The “Smalls” Nephrops Grounds (FU22) 2013 UWTV Survey Report and catch options for 2014

This report provides the main results and findings of the eighth annual underwater television survey on the ‘Smalls grounds’ ICES assessment area;; Functional Unit 22. The survey was multi-disciplinary in nature collecting UWTV, CTD and other ecosystem data. The sampling intensity was reduced this year from around 100 stations in the past to 51 stations this year. A randomised isometric grid design was employed with UWTV stations at 4.5nmi or 8.3km intervals. Previously a 3.0 nmi square grid was used. The krigged burrow abundance estimate for the Smalls ground has decreased by 19% relative to 2012 and was the fourth highest in the 8 year history of the survey. Abundance estimates have been fairly stable over the time series. The 2013 randomised isometric grid design result in a CV (or relative standard error) of 7% which is well below the upper limit of 20% recommended by SGNEPS 2012. Total catches and landings options at various different fishing mortalities were calculated and fishing at Fmsy in 2014 implies a total catch option at Fmsy (=Fmax) of 2,937 tonnes which results in landings of no more than 2,674 tonnes.