Anglers team up with researchers to improve fishing

Data is being gathered at the Sea Angling Classic competition

University researchers have teamed up with recreational anglers to investigate how the fishing industry can be more sustainable and productive.

Competitive Angling as a Scientific Tool (CAST) is a citizen science project that aims to provide a "unique insight" into the fisheries in the Solent.

The University of Portsmouth project has been funded by a £560,000 grant from the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

It is using the annual Sea Angling Classic competition, which runs from 20-23 June from Port Solent, to collect the data.

Samples will be taken from five groups of fish caught by citizen scientists – sea bass, black sea bream, skates and rays, tope and smooth hound.

Researchers from the university will gather geolocated images of each fish caught.

They will then take samples from particular fish and undertake sonar scans of the fished areas.

It is hoped the information gathered will help them greater understand the different species, as well as the habitat they live in.

Dr Ian Hendy, senior lecturer in marine restoration and conservation at the university, said: "Sea fishing is a globally popular activity so recreational anglers are a substantial group of highly motivated and engaged potential citizen scientists."

Dr Hendy said they hope to build an "evidence-based action plan" to "deliver a thriving, sustainable fishing industry and healthy marine environment for generations to come".

As part of the project, new AI software is also being developed to help identify the different species.

Angling Spirit and the Southern Inshore Fisheries and Conservation Authority are also both assisting with the research.