Guernsey’s annual fishing statistics show a rise in total landings for 2023, yet European Lobster and Crab catches fell as vessel effort shifted
Major Shellfish Species See Decline
Despite the overall tonnage increase, several high-value shellfish species experienced declines in 2023. European Lobster landings fell from 68.98 tonnes to 55.15 tonnes. The number of lobsters landed also decreased from 107,608 in 2022 to 85,483 in 2023.
Landings of Edible Crab dropped to 500.39 tonnes from 616.25 tonnes, while Spider Crab landings decreased from 60.136 tonnes to 57.33 tonnes.
Scallop landings also saw a slight decrease, attributed largely to one under 10m vessel undergoing a major refit. In contrast, Pollack landings showed a significant rise, reaching 45.143 tonnes compared to 24.86 tonnes in 2022.
Fleet and Effort Shift
The total number of GU Registered vessels under 10 metres decreased by one, settling at 114 vessels in 2023, while the six Over 10m vessels continued to operate. Changes in effort were noted across different fishing methods.
Demersal trawling effort in the under 10m fleet increased due to a new vessel joining the fishery. Conversely, longlining activity continued its slow decline, recording the lowest effort since 2016, with only 23,660 hooks set in 2023.
The data also confirmed that 44 qualifying French vessels are now licensed to fish within Bailiwick waters under the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA).
