RARE sea creatures, like this Moray Eel caught off the Newlyn coast last year, are just some of the species commercial fishermen are encouraged to report to help create a clearer picture of fish stocks around the Isles of Scilly.
The Isles of Scilly Wildlife Trust, through its Marine Biodiversity Project, is gathering information on the abundance, distribution and ecology of the marine fish of the area.
Part of the project is a Fish and Fishing Study to cover fish associated with the Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) within the islands' Special Area of Conservation (SAC).
Habitats to be studied include sea-grass beds, fragile sponge and coral communities. The BAP species include shad, seahorses, most sharks and rays.
Marine biologist Doug Herdson said: "Species from amberjacks and Britain's first Blue Marlin, to the little Red Tompot Blenny and recently a Moray Eel and Silver or Sailfin Dories have been recovered."
Interested parties may meet Doug on the Isles of Scilly from June 30 to 5 July. He can be contacted on 01752 405155 or douglas.herdson@btinternet.com
article copyright THE CORNISHMAN