Norway lobster (Nephrops norvegicus) Nephrops is also known as scampi, Dublin Bay Prawn, or Langoustine. The fishery for Nephrops in Scottish waters has developed since the early 1960s, and Nephrops is currently one of the most valuable species landed (about £50 million in recent years). There are Nephrops fisheries in a number of areas around Scotland, the largest being the Fladen Ground. Most are caught by trawlers, but in inshore west coast areas, creeling is also important. Scotland takes about one third of the total world Nephrops landings, and is allocated the majority of     Norway lobster in burrow the North Sea and Scottish west coast Total Allowable Catches (TAC).   Biology Nephrops distribution is limited by the extent of suitable muddy sediment in which they construct burrows. Populations exist in depths as shallow as a few meters in sheltered sealochs, down to over 500 metres on the shelf edge, west of the Hebrides.   Nephrops spend most of their time in burrows, only coming out to feed and look for a mate. Since most Nephrops fishing is by trawling, and animals are protected from trawls when in burrows, these emergence patterns are very important. The timing of emergence to feed appears related to light level, and greatest catches are often taken at dawn and dusk, although this may vary with water depth and clarity. As females carrying eggs (described as being 'berried') rarely come out of the burrow, they are naturally protected from trawlers, and males dominate trawl catches for most of the year, and are more heavily exploited than females.     Larval Norway lobster Female Nephrops usually mature at three years of age and reproduce each year thereafter. After mating in early summer they spawn in September, and carry eggs under their tails until they hatch in April or May. The larvae develop in the plankton before settling to the seabed six to eight weeks later.   Nephrops in different areas grow at different rates and mature at different sizes. This is related to the density of animals and sediment type. On the softest mud, Nephrops density is low, but the animals grow relatively fast, and reach a large maximum size. On sandier mud, Nephrops density is far higher, but the animals grow more slowly, and are smaller. In the North Sea there are differences in growth between stocks, while on the west coast differences also appear between areas within the same stock.   Assessments Separate assessments are carried out for each stock and sex separately. Regular sampling takes place at fish markets and processors around Scotland, and by observers onboard commercial Nephrops trawlers. Unlike fish, Nephrops cannot be aged directly, and assessment methods using length data are used to study the state of the stocks, and trends in      fishing mortality, biomass and recruitment. In addition to analytical assessments, underwater TV surveys are used to assess Nephrops stocks.   View NEPHROPS VIDEO here

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