The Cornwall Bass Investigations Group are a group of volunteer citizen scientists who conduct juvenile bass surveys on the Helford and Fal estuaries in Cornwall. These surveys were the brainchild of Dr Pamela Tompsett of the
Helford Marine Conservation Group (HMCG), and Donovan Kelley MBE.
They were started on the Helford by Derek Goodwin MBE in 1994, with surveys on the Fal commencing in 2000. Derek led the group until 2021, at which time he handed over the reins to Robin Bradley.
The group has close links to: HMCG Bass Anglers' Sportfishing Society Cefas Plymouth University ERCCIS IFM
The purpose of the surveys is to provide an assessment of the strength of each successive year class and its growth, and to monitor any adverse effects on survival of bass during their first winter caused by prolonged very cold spells. The data we produce is used in the annual ICES (International Council for the Exploration of the Sea) assessment of the Northern bass stock, which in turn is used to set bass catch limits each year.
Helford Marine Conservation Group (HMCG), and Donovan Kelley MBE.
They were started on the Helford by Derek Goodwin MBE in 1994, with surveys on the Fal commencing in 2000. Derek led the group until 2021, at which time he handed over the reins to Robin Bradley.
The group has close links to: HMCG Bass Anglers' Sportfishing Society Cefas Plymouth University ERCCIS IFM
The purpose of the surveys is to provide an assessment of the strength of each successive year class and its growth, and to monitor any adverse effects on survival of bass during their first winter caused by prolonged very cold spells. The data we produce is used in the annual ICES (International Council for the Exploration of the Sea) assessment of the Northern bass stock, which in turn is used to set bass catch limits each year.
a '1' group bass, probably about 15 months old, and an '0' group bass, probably about 3 months old. photo by Robin Bradley
The surveys provide a valuable long-term time series of data, which has been used in scientific research papers on the environmental and biological drivers of bass recruitment.
The work is fascinating and great fun! Anybody with an interest in fish (not just bass - we see lots of other fish), fishing or conservation, will enjoy the surveys, which take place in some beautiful surroundings. There is no obligation, or minimum number of surveys you should do - just volunteer for any that are convenient for you.
If you're interested let Robin Bradley know via email: [email protected]
The work is fascinating and great fun! Anybody with an interest in fish (not just bass - we see lots of other fish), fishing or conservation, will enjoy the surveys, which take place in some beautiful surroundings. There is no obligation, or minimum number of surveys you should do - just volunteer for any that are convenient for you.
If you're interested let Robin Bradley know via email: [email protected]
Donovan Kelley MBE - photo from his book 'Forty anglers'
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Derek Goodwin MBE -photo by Robin Bradley
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