A review of fishing activities in the areas of concern, including but not limited to the following was conducted: 1) Identification of fisheries in the area, with emphasis on those interacting with the seabed. 2) Technical specifications of fishing gear used. 3) Abundance and technical specifications (size and power) of fishing vessels and identification of main fishing ports. 4) GIS model of fishing intensity based on fisheries statistics, VMS data and AIS/over flight data where available. 5) Identification of spatial and seasonal constraints and depth limitations of the selected fisheries. 6) Degree of interaction with the seabed for the selected fisheries. 7) Relevant fishing associations’ (or equivalent) contact addresses and procedures. 8) Indication of future trends. 9) Identification of any current or proposed aquaculture activities. 10) Identification of any marine protected areas in the area of concern. 11) Identification of fish species of commercial importance in the areas of concern: 11a) Details of stock status. 11b) Details of catch levels 11c) Identification of stock trends. A spatial and temporal risk assessment model for the risks posed by the fishing industry on the proposed cable route was then conducted and the potential interactions of fixed and mobile fishing gears with the deployment of the cable along the proposed cable route was assessed.
