Natural Disturbance Study: Interim Analysis

A report detailing the interim analysis of acoustic data collected for the Natural Disturbance Study is now available. Whilst the report was completed by Cefas, a non-technical summary has been produced by Eastern IFCA summarising findings and recommendations. Please see links below to the final report and summary.

Cefas Natural Disturbance Study Interim Analysis 2026 – Final Report

Cefas Natural Disturbance Study Interim Analysis 2026 – Eastern IFCA summary

The Natural Disturbance Study aims to quantify the cumulative damage caused by crab and lobster potting to rugged chalk within the Cromer Shoal Chalk Beds Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ) in the context of damage caused by natural processes. The purpose of this interim analysis was to examine initial datasets to understand their limitations, determine how far they support the aims of the study, identify any changes needed to the data collection methods and analysis and provide early indications of change.