LobsterThe rich and productive waters off the coast of South-WestWales support thriving populations of ecologically and economically important shellfish and fish.
Rocky shores are colonized by the edible periwinkle Littorina littorea and the edible blue mussel Mytilus edulis. Subtidal kelp forests on rocky coasts support large populations of the edible crab Cancer pagurus and the lobster Homarus vulgaris. The crawfish Palinurus vulgaris is also harvested.
Lobster
Beds of cockles and oysters support significant fisheries within Milford Haven and the large estuaries of Carmarthen Bay. Whelks are also harvested in Carmarthen Bay.
A seasonal fishery for herring exists within Milford Haven. There are also substantial offshore fisheries for rays, flatfish and sea bass.
Juvenile
Bass
Migratory sea fish such as salmon and sea trout pass through the area on their way to the rivers of Carmarthen Bay.
The Sea Empress oil spill presented very considerable difficulties for the fishing industry within the region. The Government imposed a blanket ban on all forms of fishing across the region during the early days of the incident. An intensive sampling programme was undertaken to test commercially harvested species for evidence of oil contamination. Fortunately, offshore species and the important shellfish beds to the east of the region were declared safe and the bans affecting those groups of fish were lifted quite early on. Bans remained in place for certain shore species for longer periods of time.
University of Wales Swansea School of Biological Sciences Home Page
Authors: Peter Dyrynda, Rob Symberlist
Contact: P.Dyrynda@swansea.ac.uk
Update: 15/1/2000