Stock Status within the North Sea Haddock

Key Findings

Saltmarsh landscapes (fig. 1) are common to Scotland. They are found in the intertidal zone (where the sea rises and falls between over the course of a day), in areas sheltered from the worst of the waves (NatureScot, 2023). They grow from the gentle settling of sediments into mud substrate, forming patches of vegetation separated by streams of water (Scottish Seabird Centre, n.d.). Their soils are waterlogged due to the frequent input of seawater, often resulting in the formation of peat (National Ocean Service, 2024). Saltmarshes are the mid to higher latitude equivalent of mangroves, which form in similar intertidal environments of the tropical latitudes (Davidson-Arnott, 2009). 

In terms of biodiversity, saltmarshes are incredibly important environments. They are the spawning grounds for many economically important fish species (The Wildlife Trusts, n.d.), and support communities of unique plants, small mammals, and lots of insects, in addition to their best-known residents – birds, be they permanent or migratory visitors (Scottish Seabird Centre, n.d.). 

Not only are these environments ecologically important, but they also provide more direct benefits to the human population. Their sediments can trap contaminants and improve water quality, while their complex structures are excellent flood defences (fig. 2) (Hudson, Kenworthy, and Best, 2021). They are also a significantly important component in the fight against climate change…. (Hudson, Kenworthy, and Best, 2021). 

Due to the anaerobic soil (lacking in oxygen), carbon that becomes incorporated into the soil via plant photosynthesis decays very slowly, potentially being stored for millenia if undisturbed (NOAA, n.d.). When stored in this coastal/marine enviornment, the carbon is known as ‘blue carbon’. Saltmarsh carbon burial is one of the most efficient natural methods of carbon sequestration (fig. 3), better than both seagrass and forests (Hudson, Kenworthy, and Best, 2021). This also means the loss of saltmarsh landscape is highly damaging – releasing the long-buried carbon back into the atmosphere and contributing to planetary warming. 

 

Fig. 1: A Saltmarsh (Venables, 2010)

Fig. 2: A comparison of traditional seawall coastal defences, compared to natural systems in managing extreme conditions: the friction of the complex wetland and reef structures lessens the intensity of the waves (Temmerman et al, 2013).

Fig. 3: Comparison of terrestrial and marine natural carbon sequestration methods – saltmarshes are responsible for the 2nd largest share of hectares buried per year. (Fewins, 2023). 

Notes

Linked Information Sheets

Seafood Landings by Value into the North East of Scotland - Employment in the fishing industry offshore- Employment in the fishing industry onshore- Markets for Seafood - Fraserburgh Harbour, Peterhead Harbour - Aberdeen Harbour - Small Harbours north of Aberdeen - Small Harbours South of Aberdeen – Status of key commercial species – Numbers of fishing vessels – Training - Employment - Mackerel line catch value

Key sources of Information

Reviewed on/by

20/08/2024 by Cathryn Lovie

22/08/2024 by Ian Hay

 

Status

 First Draft (this is for demonstration only at this time and has not been reviewed) 

To report errors, highlight new data, or discuss alternative interpretations, please complete the form below and we will aim to respond to you within 28 days

This field is mandatory

I hereby agree that this data will be stored and processed for the purpose of establishing contact. I am aware that I can revoke my consent at any time.*

This field is mandatory

* Indicates required fields
There was an error submitting your message. Please try again.
Thank you! We will get back to you as soon as possible.

Contact us

Telephone: 07971149117

E-mail: ian.hay@stateofthecoast.scot

East Grampian Coastal Partnership (EGCP) Logo

© 2023 - All rights reserved. EGCP Limited

Cover Photograph - David R. Green

We need your consent to load the translations

We use a third-party service to translate the website content that may collect data about your activity. Please review the details in the privacy policy and accept the service to view the translations.