Records will be kept of the size and sex of different species

Cornwall's Sea Fisheries Committee says there is little information available about the quantity and size of small shellfish.

Fishing boats will be involved in the work which is being funded by Objective One.

Cornwall's Sea Fisheries Committee says surprisingly little detail is known about shellfish stocks.

Report prepared

There are records of landings but only limited information about smaller shellfish and species which are returned to the sea after being caught.

The work will involve monthly surveys involving six boats.

Records will be kept of the size and sex of different species, of the presence of egg bearing females and whether shellfish are damaged or diseased.

A report will be prepared in 2006 to improve the management of Cornwall's shellfisheries.

Objective One staff say they are delighted that fishermen are involved in the project.