England (Western English Channel): Cornwall IFCA District (0-6nm)
Technical location
27 - Atlantic, Northeast,
7e: English Channel (West)
Caught by
Pot, trap or creel
Rating summary
For more information about this rating please visit: http://www.cornwallgoodseafoodguide.org.uk/fish-guide/crab-brown-edible.php
How we worked out this Rating
Stock status
The size and health of a fish population, or 'stock', that is being targeted by fishermen is a crucial indicator of whether a fishery is sustainable. If the stock is too small to withstand fishing, it is at risk of crashing. We look at how big the stock is, and how much pressure there is from fishing, to assess this. The target level that many fisheries aim for is 'Maximum Sustainable Yield' - the most fish that can be caught year after year whilst keeping the population at a healthy size.
There is concern for the stock level of brown crab in the Western English Channel and fishing is happening just above FMSY.Stock assessments for brown crab in England have been carried out approximately every 2-3 years by CEFAS since 2012. The most recent assessment was published in 2024, using data up to 2023. Brown crab is widely distributed in coastal waters of the Mediterranean, Atlantic, English Channel and North Sea. CEFAS defines five Crab Fishery Units (CFU’s) for England: Central North Sea, Southern North Sea, Eastern English Channel, Western English Channel and Celtic Sea.The brown crab stock assessment uses 35% of virgin Spawner per Recruit (SpR, the ratio of spawning biomass produced by a length class if 35% of the population is fished compared to an unfished population) as the Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) level proxy. This is commonly used around the world to estimate the fishing rate likely to deliver MSY. A limit reference point has also been calculated and having fisheries operating beyond this level is considered to carry higher risk to the production of further generations. This value is defined as 15% of virgin SpR.In 2023, biomass is between the limit and MSY target reference point for females, and there is insufficient data for males. The female biomass has been in decline since 2015.Fishing mortality has been in decline since 2017 and just above the target reference point for females, but below the limit, and there is insufficicent data for males.
Management
Good management is vital to be sure that fishing doesn't cause fish populations to decline. We look at whether regulations follow the best available scientific advice, how well compliance is monitored and enforced, and whether this is effective in maintaining healthy fish stocks.
For more information about this rating please visit: http://www.cornwallgoodseafoodguide.org.uk/fish-guide/crab-brown-edible.php
Capture method
Environmental impacts of fishing vary hugely, depending on the method used and where it's happening. We look at whether the fishing gear being used could have an effect on seabed habitats, and if so, how severe might this be. We also review whether it catches any other species by accident (bycatch), and what effect this might have on those species - especially if they're Endangered, Threatened, or Protected.
For more information about this rating please visit: http://www.cornwallgoodseafoodguide.org.uk/fish-guide/crab-brown-edible.php
