Shipwrecks are providing a welcome refuge for fish, corals and other marine species in areas which are still open to destructive bottom towed fishing.

In a study conducted by the University of Plymouth and Blue Marine Foundation the increased ecological importance of shipwrecks has been examined, including the areas surrounding them – in areas of heavy fishing pressure.

Jenny Hickman, the study’s lead author, completed the research as part of her MSc Marine Conservation programme at the University of Plymouth. She explained:

“The industrial use of bottom towed fishing gear has been commonplace since the 1800s, and has significantly altered marine communities and ecosystem services.

“Outside of legal protection, only areas inaccessible to trawlers are offered any protection, which is why shipwreck sites are rarely subject to trawling pressure.

“As many have been in situ for more than 100 years, they offer a baseline of ecological potential when trawling pressure is reduced or removed.”

The research was conducted around five shipwrecks off the Berwickshire coast, which are all thought to have sunk in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Constructed from a range of different materials, they sit between 17 and 47metres beneath the ocean surface, with some in areas open to bottom towed fishing and others in areas where some types of fishing are restricted. 

The research teams, supported by local boat crews, gathered video footage of the shipwrecks, the surrounding 50m radius, and control locations more than 150m from the wreck site.

Footage of all the sites was then assessed, with the researchers, who had a particular interesting in finding species deemed to be vulnerable to trawling if it is allowed to continue.

Joe Richards, Scotland Project Manager for Blue Marine Foundation and one of the study’s co-authors, said:

“It has long been thought that shipwrecks could be playing an important role in providing sanctuary for marine species to utilise. It is brilliant to see this proven in this study.

“The research provides an insight into what might be possible if bottom towed fishing activity is reduced. This feeds into our wider understanding of shipwrecks potential to contribute to ecosystem recovery and enhancement, given the sheer number found on the seabed.”

The University and the Blue Marine Foundation have worked together for many years examining the benefits of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).

This has included studies in the Lyme Bay MPA – off the South Coast of England – which have provided foundational evidence for the UK Government’s current approach to MPA management.

Researchers say the latest study demonstrates the importance of factoring wreck sites into future conservation plans, but also the benefits of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) status.

Dr Emma Sheehan, Associate Professor of Marine Ecology and senior author, added:

“In recent years, the UK has made significant strides in terms of measures to protect the marine environment. There is still much to be done to reach the goal of having 30% of the ocean protected by 2030, but if we are to get close to that we need detailed evidence about what makes our ocean so special and any existing initiatives that are working well.

” This study builds on our existing work in that regard, and highlights an impact of past human activity that is actually having a positive impact on the seabed today. It is unquestionably something that should be factored into future marine management plans.”

Click on this link to access Shipwrecks act as de facto marine protected areas in areas of heavy fishing pressure, published in Marine Ecology.