A preliminary study of the effect of meteorological factors on the live export trade of the Scottish Nephrops trawling fishery

The impact of meteorological factors on the condition of N. norvegicus caught for the live export market was assessed by correlating the mean wind speed and aerial temperature on the day of landing with the percentage of catch, on corresponding days. rejected for live transport. The study used the catch data from two Nephrops trawlers operating in the Clyde Sea area. Scotland. Results illustrated a large degree of variability in the condition of animials on arrival at the processing pi Lint. Air temperature was the only meteorological factor, which significantly correlated with the morbidity and mortality of the catch. In one instance. mean air temperature on the day of capture had a significant negative impact on the health of the catch. This is the first study of its kind on the Nephrops fishery and although only, a preliminary study demonstrates catch quality not only varies with the ambient temperature on the day of capture but also differs between trawlers. To conclude it is suggested that a larger study be commenced and a Capture and post capture code of best practice be developed and used on all Nephrops trawlers.