Aggregating
The behaviour of a group of individuals of a species to form a cluster (ie. in a non-random distribution).
Algal bloom
An abundant growth of phytoplankton, typically triggered by sudden favourable environmental conditions e.g. excess nutrients. Typically seen in the spring in UK waters.
Anadromous
Fish that are born in freshwater rivers and streams but spend most of their adult lives in the marine environment, typically returning to freshwater to spawn, or reproduce.
Aquaculture
The general term given to the farming/cultivation of any aquatic (fresh and marine) species (plant or animal).
Artisanal
Term used to describe small-scale, traditional fisheries.
Beam trawl
In this type of trawl the mouth of the net is kept open by a beam which is mounted at each end on guides or skids which travel along the seabed.
Benthic
Living on or in the seabed.
Benthos
Those organisms attached to, living on, or in the seabed.
Berried
Egg-bearing lobster or crab.
Bioaccumulation
The accumulation of a substance (contaminant) within the tissues of an organism.
Biodiversity
The variability among living organisms from all sources including, among other things, terrestrial, marine and other aquatic ecosystems and the ecological complexes of which they are part.
Biomass
The total weight of living organisms or total weight of a resource or stock.
Bivalve
Having two shells or valves which open and shut.
Boreal
Living near the north; sub Arctic.
Catadromous
Fish that are born in the sea then migrate to freshwater to grow and mature.
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CatchTotal number or weight of fish and other marine life,
including bycatch, taken during a fishing event (as
opposed to landings which do not reflect the amount of
by-catch discarded).
CaviarThe salted roe (unfertilised eggs) of a female sturgeon.
The roe from other fish species, e.g. salmon, is also
considered an edible delicacy but in most countries,
including the U.K, only sturgeon eggs can legally be
called ‘caviar.’
CephalopodsA type of molluscs, have a distinct head and tentacles, e.g.
octopus, squid and cuttlefish.
CITES
Convention on International Trade in Endangered
Species (CITES). An international agreement which aims
to ensure that trade in plants and animals does not
threaten their survival.
Cod-end
The rear end of a trawl net where the catch accumulates.
Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) The European Union’s policy instrument for the management of fisheries and aquaculture.
Conservation measure
Term applied to legislative methods within the framework
of the CFP which regulate fishing activity.
Continental Shelf Sloping undersea shelf of land that extends beyond the shore of the continent.
Copepods
Small (0.5-2mm long) crustacea that form part of the
zoo-plankton community and are an important food
source for many larger animals.
Coral
A group of marine invertebrate animals that live in
colonies, characterised by a calcium carbonate skeleton.
Appears in a variety of shapes often forming reefs.
(Separately ‘coral’ is also a term used for some shellfish
roe or eggs).
Crustaceans
A group of animals, found in fresh and saltwater, with
two pairs of antennae and a calcium carbonate shell
e.g. crab, lobster.
Cultch
Any substrate laid on the seabed with the purpose of
encouraging mollusc larvae (spat) settlement. Examples
are shell waste, ropes and tiles.
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