Burry Inlet and Three Rivers Cockle Stock Survey and Assessment

Description

As part of our regulatory role, Welsh Government require assistance with our cockle stock assessment survey work within the Burry Inlet, Three Rivers Estuary Complex and Whiteford Sands. To ensure we make management decisions based on the most up to date data and accurate information available.We undertake two main stock assessment surveys annually at the Bury Inlet – one ten-day survey in Spring to estimate winter survival and one ten-day survey in Autumn to estimate summer survival and spat settlement.We also undertake two main stock assessment surveys annually at the Three Rivers Estuary Complex – one five-day survey in Spring to estimate winter survival and one five-day survey in Autumn to estimate summer survival and spat settlement. Additionally, a one-day survey is required at Whiteford Sands in the Autumn.OBJECTIVESThe objectives are:-Ensure the survey and assessment methods are robust and use the best available scientific evidence.-Conduct Spring and Autumn stock surveys and assessments to inform management of the Bury Inlet Cockle Fishery annually.-Conduct Spring and Autumn stock surveys and assessments to inform management of the Three Rivers Estuary Complex Cockle Fishery annually.-Conduct an Autumn stock survey and assessment to inform management of the Whiteford Sands Cockle Fishery annually.-On the basis of survey results, recommend a Minimum Landing Size for Bury Inlet, Three Rivers Estuary Complex and the Whiteford Sands fisheries annually.-Provision of ad hoc bed inspections as requested (estimated 3-5 per year).-Provision of occasional expert advice to Welsh Government on the basis of the conducted surveys and reports.-Recommend the ideal methodology for surveys at the end of the two year contract.