This research report, developed by UHI Shetland, was commissioned by the Fair Isle Demonstration and Research MPA Executive Steering Group and describes the results of the third consecutive Fair Isle inshore fish survey. The 2024 survey was conducted by UHI Shetland last summer aboard the MFV Atlantia II in line with the objectives of the Fair Isle Demonstration and Research Marine Protected Area (DR MPA) Designation Order.

The 2024 survey benefited from an expanded survey coverage and additional observational methodologies which provide new insights not available from the previous two Fair Isle inshore fish surveys conducted in 2022 and 2023.

Data collection was conducted by UHI Shetland staff aboard the 12 m MFV Atlantia II (LK 502) using a multi-method approach. Scientific trawl gear provided catch data which could be directly compared to results from the related annual Shetland Inshore Fish Survey (SIFS) revealing considerable differences in the overall fish community composition between Fair Isle and Shetland. Additional data was collected using baited remote underwater video (BRUV) systems trialled for the first time in the study area, including a new seabed lander design which provides a dorsal view for capturing unique identifying spot patterns on elasmobranch species, particularly flapper skate, and a drifting system which provided data on the pelagic environment including observations of saithe and haddock. This survey also provided an opportunity for additional research to be carried out on flapper skate including the deployment of six unique tags including on a large male flapper skate 205 cm in length which is the largest fish so far observed in the trawl catches since the start of the Fair Isle inshore fish survey timeseries.

The 2024 catch rate results show that haddock was by far the dominant species, substantially higher than in previous years and observed in all tows. Haddock catches, and those from other related commercial gadoids, were mostly comprised of relatively large adult size classes which are most likely to be a mixture of age-2 and above. Particularly high catches of spotted ray, flapper skate, and gurnard were also observed; while some other species observed in previous years were notably absent (e.g. Norway pout) or were observed at relatively low catch rates (e.g. cod). Results from stomach contents analysis showed a high degree of variability between species, with fish consumption less in some cases (e.g. cod) than in previous analysis (from 2022) and haddock characterised as a more generalist predator consuming a wide variety of species including a high proportion of echinoderms. 

The expanded survey coverage achieved in 2024 overlaps with historic fishing grounds and with recent data from seabird tracking studies which provides promising opportunities for further analysis. The results are discussed in the context of other available information and recommendations are made, including further research on local sandeel populations and continuation of the Fair Isle inshore fish survey in subsequent years to further inform potential future management of the Fair Isle DR MPA. 

The survey report is available here: Survey report for the 2024 Fair Isle inshore fish survey

This project was funded by players of the People’s Postcode Lottery through the National Trust for Scotland’s Love our Nature project.