Introducing the CAST project to Southsea Marina Angling Club with Dr Christina Hunt

Overview

On September 3, 2024, The International SeaKeepers Society UK Office attended the Monthly Southsea Marina Angling Club (SMAC) meeting alongside Dr Christina Hunt of the University of Portsmouth. SeaKeepers introduced the DISCOVERY Yacht Programme, before Dr Hunt discussed the "Competitive Angling as a Scientific Tool" (CAST) project and how anglers can get involved. The project aims to use Lowrance sonar and photographic data collected within specified areas of the Solent to help improve understanding of local fish populations and their habitats. SeaKeepers and Dr Hunt answered various questions from the anglers about the CAST project, particularly whether the results would enforce recreational fishing restrictions. It was clear from these discussions that the members of the club are passionate about the health of their local waterways and marine ecosystems, and are keen to protect local populations for future generations to enjoy. We hope many of these members will join SeaKeepers' DISCOVERY Yacht fleet and support both this and future projects in the area.

The International SeaKeepers Society attended the Southsea Marina Angling Club meeting to encourage vessels to join SeaKeepers' DISCOVERY Yacht Programme and to specifically engage local anglers in the "Competitive Angling as a Scientific Tool" project.