Nephrops - Functional Units derived from sediment and VMS data

Nephrops norvegicus (also known as Norway lobster, langoustine, scampi, and Dublin Bay prawn) is a mud burrowing marine decapod crustacean.  For the purposes of management and stock assessment, Nephrops are split into a number of stocks or ICES 'functional units' (FUs) based on the discrete patches of mud which they inhabit.

The suitable Nephrops ground within the ICES FUs around Scottish waters is also shown on this data layer. This is based on British Geological Survey information and Vessel Monitoring System data (to map inferred fishing distribution of the Nephrops fleet).