Wightlink has teamed up with marine scientists from the University of Portsmouth to find out more about cuttlefish that live in and around Ryde Pier and near the ferry company’s FastCat terminal in Portsmouth Harbour.
University of Portsmouth postgraduate researcher Emma Chappell has installed strands of rope, weighted down by breeze blocks, into the sea water beneath the port structures and hopes cuttlefish will be encouraged to lay their eggs on the ropes. She is visiting the sites monthly throughout summer to check on the 6 nurseries.
Cuttlefish are part of the same family of marine invertebrates as squid and octopuses and can change colour and texture to escape predators or attract mates. Their chalky internal shells can often be found washed up on beaches and are often used in budgie cages, as a calcium-rich dietary supplement for the birds.
Many Wightlink staff remember seeing hundreds of cuttlefish in and around Portsmouth Harbour in years gone by, but numbers have fallen recently.
Emma explains:
“Cuttlefish are an iconic and important species in the Solent. Despite this, they don’t receive as much protection as other commercially valuable species found in the Channel and coastal stocks are exploited, often by offshore trawlers.”
“In 2018, this was the fifth most valuable fishery in England, worth £14.9million. The results of my research will help increase our knowledge about cuttlefish egg-laying behaviour on artificial structures, which could be helpful in decision-making about the management of cuttlefish in our waters.”
Wightlink Chief Executive Keith Greenfield says:
“We are always delighted to work with University of Portsmouth marine scientists to learn more about life beneath the waves and look forward to hearing updates on Emma’s valuable research.”
Our dog has a habit of rolling in these when they are decomposed.
The smell is putrid so not sorry to see less of these creatures.
I am sure that Budgies can survive on Trill and millet.
Kind of ironic hearing a member of the most destructive species this planet has ever seen being pleased that a species is in decline because they make their dog a bit smellier than usual.
Cuttlefish are fascinating creatures, intelligent and able to change their colour and appearance to match their surroundings.
If only Wightlink concentrated on reducing Ferry Fares than
P oncing about with
Cuttlefish.