An updated pre-assessment has been produced for the Irish crab in alignment with Version 3 of the MSC Standard. 

MSC Pre-assessment available 

Participants confirmed 

2023 Updated Workplan

Updated FIP workplan 2020-2021

 Workplan revised and uploaded (2017)

Workplan is available 

The FIP Strategy Steering Group held a meeting to discuss the actions and priorities for incorporating ghost gear monitoring and management into the FIP workplan.

Phase 1 of the BIM Whelk Bait Project has concluded; a project briefing with information about Phase 1 has been made available. 

The FIP participated in a NWWAC/NSAC/MAC workshop on brown crab to discuss management measures, the impact of offshore renewable energy developments and supply chain issues.

The FIP met to discuss data gaps, evidence-based requirements, governance and policy performance. A draft action plan for the revised workplan was also presented for discussion at the meeting.

BIM Whelk Bait Project update report made available; commercial vessels have conducted at-sea trials which measured the comparison between traditional bait pairing of brown crab and dogfish against contained green crab and dogfish pairing and formed bait and dogfish pairing.

A summary report providing an overview of the BIM Whelk Project, along with recent project updates, has been made available. The report outlines the next steps, which involve further ingredient characterization and optimizing the usability and production of bait ingredients.

Marine Institute analyzed observer data and developed a comprehensive catch profile for the Irish brown crab fishery. The data highlights that pot and trap fisheries for crab generally have low impact on habitats and non-target species.

The FIP is co-ordinating with the UK Crab FIP, NIFF and the joint EU Advisory Council Focus Group on the brown crab to monitor stock status developments and management measures across the regional brown crab fishery area.

Progress on the bait project continues with the development of alternative bait formulations using different species of crab, waste material, and invertebrates, along with alternative binding agents and preservatives to reduce the reliance on brown crab as bait. 

Preliminary whelk raceway bait trials using brown crab were conducted between July-September 2022; project is still ongoing. Project report with updates has been made available.

Presentation alternative bait species research for the Irish whelk made to the administrators in Dec 2021

A report on the first phase of work in the development of a replacement bait has been produced; the report outlines progress made in identifying attractants in crab and initial sea trials conducted exploring the viability of preliminary replacement baits.

Request for project tender replacement submitted; A budget was secured and a tender was issued in August for a research contract to progress the work already done on developing a replacement bait for crab

Irish Brown Crab FIP meeting held; The role of the Crab FIP in introducing improved management in response to some of the trends was discussed.

A funding commitment and budget for the action "reduce pressure on crab stock" has been allocated for 2021; a sub-committee of FIP participants has been set up

Meeting held in November 2019 where it was agreed that CPUE was the preferred basis for a HCR. 

FIP working to define management objectives 

FIP Group start work with the Marine Institute to carry out a GAP analysis on the observer program carried out by the State.

The FIP has conducted a catch composition and bait species analysis using data from the 2023 season; blue whiting was the only main species identified from the analysis.

Increase in PI score 3.2.1; Following a process of discussing objectives at earlier meetings Fishery Specific Objectives were agreed and adopted at a meeting of the FIP in November 2019

Fishery management objectives adopted. In addition, of the 7 main processors involved in the fishery, 5 are no longer paying vessels for white crab landed and as a result vessels who supply them have reduced the amount of white crab significantly (documentation is available upon request). 

An ETP record has been developed and implemented by FIP participant vessels.