Biological Sciences

Marine Aggregates
Dr Paul Farrell CBiol  MIBiol

An examination of stomach contents of Bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) and other species is being carried out as part of research into the ecology of a special area of offshore sand and shingle features known as the Overfalls.

Fish that are caught by participating angling charter vessels in this area are weighed, measured and the gut contents sent to the marine labs for analysis of prey number, species, weight etc. in order to identify, for example, the relative importance of different prey species to the bass at this location.

The research is funded by the Aggregate Levy Sustainability Fund, in conjunction with English Nature. Pics attached shows stomach contents of Red Gurnard (Aspitrigla cuculus) with over 50 small porcelain crabs, showing that "This week, I have mainly been eating porcelain crabs!". Whereas the Bass have almost exclusively, a different type of crab, along with fish such as Sandeels in their diet.