Back in November last year, Dr Anna Sturrock approached BASS regarding a proposal to seek funding for a one-day symposium about bass at the University of Essex. The idea was partly to share early results from the ‘Supper4Science’ Fisheries Industry Science Partnership project which we had worked with the University on, along with other aspects of bass science, and partly to provide an open forum to discuss science needs and future strategies for data collection and monitoring with key stakeholders.
BASS members, both individually and collectively, have contributed to our increasing knowledge of bass biology, and we have long supported scientific research on this. The idea of a symposium, where the latest bass science could be shared by leading scientists from the UK, Europe and Ireland, while at the same time bringing scientists, anglers and policymakers together to co-develop ways of working together to provide data and evidence to improve the management of the bass fishery, was right up our street.
And so, the planning began. Zoom calls and numerous emails to discuss the programme and arrangements followed, and on July 8th the ‘All About The Bass’ symposium was held at the University of Essex.
Who came?
Of the 75 people who attended the symposium (both in person and online), 36% were anglers, 41% were scientists and 16% were policymakers/managers.
Main topics
The symposium showcased novel and emerging bass research, covering such topics as bass biology, movements and habitat needs, stocks and spawn timing, the impacts of climate change and shifting distributions, and the importance of citizen science. As well as an update on the Bass Fisheries Management Plan (FMP), how to improve scientist and angler collaborations and how data can improve policy and management.
Some key points which emerged from the talks were:
- Even with a very modest number of bass retained per angler, given the number of anglers involved the cumulative impact was significant.
- Angler records clearly demonstrate a dramatic fall in the percentage of larger fish over the years.
- Bass spawning is occurring outside the February and March fishery closure period designed to protect bass while spawning.
- Much of the habitat which is important for juvenile bass has been lost over the years.
- Bass Nursery Area boundary lines and operational periods should be revaluated to take account of the movements of juvenile bass.
- Bass may move between different stock areas in their feeding and spawning migrations, and this may have significant consequences for management.
- Adult bass can spend months in fully freshwater, with adult bass caught and tagged 150km inland – about 80km upstream of the tidal influence – in the Tagus River in Portugal, and preliminary accounts of freshwater bass in Spain, France, and the Norfolk Broads.
If you have caught bass in fully freshwater could you let our Portuguese colleagues know here? https://acesse.one/freshbass
Workshop
The theme for the afternoon workshop was ‘Who, How and Where are we monitoring bass, and how can this be improved?’ In part 1, participants recorded fishy stories – catches in unusual places, changes in catches etc., and what types of data was being collected – catch recording, juvenile fish surveys etc. Potential barriers to anglers participating included concerns over sharing information about fishing, and doubts about how/whether the data would be used in improving management. In part 2 participants considered ways in which we could increase collaboration between scientists and anglers on the provision of data.
Key takeaways
- Anglers are enthusiastic and ready to engage in science.
- We need clearer frameworks and mechanisms for co-produced science.
- All stakeholders should be included from the start of research to build trust and relationships.
- Anglers want to see results and outputs from research they’re involved in.
- Traditional knowledge and anglers’ stories are invaluable data sources.
- More and regular collaborative forums are needed that include all stakeholders (including both recreational and commercial fishers).
Great to be involved
It was great for BASS to be involved from the outset in planning and delivering the symposium along with Essex’s symposium coordinator Clare Connell. This was a great opportunity to hear about the latest in bass science, and come up with ways of anglers providing data and evidence in partnership with scientists to improve management of the bass fishery.
It was nice to see our contribution to bass science recognised in several of the presentations, which also included research findings which reflect some of our concerns and should help to move the dial. This was also a useful platform for anglers to voice concerns to scientists and those in a position to influence management and policy, and to develop good links with them.
Feedback
100% of attendees who have given feedback have suggested that the event should be repeated, 80% of anglers said they were more likely to participate in research, and 84% of respondents said they learnt a lot.
You can view the talks on YouTube https://tinyurl.com/BassConfVideos or download the presentation slides https://tinyurl.com/BassConfSlides.
A full report of the symposium, with findings, recommendations and research opportunities will be available in the coming months. If you’d to keep in touch with the organisers you can contact Dr Anna Sturrock via email anna.sturrock@essex.ac.uk and the BASS Science Group via email sciencegroup@ukbass.com
Robin Bradley – BASS Science Lead