This relies on a detailed analysis of satellite data on the fishing activity (VMS) in order to obtain an accurate picture of the distribution of fishing pressure in the Natura 2000 sites. In addition, a large number of existing and new datasets will be used to describe the current status of the fish and invertebrate communities in the Natura 2000 sites. The ecological status of the fish and epifauna communities will be assessed by a spatial analysis of the functional composition of the communities in relation to fishing pressure and environmental factors. The aim is to create a comprehensive database of species-specific functional traits of fish and epifauna species for use in future assessments of the effectiveness of the fisheries exclusion. For this purpose, a detailed monitoring concept should also be developed.