Shaun Fraser, Evie Herrington, Alice Newbould, Katie Cubbon.

Executive summary

This report describes the results of the 2025 Fair Isle inshore fish survey which was conducted in line with the objectives of the Fair Isle Demonstration and Research Marine Protected Area (DR MPA) Designation Order. This fourth consecutive summer inshore fish survey undertaken in August 2025 followed the first dedicated sandeel survey undertaken during May 2025, together representing the most ambitious fisheries survey programme undertaken around Fair Isle so far.

Data collection was conducted aboard the 14 m MFV Kestrel (LK 268) using a multi-method approach. Scientific trawl gear provided catch data which could be directly compared to results from the related surveys revealing considerable differences in the overall fish community composition between Fair Isle and adjacent areas. Additional data were collected using baited remote underwater video (BRUV) systems which provided a dorsal view for capturing identifying spot patterns on elasmobranch species.

Scaldfish (Arnoglossus laterna) and boarfish (Capros aper) were recorded in the Fair Isle area for the first time in the timeseries. Haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus) catches, and those from other related commercial gadoids, were mostly comprised of relatively large adult size classes, some of which showed evidence of the growth and survival of a strong year-class through the available Fair Isle timeseries. Stomach contents analysis indicated that haddock were especially generalist predators and that decapods were overall the most important prey type in the stomach contents across the predator species analysed here.

These results are discussed in the context of other available information and recommendations are made, including further dedicated research on local sandeel and flapper skate populations and the continuation of the Fair Isle inshore fish survey in subsequent years to further inform potential future management of the Fair Isle DR MPA.