Our Mission “Understanding the need to balance commercial necessity with the need to protect fragile environments.”

2019 News

Shop Local. Buy Local. Love Local. 
12th December, 2019

Thinking of cooking up a fish dish to impress your guests this Christmas? Then shop and support one of the many local wet fish suppliers like the Lyme Bay Fish Shack at Millers Farm Shop in Axminster.

Run by Corinne, Nigel and Pete. Nigel fishes sustainably in Lyme Bay and catches pollack, bass, gurnard, crabs and lobsters. Pete is the man in the Shack, he will serve and prepare your fish just how you want it, he is also good for advice on cooking fish. Flat fish such as Dover sole, plaice, brill and lemon sole is available, all sustainably caught by rod and line or caught using static gear.

#FishyFactoid
10th December, 2019

Did you know... Axmouth Harbour is one of the four ports which make up the Lyme Bay Fisheries and Conservation Reserve. In recent years this unique port has benefited from improvements to port infrastructure thanks to funding from the Dorset & East Devon FLAG, the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF) and the Blue Marine Foundation (www.bluemarinefoundation.com).

One such project was a fishermen-led initiative to build a storage facility that will enable them to land their catches everyday (instead of storing at sea) and take to market to optimise their price.

Another project was the construction of a chiller unit and provision on insulated fish boxes, which help to improve the quality, durability and value of the landed catches. As fishermen have agreed to a reduction in gear levels in the interests of the environment, it is therefore desirable to help them achieve an optimum price for their catch by way of providing basic chiller facilities within their port.

A win-win model of sustainable fishing and conservation.

Photo by www.jamesbowden.net

Shop Local. Buy Local. Love Local.
6th December, 2019

This Christmas think about where you shop and support one of the many local wet fish suppliers like Beer Fisheries Ltd in Beer, East Devon, selling Reserve Seafood, the low-impact sustainable, premium quality, provenance-assured seafood of Lyme Bay Reserve: www.lymebayreserve.co.uk/reserve-seafood

The wonders of Lyme Bay
5th December, 2019

This time-lapse video of a starfish (Asterias rubens) filmed in Lyme Bay by University of Plymouth Marine Institute never ceases to amaze us.

Starfish belong to a larger group called ‘echinoderms’ which means ‘spiny-skinned’. This group includes other spiny species like sea urchins, sea cucumbers and brittle stars.
Starfish eat shellfish such as cockles and mussels and use their strong arms to break open the shells. If the common starfish loses an arm, it can regrow it and some starfish shed their arms to escape predators, or if the arm is damaged.

Rope & Spillover Animation
3rd December, 2019

Enjoy a short animation that tells the story of the University of Plymouth's new projects ROPE & SPILLOVER.

Funded by the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (£187,545), ROPE (Response of Predators to Protection and Enhancement) applies innovative acoustic tracking technology to understand how the UK’s largest offshore rope-cultured mussel farm influences the movements of commercially important fish and crustaceans like crab, lobster and bass in the Lyme Bay Marine Protected Area (MPA).

Fisherman of the Week: Jim Newton
25th Novecmber, 2019

Jim is the skipper of 'Bess' and fishes out of the fishing port of Beer in East Devon where the boats are pulled up onto the shingle beach using tree trunks to aid movement.

Jim is a member of Reserve Seafood; the low-impact sustainable, premium quality, provenance-assured seafood of Lyme Bay. He is also a member of the Lyme Bay Fisheries and Conservation Reserve: www.lymebayreserve.co.uk

Photo by www.jamesbowden.net

#FishyFactoid
20th November, 2019

Did you know that the Lyme Bay Fisheries and Conservation Reserve fishing fleet are all small-scale (under 10m in size) and are usually operated by a single fisherman. Our fishermen are low-impact netters, potters (targeting crabs, lobsters and cuttlefish), hook & line (targeting finfish) and scallop divers. The fleet works closely with marine scientists to ensure their fishing effort causes minimal impact on the marine environment.

Photo by www.jamesbowden.net

Fishing boat 'Miss Pattie' looking majestic in Lyme Bay
19th November, 2019

Skippered by Kieran Perree of GoldenScallops, they specialise in hand-dived scallops and are members of the Lyme Bay Fisheries and Conservation Reserve and who regularly attend the Consultative Committee Meetings. The Committee sets out to achieve the establishment of a multiple-use marine protected area where fishing is sustainable and well-managed, important habitats and features are protected and the fishing communities receive benefits from fishing responsibly.

For more details about the Lyme Bay Fisheries and Conservation Reserve head over to our website: www.lymebayreserve.co.uk

Photo by www.jamesbowden.net

Keep a look out for Reserve Seafood stickers
14th November, 2019

If you're visiting any of the four ports within Lyme Bay Fisheries and Conservation Reserve this weekend, whether it's West Bay and Lyme Regis in West Dorset, or Axmouth and Beer in East Devon, keep a lookout for these stickers in shop windows where you'll be able to buy and try Reserve Seafood.

Restaurants, wet fish shops and cafes are displaying their support for Reserve Seafood; the low-impact sustainable, premium quality, provenance-assured seafood of Lyme Bay. For more details about Reserve Seafood head over to:
www.lymebayreserve.co.uk/reserve-seafood/

Behaviour of wild fish in Lyme Bay
13th November, 2019

Cats of the sea – ‘laser chasers’ offer insights into territorial behaviour of wild fishes. Conducted by Plymouth University Marine Institute who has led research into the behaviour of wild fishes as part of its ongoing monitoring of the Lyme Bay Marine Protected Area. Full article can be read here.

The full study 'Laser chasing behaviour of wild fishes exploited as a tool to compare space use between size, sex and species' is published in the Journal of Applied Ichthyolog: https://bit.ly/2O7LFRl

Make lobsters your Dish of the Day
8th November, 2019

Lobsters can be enjoyed through all four seasons in the UK and are sustainably caught in Lyme Bay Reserve. They can be baked, grilled, poached or steamed. If you live locally to Lyme Bay there are several independent wet fish shops where you can buy this low-impact sustainable, premium-quality, provenance-assured seafood of Lyme Bay.

Check out these lobster recipes by Seafish which will tantalise your taste.

Lobster Storage Facility, Axmouth
6th November, 2019

Great to see the lobster storage facility on Axmouth harbour shaping up nicely. This fishermen-led initiative has built an on-land storage facility that will enable them to land their catches every day (instead of storing at sea) and take to market to optimise their price. The lobster storage facility has been built bespoke by the East Devon Fishermen's Association. The facility is ground level with a living roof and is approximately 4.5m long by 3m wide and will go underground up to 3.25m, containing 140 pods (square design). It includes a water chilling and filtration system, which allows approx. 1,000 kilos of crabs and lobsters to be stored for up to 3 months.

The project has received Dorset & East Devon FLAG (Fisheries Local Action Group) support to cover 60% of the cost with the Blue Marine Foundation (facilitators of the Lyme Bay Fisheries and Conservation Reserve) funding the remaining 40%.

Pictured here are photos taken last week of the storage nearing completion.

Scientists call for a more ambitious approach to management of Marine Protected Areas 
31st October, 2019

An interesting read from University of Plymouth Dr Sheehan who leads a number of projects focussed on monitoring the effects of MPAs from both a conservation and human perspective. These include the nationally recognised Lyme Bay Project, which has been running for more than a decade and continues to assess life on the seabed in the wake of a ban on bottom-towed fishing.

CLICK TO READ

A snapshot of Lyme Bay Fisheries and Conservation Reserve.
30th October, 2018

Click image to view details.

What species can you identify?  
25th October, 2019

Sit back, relax and enjoy recent footage from a baited underwater survey of the Lyme Bay marine protected area filmed by University of Plymouth Marine Institute.

This is the 11th year of monitoring the area with all sorts of interesting marine life turning up.

Beer fishing port 
22nd October, 2019

Beer fisherman Jim Newton hauling his fishing boat 'Bess' back on to the shore.

The fishing village of Beer lies between Branscombe and Seaton on the East Devon coast. There are no natural harbours here so the fishing boats are towed up onto the shingle beach, using tree trunks to aid movement, when they are not fishing. A series of winches lay along the back of the beach and are connected to the boats by strong wires. When it is time to go to sea a tractor pushes them back into the water.

The Cobb, Lyme Regis 
18th October, 2019

Awesome aerial photo of The Cobb in Lyme Regis, home to fishermen of the Lyme Bay Fisheries and Conservation Reserve. The Cobb is an old stone pier forming an extensive harbour and believed to date from the time of Edward I. Lyme Regis is one of the four fishing ports which make up the Lyme Bay Fisheries and Conservation Reserve, the others being West Bay in Dorset and Axmouth and Beer in east Devon.

Lyme Bay Scallops 
16th October, 2019

Scallops are a premium quality produce of Lyme Bay Reserve. Because hand-dived scallops are requested by retailers and restaurants offering sustainable fish, Lyme Bay scallops fetch at least a 20% premium and can be guaranteed hand-dived. Did you know Pink Sea Fans provide shelter and support to juvenile scallops and are a species which has also increased in number since the start of the Reserve in 2012. A win-win for conservation and the fishing communities of Lyme Bay. In the market for sustainably caught hand-dived scallops? Then head over to: www.plymouthtrawleragents.com to place your order.

Great work Dr Adam Rees 
14th October, 2019

"Thanks again to 'Sea What's Here' for inviting me to speak. Some other great talks and an engaged, well informed, local audience who asked some great questions - including the future of seaweed aquaculture!"

Pictured here is Adam (far right) with fellow guest speakers.

Unique fishing port 
9th October, 2019

Beer in Devon is a unique fishing port and home to skilled Lyme Bay Reserve fishermen who launch their boats from the shingle to the shore using logs to ease their boats into the water as pictured here. Photo by www.jamesbowden.net

Dolphins in Lyme Bay 
4th October, 2019

Look who greeted GoldenScallops as they headed back in to harbour. Great to see Lyme Bay buzzing with marine life.

Golden Scallops specialise in hand dived scallops and are supporters of sustainable fishing in Lyme Bay. They were awarded the 'Silver Sustainability Award' at the Dorset Seafood Festival in 2018.

Lyme Bay Case Study Film 
2nd October, 2019

A unique insight into this model of sustainable fishing hailed as a ‘world first’.

Diving to the Lyme Bay seabed 
26th September, 2019

Diving down to the bottom of the Lyme Bay seabed to collect scallops by hand is the most sustainable way to harvest this beautifully fresh, sweet and meaty seafood. As a combined result of the ban on mobile gear in Lyme Bay and the collaborative approach introduced by Blue Marine Foundation (facilitators of Lyme Bay Reserve) there has been a four-fold increase in flora and fauna reef species.

Studies by the University of Plymouth (started in 2008) have shown marine habitats, rare species and other marine animals are recovering inside the marine protected area with a 22% increase in pink sea fans compared to outside the Reserve, 52% increase in the number of species, 3 times more branching sponges and 4.5 times more lobsters as of 2016 within the Reserve. A "win-win" model for fishing and conservation.

Interesting project happening in Lyme Bay 
23rd September, 2019

These tiny crustacean friends are making the rounds across the Lyme Bay ports telling people about a new University of Plymouth crab and lobster tracking project.

Funded by the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund, ROPE (Response of Predators to Protection and Enhancement) applies innovative acoustic tracking technology to understanding how the UK’s largest offshore rope-cultured mussel farm influences the movements of commercially important fish and crustaceans.

For more details head over to Plymouth Marine Institute.

Photos by Dr Simon Pittman, Research Project Manager University of Plymouth

Axmouth Harbour
20th September, 2019

This stunning aerial photo, recently taken of Axmouth Harbour, demonstrates the uniqueness of this historic fishing port.

Axmouth is one of the four main fishing ports within the Lyme Bay Fisheries and Conservation Reserve, the others being West Bay and Lyme Regis in Dorset, and Beer in Devon.

Situated at the mouth of the River Axe this small drying harbour is formed behind a large shingle bank. The narrow entrance, approximately 10 meters, is located beneath Haven Cliff and is open to the prevailing south westerlies. The entrance is formed between the shingle spit to the west and a short stone piled pier to the east. The River Axe estuary extends inland for two miles and is navigable at high water by small craft.

Photo by James Bowden www.jamesbowden.net

What a whopper!
19th September, 2019

An impressive 7lb 6oz Gurnard caught by Honiton Sea Angling Club member Chris Grady whilst out fishing off Beer in the Lyme Bay Fisheries and Conservation Reserve. Chris was aboard the Blue Lady skippered by Cyril Newton.

Mike Spiller from the Honiton Sea Angling Club who sent us this great photo said "All our members are pleased to see the Reserve flourishing once again".

Happy fishing everyone.

Axmouth Dock Crane
16th September, 2019

Great to see this new dock crane at Axmouth harbour which will enable fishermen to unload heavy catch much more easily and safely and help with the maintenance of the fleet without the need to visit other ports further away; reducing costs for the fleet and enhancing facilities at the harbour.

The crane is Dorset & East Devon FLAG funded and applied for by the East Devon Fishermans Association.

Photo by Dorset & East Devon FLAG.

In the market for sustainable Lyme Bay seafood? 
12th September, 2019

Then head on over to the Lyme Bay Fish Shack at Millers Farm Shop in Axminster where you'll meet Corinne, Nigel and Pete.

Fisherman Nigel, a member of the Lyme Bay Fisheries and Conservation Reserve, fishes sustainably in Lyme Bay and mainly catches pollack, crabs and lobsters along with flat fish such as Dover sole, plaice, brill and lemon sole. It is all rod and line caught or caught using static gear. Hand dived scallops from West Bay in Dorset are also available.

Pete is the man in the Shack, he will serve and prepare your fish how you want it, he is also good for advice on cooking fish. They work with other local fishermen along the south coast in order to source and supply a wide range of quality fish and shellfish.

Nigel and wife Corinne's aim is to supply the best quality fish at the best prices; in most cases the fish comes directly from the boat to the Fish Shack and direct to you as the customer.

Fish photo by Millers Farm Shop

Friday #FishyFactoid
6th September, 2019

Starfish are a common sight on the Lyme Bay seabed. They eat shellfish such as scallops and mussels and use their strong arms to break open the shells. If a starfish loses an arm, it can regrow it, and some starfish shed their arms to escape predators, or if the arm is damaged.

On the underside of a starfish there are tube feet which are used as a form of locomotion, as star fish don't have any fins or flippers with which to move themselves around. They use their water vascular system to expand and contract their tube feet, which allows them to propel themselves. Suckers on the end of these tube feet can be used to grab prey, or adhere themselves to rocks or other surfaces like this camera lens!

This inquisitive starfish was filmed (time-lapse) by the University of Plymouth Marine Institute as part of the ongoing survey work of Lyme Bay.

Meet Tompot Blenny
4th September, 2019

Tompot Blenny's 'Parablennius gattorugine' are very inquisitive fish that can grow up to 30cm long. They are common in shallow rocky seabeds around Britain, like in Lyme Bay, and are strongly territorial. They will often even emerge to chase off their own reflection in camera glass or in diver’s masks! They feed on small crustaceans, sea anemones and prawns.

The Lyme Bay reefs and the associated flora and fauna are considered to be nationally important conservation features and home to many different species. The reefs and adjacent areas are traditional fishing grounds for local fishing communities for which fishing is both culturally and economically important.

Discover what else is hidden in Lyme Bay head over to: www.lymebayreserve.co.uk/marine-life/. Photo by Colin Munro: colinmunrophotography.com

What species can you identify? 
28th August, 2019

Amazing footage from a recent baited underwater survey of the Lyme Bay Marine Protect Area (MPA). This is the 11th year of monitoring the area with all sorts of interesting marine life turning up! We've identified seven different species, how many can you spot?

Filmed by University of Plymouth's Marine Institute.

Fishy-Factoid 
22nd August, 2019

Pictured here is fisherman Gavin Ziemann's boat Ventura moored in Axmouth Harbour in East Devon.

Did you know... all boats that fish within Lyme Bay Fisheries and Conservation Reserve are small-scale (under 10 meters in size) and are usually operated by a single fisherman. The main types of gear are pots (targeting crabs, lobsters and cuttlefish), fixed nets, rod and line for finfish, and diving for scallops.

Axmouth Lobster Storage Project 
19th August, 2019

Small-scale fishermen out of Axmouth are often hamstrung by tide and weather. It’s the toughest of jobs, often in harsh conditions. Each day, weather permitting, the crab and lobster fishermen will set sail to haul their pots. Once caught, crab and lobster can deteriorate quickly and become worthless. Around the UK coast, fishermen store their catch in larger pots (store pots) at sea to maintain its freshness and quality. They wait, where possible, for the optimum landing day to achieve best prices for their catch.

These small-scale fishermen must second guess the weather when deciding when to bring their catch ashore and sell it. During periods of particularly poor weather they can go up to 3-4 weeks without being able to set sail, to return with previously caught, stored crabs and lobsters. During this time, they earn nothing.

This fishermen-led plan in Axmouth looks to build an on-land storage facility, that will enable them to land their catches every day (instead of storing at sea) and take to market to optimise their price.

The lobster storage facility is being built bespoke by the East Devon Fishermen's Association. The facility will be ground level with a living roof. The facility will be built approximately 4.5m long by 3m wide and will go underground up to 3.25m, containing 140 pods (square design). It includes a water chilling and filtration system, which allows approx. 1,000 kilos of crabs and lobsters to be stored for up to 3 months.

The project has received Dorset & East Devon FLAG (Fisheries Local Action Group) support to cover 60% of the cost with the Blue Marine Foundation (facilitators of the Lyme Bay Fisheries and Conservation Reserve) funding the remaining 40%.

Pictured here is a photo taken last week of the storage facility being built.

Happy #FishFriday
9th August, 2019

One of our Lyme Bay fishermen Virgil Turner aboard his boat Quo Vadis E27 in Lyme Regis. Virgil is also a supplier to the Reserve Seafood brand, the sustainable, premium quality, provenance-assured seafood of Lyme Bay.

Do you have sustainable fish on the dish for supper tonight? What will you be enjoying?

What a whopper!
8th August, 2018

Fisherman Dave Newton from Beer in East Devon with this massive edible crab.

The Edible Crab ‘Cancer pagurus’ is easily identified by its large black-tipped toothed pincers and characteristic ‘pie-crust’ edging. It is the largest crab in Britain and is nocturnal. They submerge themselves in the sand during the day and venture out at night to find prey. Their biggest predator is octopus, which sometimes even attack them from inside the cages that fishermen use to catch them.

Commercially caught species within Lyme Bay Reserve are many and diverse. Check out some of the other species caught: www.lymebayreserve.co.uk/marine-life/commercial-species.php

Happy Birthday BLUE!
5th August, 2019

The Blue Marine Foundation (BLUE), facilitators of the Lyme Bay Fisheries and Conservation Reserve is 9 years old!

Since 2010, BLUE's dedicated team has been working hard to create marine reserves and establish sustainable models of fishing. BLUE has developed a portfolio that spans the globe with Lyme Bay being one of their first projects.

Check out some of the other projects BLUE are working on: www.bluemarinefoundation.com/projects/

Thank you to all of our friends, donors and partners for the wonderful support over the past nine years!

Electric Ray
30th July, 2019

Lyme Bay fisherman Jim Newton aboard his boat 'Bess' was shocked when he found this Electric Ray in his net on Monday! A quick photo then it was placed happily back in the water.

The Lyme Bay reefs and the associated flora and fauna are considered to be nationally important conservation features. The reefs and adjacent areas are traditional fishing grounds for local fishing communities for which fishing is both culturally and economically important.

Visit our website to discover some of the marine life found in Lyme Bay. You can also find out about reef species, commercial species and watch amazing underwater videos of marine life in action: www.lymebayreserve.co.uk/marine-life/

Lyme Bay Fisherman Matt Toms
29th July, 2019

Matt Toms of the Carissa-Ann in West Bay landing some beautiful Reserve Seafood fish that is now on route to Plymouth Market.

One of our aims at the Lyme Bay Fisheries and Conservation Reserve is to help fishermen achieve top pricing for their catch. To do this we have created the Reserve Seafood brand, which markets the sustainable, premium quality, provenance-assured seafood of Lyme Bay.

For more details head over to: www.lymebayreserve.co.uk/reserve-seafood/

*OPEN* The Lyme Bay Fish Shack
23rd July, 2019

Great to see the Lyme Bay Fish Shack up and running at Millers Farm Shop in Axminster. Lyme Bay Reserve fisherman Nigel Birt and his wife Corrine have done a fantastic job in creating this place which offers the finest, sustainably caught, premium quality, provenance-assured fish and shellfish from Lyme Bay. The project was part funded by the Dorset and East Devon Fisheries Local Action Group – an initiative of the Marine Management Organisation and part of the European Maritime Fisheries Fund to deliver community-led local development in the area’s of fisheries, aquaculture and seafood sectors between Swanage and Beer.

Be sure to pop in to the Shack to sample the delights of what our local seas have to offer from seasonal mackerel, hand-dived scallops and more.

Photos by Millers Farm Shop

Lyme Bay Case Study Film
19th July, 2019

Our new four-year study, undertaken with University of Plymouth and Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), has found that limits on pot fishing can result in a win-win for fishermen and marine wildlife.

The research was a collaboration between researchers, managers and fishermen. As Dr Adam Rees who lead the study says, 'the process of doing this research is just as important as the results, the efforts from which I cannot overstate.'

Watch this video produced Blue Marine Foundation (facilitators of Lyme Bay Fisheries and Conservation Reserve) to complement the new report.

Major Study by Plymouth University
18th July, 2019

Limits on pot fishing can result in win-win for fishermen and marine wildlife.

Read how University of Plymouth has led the first major study into the impact of inshore potting for crab and lobster within Lyme Bay, a Marine Protected Area

Major Study by Plymouth University

Dorset Seafood Festival 2019 
18th July, 2019

A fantastic two days was had in sunny Weymouth, Dorset for the Nyetimber Dorset Seafood Festival promoting the Lyme Bay Fisheries and Conservation Reserve and Reserve Seafood – the sustainable, premium quality, provenance-assured seafood of Lyme Bay.

This was our 6th year of attending the festival and over the years has grown in strength and interest and for another year we had glorious sunshine for both days.

Attending this year's festival was Blue Marine Foundation Head of Science Dr Ian Hendy who got to grips with the variety of species on show to the public. An impressive Monkfish was centre stage of the Catch of the Day display, caught at 4pm the day before the festival by one of our fishermen out of West Bay. What a beauty!

Well done to all involved and we look forward to next year.

Happy #FishFriday 
5th July, 2019

Perfect weather to visit Beer Fisheries Ltd this weekend situated in the village of Beer in Devon, once famous for smuggling, but now known for its sustainable fishing and beautiful cove - a suntrap sheltered from the prevailing westerly winds, with shingly beach nestling below the chalk cliffs of the Jurassic Coast.

Phoenician Ship
4th July, 2019

The only traditionally built replica Phoenician ship in the world sailed into the sunny fishing port of Lyme Regis this morning.

The Phoenicia is due to make her way out of UK waters to the Mediterranean for the start of an epic cross-Atlantic attempt. The expedition, known as Phoenicians Before Columbus, will be led by local man and captain Philip Beale FRGS. The trip aims to prove that the Phoenicians reached the Americas 2000 years before Columbus.

Like running? Love the ocean?
28th June, 2019

Join Blue Marine Foundation (facilitators of Lyme Bay Fisheries and Conservation Reserve) & Onetrack Club for Onetrack1000, a 1,000-mile run on Sept 1st in support of Blue Marine Foundations work to save the oceans.

Sign up now and run 5k, 10k or a half marathon: onetrack.club/

Fisherman Matt Toms
25th June, 2019

Lyme Bay fisherman Matt Toms with some lovely Pollack caught out of West Bay within the Lyme Bay Fisheries and Conservation Reserve. With this week set to be a scorcher no doubt the fishermen of Lyme Bay will be out catching some more sustainable, premium quality, provenance-assured seafood of Lyme Bay.

For details about this head over to: www.lymebayreserve.co.uk/reserve-seafood/

Education Outreach Programme Feedback
24th June, 2019

Some great feedback from Marpool Primary School in Exmouth about their recent Marine Litter presentation by Lyme Bay fisherman and Education Ambassador Gavin Ziemann. We love the answer to the question 'How could the session be improved?' Answer: 'It was superb. The washing line activity was great and the items Gavin showed us were really helpful for the children to see.'

If you work in education and would like to book a FREE school visit on the subjects of Marine Litter or Sustainable Fishing please contact Sophie at the Blue Marine Foundation:

Well done Gavin! 

Education Outreach Programme Update
20th June, 2019

Visits to Marpool Primary School in Exmouth and Starcross Primary School in Exeter happened this week lead by Lyme Bay fisherman and Education Outreach Ambassador Gavin Ziemann;

'Four very good sessions. All the students were keen to participate and teachers were very supportive. Both students and teachers are involved with environmental work outside of school hours. A very enjoyable couple of days'.

Great to see local schools close to Lyme Bay Fisheries and Conservation Reserve are playing their part in protecting the environment. Keep up the great work Gavin and the children of Marpool Primary & Starcross Primary School.

Pictured is Gavin at Kings Ina Academy School.

Lyme Bay Fish Shack
13th June, 2019

The Lyme Bay Fish Shack will soon be opening its doors to members of the public, hoteliers and restaurateurs who want to buy the finest sustainable, premium quality, provenance-assured seafood of Lyme Bay.

Owner and fisherman Nigel Birt has caught fish and shellfish from Lyme Bay and sold from his current shack for the last 6 years with the help of his wife Corrine who is in charge of the day to day running of the shop along with Pete their fantastic fish monger. Corrine is also on hand to provide updates to wholesale customers on what fish is in season at any given time and son Sam helps out on the boat and loves the fishing industry – a real family business. The new shack offers a larger space with the ethos to buy as much local fish from the fishermen from the four ports in Lyme Bay; West Bay, Lyme Regis, Axmouth and Beer in order to sell to local customers, hotels and restaurants.

The new ice machine, fish fridge and stainless steel processing equipment were 50% funded by the Dorset East Devon Flag which was set up to deliver community-led local development in the areas fisheries, aquaculture and seafood sectors between Swanage and Beer. Located at Millers Farm Shop, Killmington, Axminster the Lyme Bay Fish Shack will be the plaice (pun intended!) to buy quality fish and shellfish at the best prices with produce coming directly from the boat to the Fish Shack and direct to you the customer.

Stay tuned as we bring you developments of the shack and the all important opening date.

Fisherman Angus Walker off to pull up his lobster pots 
11th June, 2019

Soon Axmouth Harbour will have its own Lobster Storage Facility thanks to funding from Dorset East Devon Flag and the European Maritime and Fisheries Fund (EMFF). Watch this space!

Fishing village of Beer, Devon
7th June, 2019

If you're ever visiting the picture-postcard village of Beer, Devon nestled in Lyme Bay on the 95-mile long Jurassic Coast be sure to pop in to Beer Fisheries and buy some sustainable, premium quality, provenance-assured seafood from Lyme Bay.

Plaice, Brill, Mackerel and Pollack and just some of the species sold, each delivering a unique taste of the sea.

Happy #FishFriday 

Schools Outreach Programme
4th June, 2019

Fisherman and Schools Outreach Ambassador Gavin Ziemann visited Thorverton Primary School in Exeter yesterday to present the popular Marine Litter presentation. Here's what Gavin had to say about the visit;

"Good day yesterday. 99% of the class fully involved. Teachers like the washing line idea and thought the children were quite surprised by how long litter could last. The classes are focusing on litter this week and the teachers thought the presentation was the perfect start to get everyone thinking".
Gavin is off to North Devon next Monday for another Marine Litter presentation. Watch this space as we report back.

Pictured is Gavin at St Mary's Primary School in Bridport.

Nyetimber Dorset Seafood Festival 
3rd June, 2019

We are excited to be once again involved with the Nyetimber Dorset Seafood Festival – the UK's largest FREE seafood festival on Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th July in Weymouth, Dorset. Stunning location along the historic harbour, local seafood, great chefs, demos and more.

We will be alongside Seafish (www.seafish.org) showcasing  fish and shellfish from Reserve Seafood; Lyme Bay Reserve's sustainable, premium quality, provenance-assured seafood. Be sure to come along, sample the food, discover more about Lyme Bay Reserve and enjoy the atmosphere the festival has on offer.

We'll see you there!

Sunbeam
30th May, 2019

Fisherman Charlie from Axmouth in Devon catching some lovely lobsters from within Lyme Bay Reserve on board his boat Sunbeam.

Lobsters are one of the common commercial species sold through Reserve Seafood – the sustainable, premium quality, provenance-assured seafood of Lyme Bay. Other species include Pollack, Brown Crab, Cuttlefish, Scallops, Plaice and Mackerel.

For more details about Reserve Seafood visit: www.lymebayreserve.co.uk/reserve-seafood/

Reel in a low-interest fisheries loan
29th May, 2019

Are you a fisherman with a bright idea? Wyvern Savings and Loans are offering low-interest bridging loans to help fishermen along the Dorset and East Devon coast fund their fisheries projects.

Get in touch with the Dorset and East Devon Fisheries Local Action Group today to discuss your funding application. www.dorsetcoast.com/projects/flag/

One day I want to be as big as you! 
24th May, 2019

These lobsters were caught three miles off Seaton in Devon inside the Lyme Bay Fisheries and Conservation Reserve by static gear fisherman Gavin Ziemann. The big lobster was just under 6lbs and the little one was returned to the sea to grow bigger.

If you're a fan of lobsters why not check out the National Lobster Hatchery, a charity set up to support the Cornish fishery and local lobster population.

Happy #FishFriday 

Fisherman Dave Sales
23rd May, 2019

Fantastic short film about West Bay fisherman Dave Sales who has been involved with the Lyme Bay Fisheries and Conservation Reserve since 2011.

#TuesdayFactoid
21st May, 2019

Did you know… West Bay harbour in Dorset is one of four ports which make up the Lyme Bay Fisheries and Conservation Reserve. The other ports are Lyme Regis on the Dorset/Devon border and Axmouth and Beer in Devon.

West Bay is home to the iconic East Cliff – crumbling golden cliffs of sand which reveal falling sea levels from some 175 million years ago and is part of the Jurassic Coast World Heritage site. It's safe to say the fishermen of West Bay have a very impressive office window! If you've recently visited West Bay why not share your photos of this historic fishing town with us. For details about West Bay visit: www.jurassiccoast.org/walkthroughtime/west-bay/

Photo by Focus Visuals.

Happy #FishFriday
17th May, 2019

Great to see the Fishermans wife -the Cobb, Lyme Regis displaying Reserve Seafood stickers proudly outside their shop. If you're heading down to Lyme Regis this weekend why not pop in and treat yourself to some Lyme Bay haddock or hand dived scallops… with chips of course! Support your local fishermen and buy fresh, local and sustainable fish from the Fisherman's Wife.

For more details about Reserve Seafood head over to: www.lymebayreserve.co.uk/reserve-seafood/

Reserve Seafood Stickers
15th May, 2019

Are you a proud supporter of Reserve Seafood – the sustainable, premium quality, provenance-assured seafood of Lyme Bay. If you are, we've just taken delivery of some more window stickers. If you'd like to get your hands on some send us your postal address to and we'll pop some in the post to you.

For more details about Reserve Seafood head over to: www.lymebayreserve.co.uk/reserve-seafood/

Beautiful Pollack
13th May, 2019

Some beautiful Pollack coming out of the Axe, courtesy of Nathan Cox and Our Phyllis Rose 

Get your hands on some and try this lovely recipe by Nathan Outlaw: https://www.greatbritishchefs.com/recipes/pollock-recipe-cheddar-herb-crust

#MondayMotivator
13th May, 2019

Lyme Bay is full of diverse marine species. We just had to share this footage filmed by the University of Plymouth Marine Institute as part of the Scientific Potting Study. It shows the breath of marine species found in Lyme Bay.

Who can name the species seen? 

#FridayFactoid
10th May, 2019

Did you know... the East Tennants Reef in Lyme Bay supports one of densest and most extensive populations of pink seafans (Eunicella verrucosa) in the English Channel. The seafans found here are notable for their large size in addition to the high density found here and that is why the Lyme Bay Fisheries and Conservation Reserve aims to look after this rich habitat through sustainable fisheries management.

Local underwater photographer Colin Munro who filmed this rocky reef in about 24-29 meters approximately 5 miles offshore describes the reefs in Lyme Bay as mostly low lying and the waters tend to be fairly gloomy and turbid. As this is essentially a large, open, sandy bay exposed to the prevailing winds, then significant amounts of suspended sediment are the norm.

Filmed by Colin Munro (www.colinmunrophotography.com). Underwater lighting by Sean Leake.

There’s always something going on down on the quay 
7th May, 2019

Pictured here is fisherman Angus Walker from Axmouth, Devon busy tending to his lobster pots. Angus is part of the Lyme Bay Fisheries and Conservation Reserve; a collaboration between fishermen, conservationists, scientists and regulators to maintain a healthy, productive and sustainable marine reserve within Lyme Bay. The vision is to achieve a well-managed reserve that will benefit fishermen and conservationists alike.

For more details head over to our website: www.lymebayreserve.co.uk

Fish Species of Lyme Bay
30th April, 2019

Did you know... common commercial species caught in Lyme Bay Reserve include lobster, crab, pollack, cuttlefish, scallop, mackerel and plaice among other flat fish. Pictured here is fisherman Jamie Smith with some lovely sole and plaice. Jamie catches these species sustainably from of his boat the 'Valiron' in Lyme Bay.

Are you in the market for some sustainable, premium quality, provenance-assured seafood from Lyme Bay? Then head over to our website for more details: www.lymebayreserve.co.uk/reserve-seafood/

Fishing is the UK’s most dangerous peacetime occupation.
26th April, 2019

There is a lot of risk to bring us our fish suppers. Great to see the crew of Our Phyllis Rose both wearing life jackets. Are you in the market for some of our sustainably caught fish and shellfish? Head on over to our website to discover more: www.lymebayreserve.co.uk/reserve-seafood/

Local to Lyme Bay?
24th April, 2019

Local to Lyme Bay and want to get your hands on some super fresh Lyme Bay Reserve fish and shellfish? Head down to the Lyme Fish Shack run by Coorine, Nigel, John and Pete. Nigel and John fish sustainably in Lyme Bay and catch cuttlefish, pollack, bass, gurnard, crabs and lobsters. Pete is the man in the Shack and he will serve and prepare your fish just how you want it, he is also good for advice on cooking fish. These nice cuttlefish landed on Nigel's boat the KT-Sam last week were iced up and headed to Plymouth's fish market.
For details head over to: www.millersfarmshop.co.uk

What a whopper!
23rd April 2019

Yummy Turbot off to market as part of the Reserve Seafood scheme. Common species of seafood sold through Reserve Seafood include; Crab, Lobster, Pollack, Turbot and Dover Sole. For more details head over to: www.lymebayreserve.co.uk/reserve-seafood/

Introducing our fisherman of the week, John Wallington!
8th May, 2019

John, a member of the Lyme Bay Fisheries and Conservation Reserve, is the skipper of Outcast based in Axmouth in East Devon. He uses rod and line to catch stunners like this! 

Introducing our fisherman of the week, Gavin!
5th April, 2019

Gavin is also a wonderful Ambassador for the Lyme Bay Fisheries and Conservation Reserve education outreach programme. He visits schools in the UK's south-west and teaches children about the importance of #sustainablefishing and the impacts of #marineliltter.
Gavin is also a member of Reserve Seafood, an initiative that markets the sustainable, premium quality, provenance-assured seafood of Lyme Bay. For details head over to www.lymebayreserve.co.uk.

Lyme Bay Fisheries and Conservation Reserve in numbers #infographic
3rd April, 2019

This pionerring Blue Marine Foundation project brings fishermen, conservationists & marine regulators together to create a model of sustainable fishing through scientifically informed, best-practice management: lymebayreserve.co.uk.

#FishFriday
29th March, 2019

With this glorious weather we're experiencing down on the South West coast, the fishermen of Lyme Bay Reserve have been hard at work bringing in the sustainable fish and shellfish this area has to offer. Fisherman Brett Newton (pictured) on board his boat Maverick is a member of Reserve Seafood – a premium brand which markets the sustainable, high-quality, provenance-assured seafood of Lyme Bay. Did you know... all vessels under Reserve Seafood use a monitoring app to ensure all catch is provenance assured. This guarantees the traceability of each catch and goes a long way towards the long-term sustainable future of Lyme Bay for both fish and fishermen.

For more information about Reserve Seafood head over to www.lymebayreserve.co.uk/reserve-seafood and if you're in the market for Reserve Seafood get in touch with Plymouth Trawler Agents who will 'hook' you up with some (pun intend); 01752 262816.

Reserve Seafood
26th March, 2019

The sustainable, premium quality, provenance-assured seafood from Lyme Bay Reserve. Caught and landed the same day, all our fish and shellfish comes from day boats in Lyme Bay. You won't get fresher than that! Fancy some of this premium quality product yourself? Get in touch with Plymouth Trawler Agents to place your order: www.plymouthtrawleragents.com

Lyme Bay seabed
22nd March, 2019

Ever wondered what life looks like on the seabed of Lyme Bay Reserve? Delve deep into this video filmed by University of Plymouth Marine Institute to discover.
These cameras were left on the seabed to film for long periods of time in order to capture footage of all the mobile organisms present in an area of Lyme Bay. The pole you can see is a metre in length with a baited cage at the end in order to attract all nearby animals into the field of view. The footage captured was analysed back at Plymouth University's Marine Institute and made up a significant part of the Lyme Bay Experimental Potting Study data collection.

For more information about the Experimental Potting Study and the Lyme Bay Fisheries and Conservation Reserve visit: www.lymebayreserve.co.uk
Video by: Plymouth University Marine Institute

Introducing our fisherman of the week, Oscar.
21st March, 2019

Oscar Fearnley-Derome is the skipper of the Hollie Rose E563 who works out of Axmouth Harbour. The unusual February weather we experienced had him smiling and in a T-shirt!
Oscar is part of Reserve Seafood, a scheme developed by the Blue Marine Foundation which markets and promotes the sustainable, premium quality, provenance-assured seafood of Lyme Bay. This premium product is a result of the fishermen's dedication to catch quality, whereby each fisher is signed up to the Lyme Bay Fisheries and Conservation Reserve and is accredited by the Seafish Responsible Fishing Scheme, which assures catch quality and fishing standards.

The voluntary Codes of Conduct that each fisherman adheres to and the science, which measures the results of fishing efforts in the Bay, informs the sustainability of the product. Each vessel is also fitted with iVMS (inshore Vessel Monitoring System), which guarantees the traceability of each catch. All of this goes a long way towards the long-term sustainable future of Lyme Bay for both fish and fishermen.

www.lymebayreserve.co.uk/reserve-seafood/

Food that Doesn't Cost the Earth
20th March, 2019

As part of 'Green Fortnight' – Food, Farming and the Future' Transition Town Bridport are holding a discussion panel led by local food producers including Ellen Simon of Tamarisk Farm, Jyoti Fernandes, Martin Yeates of Manor Farm, Swyre, and our very own scallop fisherman John Worswick from West Bay fishing in Lyme Bay Fisheries and Conservation Reserve. Held at Bridport Town Hall from 7.30pm. Bar and food will be served from 7.00pm (contributions welcome). £3 from Tourist Information Centre or on the door.

Photo by Focus Visuals.

Fancy eating fish this week?
14th March, 2019

Pouting from our Reserve Seafood brand is a great year-round fish... and sustainably caught of course! Try pouting filets pan fried with a breadcrumb coating and sweet potato chips. It is also great poached or steamed with spinach, herbs, butter and garlic. For more information about Reserve Seafood, the sustainable, premium quality, provenance-assured seafood of Lyme Bay head over to: www.lymebayreserve.co.uk/reserve-seafood/

Don't forget to keep an eye out for our Reserve Seafood sticker in fishmongers windows along the South-West coast so you can enjoy and support this innovative brand.

Looking to buy Reserve Seafood locally? 
13th March, 2019

Check out Beer Fisheries fish shop at Sea Hill, Beer Beach in Devon. They sell a variety of sustainably caught fish and shellfish from the small scale fleet who fish out from Beer in Lyme Bay Reserve. For more details about Reserve Seafood head over to www.lymebayreserve.co.uk/reserve-seafood/

Cracking group photo we just had to share with you.
8th March, 2019

The Blue Marine Foundation invited a dozen artisanal fishermen from six small fishing communities in the Mediterranean to Lyme Bay. Many of the fishermen had never been on an aeroplane, some had never left their home country. They were a brave collection of seamen who wanted to learn more from the fishermen of Lyme Bay. The visitors were aware of the remarkable recovery of marine life in Lyme Bay Reserve and the superior quality of fish sold through Reserve Seafood.

Reserve Seafood Van
7th March, 2019

Our Reserve Seafood van has had a serious makeover by R & H Signs! Look out for us on the roads from Lyme Bay to Plymouth as we deliver the sustainable, premium quality, provenance-assured seafood from Lyme Bay. For more details about Reserve Seafood head over to: www.lymebayreserve.co.uk/reserve-seafood

Rory Moore Blog
6th March, 2019

In his latest blog, Rory Moore, Senior Projects Manager at Blue Marine Foundation looks back on BLUE's successful European fisheries exchange event that saw fishermen from five different countries visit BLUE's Lyme Bay Reserve to learn from local small-scale fishermen.

Read Article

Reserve Seafood
5th March, 2019

Look out for our Reserve Seafood logo when buying seafood around Lyme Bay. This one was spotted at Beer fish shop down on Beer beach. One of our aims at the Lyme Bay Fisheries and Conservation Reserve is to help fishermen achieve top pricing for their catch. To do this we have created the Reserve Seafood brand, which markets the sustainable, premium quality, provenance-assured seafood of Lyme Bay. An initiative developed by the Blue Marine Foundation.

For more information head over to: www.lymebayreserve.co.uk/reserve-seafood/

BBC Spotlight
4th March, 2019

Blue Marine Foundation (facilitators of Lyme Bay Reserve) successful small-scale fisheries exchange event in Lyme Bay last week was featured on BBC Spotlight. Fishermen from Italy, Greece, Cyprus and Turkey came together to learn about the success of the Lyme Bay Fisheries and Conservation Reserve from the Lyme Bay fishermen themselves.

The Independent
1st March, 2019

Jo Lamiri from The Independent spent a day in Lyme Bay speaking to local fishermen and learning about Lyme Bay Fisheries and Conservation Reserve, a project facilitated by the Blue Marine Foundation, which uniquely brings together fishermen, conservationists and marine regulators to create a new model of sustainable fishing in Lyme Bay through scientifically informed, best-practice management.

Jo sampled some deliciously fresh and sustainably caught Reserve Seafood – our premium quality, provenance-assured seafood of Lyme Bay, which was expertly prepared by Paul Shearing from Roast Restaurant.
Great to see photos by Saeed Rashid Focus Visuals and Colin Munro Photography featured in the article.
Read her article here: https://ind.pn/2HehPbI

European Small-scale Fisheries Exchange
26th February, 2019

Over the weekend fishermen from Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, Italy and the UK came together in sunny Lyme Bay for the European Small-scale Fisheries Exchange facilitated by the Blue Marine Foundation.
Knowledge and experiences were shared by groups from the five countries. Fishermen from the Lyme Bay Fisheries and Conservation Reserve explained to their Mediterranean counterparts that improvements to port infrastructure like chiller units and ice machines have greatly improved the quality of their catch, allowing them to fetch premium prices for their sustainably caught fish and shellfish.

The agenda was packed starting with port visits on Saturday morning then workshops at the Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis in the afternoon with dinner and speeches to round up the day. Sunday saw a fishing trip from Beer to Lyme Regis in the morning followed by lunch and closing speeches.

A big thank you goes out to the fishermen of Lyme Bay Fisheries and Conservation Reserve who gave up their weekend to take part in this unique knowledge sharing experience. Without the support and dedication our fishers show the Reserve wouldn't be what it is today.

BBC Spotlight
25th February, 2019

The sun shone for our visitors this weekend as we welcomed fishers from Italy, Greece, Cyprus and Turkey to find out how Lyme Bay Fisheries and Conservation Reserve fishers catch their fish and exchange knowledge during the Blue Marine Foundation European Small Scale Fishers Exchange.

Watch BBC Spotlight cover this unique exchange of knowledge starting at 0:47.
Stay tuned this week as we bring you a full round-up from the weekend.

**JOB OPPORTUNITY**
Blue Marine Foundation South-West Coordinator

21st February, 2019

A vacancy has arisen for a Coordinator (South-West) to join the Blue Marine Foundation team. The Coordinator will be part of a team responsible for developing and managing BLUE’s Lyme Bay Fisheries and Conservation Reserve project and other projects in the South West of England.

BLUE’s highly successful project in Lyme Bay, for the last six years has not only achieved conservation improvements, but also improved livelihoods of local fishermen.

The post-holder should have a good understanding of UK fisheries and at least three years’ experience in delivering UK or international marine conservation projects. Experience working directly with fishermen is a positive.

For more details head over to:
www.bluemarinefoundation.com/.../job-opportunity-blue-marine.../

Application deadline is Friday 8th March 2019.

Small-scale Fisheries Workshop
21st February, 2019

This weekend sees an ideas sharing workshop for the best small-scale sustainable fisheries in Europe. The Blue Marine Foundation (facilitators of Lyme Bay Fisheries and Conservation Reserve) have invited fishermen from Italy, Greece, France and Turkey to Lyme Bay to take part in the workshop which is designed for fishermen to talk to fishermen – to learn about the Lyme Bay model, the benefits the model may bring, to exchange ideas and ancient knowledge, to create bonds across borders, to understand that they are not alone and to create a coherent voice for European small-scale fishermen.

Morven Robertson, UK Projects Manager at BLUE quotes, "Our work in Lyme Bay has demonstrated that it is possible to achieve conservation gains while benefiting small-scale fishermen. The success of this has been the fishermen themselves and the ownership they have taken over the MPA. This exchange will allow this experience to be shared with those who are just setting out".

Pictured is Lyme Bay fisherman Gavin Ziemann (right) who will be sharing his knowledge and experience over the weekend.

Stay tuned as we cover the weekend via our social media channels. Kindly supported by the Adessium Foundation.

Fisherman of the Week is scallop diver John Worswick
14th February, 2019

John is from West Bay within Lyme Bay Reserve. He dives down to the bottom of Lyme Bay to collect scallops by hand – a sustainable way to harvest this beautifully fresh, sweet and meaty seafood.

As a combined result of the ban on mobile gear in Lyme Bay and the collaborative approach introduced by Blue Marine Foundation (facilitators of Lyme Bay Reserve), there has been a four-fold increase in flora and fauna reef species since 2008, a doubling of hand-dived scallop landings and a quadrupling of juvenile lobsters (observed and put back). A "win-win" model for fishing and conservation.

Photos by Saeed Rashid at Focus Visuals

From port to plate in 24 hours
8th February, 2019

A fantastic day was had yesterday with The Independent journalist and the Roast Restaurant team coming together to promote Reserve Seafood, the sustainable, premium quality, provenance-assured seafood of Lyme Bay. Morven Robertson, UK Projects Manager at the  Blue Marine Foundation (facilitators of the Lyme Bay Fisheries and Conservation Reserve) visited all four ports along with the journalist, met with fishermen to discuss the Reserve, the challenges they are facing as small scale fishermen and how the partnership with Blue Marine Foundation is helping to address these. We were very lucky to have Chef Paul Shearing from ROAST with us once again to cook Axmouth fisherman John Wallington’s line caught pollack (we picked it out the chiller together), Jim Newtown’s crab and some hand dived scallops, all Reserve Seafood, at fisherman Mark Dack’s restaurant the Kingfisher. All within less than 24 hours since the catch was landed.
For more details about Reserve Seafood head over to: www.lymebayreserve.co.uk/reserve-seafood/
And watch this space for The Independent write-up.

Consultative Committee Meeting
5th February, 2019

The 38th Lyme Bay Fisheries and Conservation Reserve Consultative Committee Meeting will take place this evening in Lyme Regis.

Over the last seven years Blue Marine Foundation (facilitators of Lyme Bay Reserve) have developed a collaborative model with fishermen, scientists, marine regulators, conservationists and recreational interests to effectively manage Lyme Bay Reserve and facilitate an open forum to discuss relevant developments in the sector.

On tonight's agenda:

  • Updates from Marine Authorities and Agencies
  • Plymouth University research
  • Skates and rays research
  • Recreational angling
  • Local Coordination
  • Reserve Seafood
  • Schools Outreach Programme
  • FLAG (Fisheries Local Action Group)
  • Future Management Sub-committee
  • Overseas Fishers Exchange Visit
  • Communications 
  • Media & PR

For past minutes visit: www.lymebayreserve.co.uk/download-centre/

Did you know...
4th February, 2019

The Lyme Bay Fisheries and Conservation Reserve, facilitated by the Blue Marine Foundation (BLUE) has been so successful in the UK that BLUE is taking the Lyme Bay model to the Mediterranean, a sea plagued by overfishing and mismanagement of marine resources. In the Mediterranean, small-scale, low-impact fisheries constitute over 80% of the fishing fleet.

For details about BLUE's projects head over to:
www.bluemarinefoundation.com/project/aeolian-islands/

Friday #FishyFactoid
1st February, 2019

The picturesque fishing port of Beer in Devon, located within Lyme Bay Fisheries and Conservation Reserve, is situated on the UNESCO World Heritage Jurassic Coast. It is a site of outstanding international importance for Earth Science. For this reason the Dorset and East Devon Coast – the Jurassic Coast – was designated as England’s first natural World Heritage Site in 2001: www.jurassiccoast.org.

The pebble beach is home to a small fleet of working fishing boats and the surrounding white chalk cliffs provide a natural suntrap sheltering the cove from prevailing westerly winds. After a day of fishing the beach is lined with fishing boats who bring in their daily catches, many of which are sold to Reserve Seafood; a sustainable, premium quality, provenance-assured brand of Lyme Bay Fisheries and Conservation Reserve.

Pictured are some of the fishing fleet on Beer's pebble beach.

For more information about Reserve Seafood visit: www.lymebayreserve.co.uk/reserve-seafood

Fisherman of the week is Angus Walker!
30th January, 2019

Angus is the Harbour Master at Axmouth in Devon. He described the chiller unit and ice machine supplied by Blue Marine Foundation as part of our Reserve Seafood scheme as 'the best thing to happen to this port in 100 years'.

For more details about Reserve Seafood; our sustainable, premium quality, provenance-assured seafood from Lyme Bay visit: www.lymebayreserve.co.uk/reserve-seafood

Blue Marine Foundation Annual Review
25th January, 2019

It really is amazing what the Blue Marine Foundation (facilitators of the Lyme Bay Fisheries and Conservation Reserve) have achieved over the past year. Sit back, relax and read the Blue Marine Foundation 2018 Review in wonder.

Friday #FishFact 
25th January, 2019

Can you guess whose eggs these belong to? 

Found on fisherman Jim Newton's lobster pots whilst out fishing in Lyme Bay Reserve.

(Answer: Squid eggs!)

**Calling all Recreational Sea Anglers** 
24th January, 2019

If you catch a ray whilst out fishing in Lyme Bay please take 2 minutes to record your catch via our free, downloadable mobile app Epicollect5.

The app is designed to be used in the field and will ask a few simple questions including the GPS location, gear type, ray species, size, date and time of catch. This important data will feed into our research investigating the current conservation status of the local ray population within the Lyme Bay Reserve.

For more details about the project, how to download the app or how to record your catch data via the website visit: www.lymebayreserve.co.uk/science/ray-research.php

Lyme Bay Reserve Voluntary Code of Conduct 
23rd January, 2019

Fisherman Jim Newton from Beer, Devon pictured checking his crab and lobster pots. Jim along with other fishermen fishing in Lyme Bay Reserve adheres to a Voluntary Code of Conduct which limits the number of pots to 250 in the interest of the environment. This sensitive management of the Reserve has led to a flourishing of marine life and evident recovery in fish populations.

As fishermen like Jim have agreed to a reduction in gear levels it is therefore desirable to help them achieve an optimum price for their catch by way of providing basic chiller facilities within their ports which has happened in Beer, Axmouth, Lyme Regis, West Bay.

For more information about the Voluntary Code of Conduct visit: https://bit.ly/2AVFRV6

Congratulations Adam!
22nd January, 2019

Huge congratulations to Dr Adam Rees on his freshly printed thesis on The Ecological Effects of Increasing Potting Density in the Lyme Bay Marine Protected Area.

Adam's PhD was a collaborative project with the fishermen of Lyme Bay Fisheries and Conservation Reserve, the Blue Marine Foundation and the University of Plymouth to assess the impact of potting density on seabed biodiversity and target species within the Lyme Bay Marine Protected Area.

For more details about Adam's new role as Blue Marine Foundation Research Officer visit: Adam’s New Role

Can you help us identify this specie?
21st January, 2019

Fisherman Jim Newton from Beer, Devon caught this whilst out fishing in Lyme Bay last week. We asked Dr Adam Rees, our Research Officer at Blue Marine Foundation (facilitators of Lyme Bay Reserve) but he has no idea either. Do you?

(Answer: It looks to be a Alpheus glaber - Pistol Shrimp. Usually found in soft muddy sediment, but can easily be amongst the reefs. Reason why we should protect the site not just the reef feature. A nice large specimen if so).

Dolphins in Lyme Bay 
18th January, 2019

Filmed yesterday morning about five nautical miles out in Lyme Bay Reserve by Catherine Whitley, Blue Marine Foundation UK Researcher from fisherman Jim Newton's boat, Bess.

Shout out to our fisherman of the week, Jim Newton!
11th January, 2019

Jim is the skipper of Bess and fishes out of Beer in Devon, where the boats are still pulled up onto the beach. Jim is a member of Reserve Seafood and the Lyme Bay Fisheries and Conservation Reserve.

For more information about Reserve Seafood; the sustainable, premium quality, provenance-assured seafood of Lyme Bay visit: www.lymebayreserve.co.uk/reserve-seafood

Photo by Saeed Rashid Focus Visuals

The Fisheries Observer
A new film by Dorset Coast Forum www.dorsetcoast.com

10th January, 2019

See how Cefas researchers and fishermen are working together in Dorset on a really important project.

It's a fascinating story and as Liseve, Ruth's co-worker says ‘there's a lot fishermen can teach us and working together we get the best blend of information and knowledge and sharing.’

**Calling All Recreation Fishers In Lyme Bay**
7th January, 2019

We are encouraging recreational fishers in Lyme Bay to use our free, downloadable mobile app Epicollect5 to record their ray catches as part of our ongoing study.

The app is designed to be used in the field and will ask a few simple questions including the GPS location, gear type, ray species, size, date and time of catch. This important data will feed into our research investigating the current conservation status of the local ray population within the Lyme Bay Reserve.

Instructions on how to use the app are below, alternatively, fishers can enter their data online at Blue Marine Foundation Epicollect5.

Download and data entry instructions:

  1. Download Epicollect5 on Android or iPhone app store
  2. Open App 
  3. Click ‘+ Add Project’ – Blue Marine Foundation 
  4. Select the downloaded project 
  5. Select ‘+ Add entry’ to enter ray/skate catch information 
  6. When prompted, answer the questions on the screen
  7. Once finished, click “Upload entry”

Please note, all submitted records are publicly accessible via the Epicollect5 website. Please do not submit personal information with your sightings.

If fishers want to contact us directly they can speak to Catherine Whitley, UK Researcher from the Blue Marine Foundation (facilitators of the Lyme Bay Reserve).

Angling Trust Wyvern Region Open Shore Competition Slapton, South Devon
6th January 2019

The South West’s first major event in 2019 attracted 158 anglers to the South Hams to fish the annual Angling Trust Wyvern Open Festival. The weather conditions for a change was perfect with a light west/north west wind and a flat calm sea for the five hour event.

Whiting, Dogfish, Mackerel, Garfish & Grey Gurnard were caught during the event. The results were announced within half an hour of the close of scales at 6.45 pm at the Festival Headquarters at the Stokeley Farm Shop.

The worthy winner was Ben Bradstock (Honiton Sea Angling Club) who recorded a specimen Whiting of 1.98lb and a L.S.D. of 1.87lb (206.8%), it was Ben’s second year in a row winning last year’s event.

Written by Press Officer Mike Spiller of Honiton Sea Angling Club who represents the Angling Trust Wyvern Region at the Lyme Bay Fisheries and Conservation Reserve Consultative Committee Meetings.

Pictured are the winners of the night.

Funders

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