Orange roughy                                       (Image copyright JNCC 2009)

The DEEPFISH project has taken an 'ecosystem-based approach' to study the fisheries of the Rockall Trough (ICES Division VIa) - one of the oldest deepwater fisheries in the world. The approach allows consideration of the detailed interactions between fish species and their environment, particularly predator-prey interactions. These interactions are particularly important in the deep sea where food is limited. The project used the 'Ecopath with Ecosim'  food web modelling approach both to model the interactions between the species in the ecosystem and to explore policy options that could lead to a more sustainably managed fishery.

Modelled area in the rockall Trough region showing John Gordon's 1975 trawl sites (green circles)

Part 1 'Development of an Ecopath with Ecosim model', details the modelling approach, the biomass data used and the trophic interactions between the species. While Part 2 'A new approach to managing deep-water fisheries' explores policy scenarios for the fisheries. Spanish versions of the report are found here (Part 1, Part 2) and the French versions here (Part 1, Part 2).

The project was a collaboration between the University of Plymouth (Kerry Howell) and SAMS (Sheila Heymans, John Gordon, Janet Duncan and Morag Ayers). FRS, now Marine Scotland, also contributed to the project (Emma Jones). The project was funded by the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation, The Research Council of the UK (RCUK) and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).

The authors would like to thank Liz Cronin, Sheryl Bawden, Francis Neat, Finlay Burns, Jaime Davies and Mike Burrows.

Chimaera monstrosa - Rabbit fish Image credit UK Dept of Trade and Industry	Coryphaenoides rupstris - Roundnose grenadier Image Copyright JNCC 2009		Sebastes spp - redfish image courtesy of Murray Roberts and Andy Deavies