Tope

Date updated: Oct 2013 Season: October - March Socio-economic Importance: The importance to the recreational sea angling is however far greater, as Tope is a highly prized sport fish with a significant catch and release fishery being undertaken, primarily from charter vessels, in the summer months. Around 5 charter vessels from Essex and 2 charter vessels from Kent regularly fish the primary locations just outside of the 6nm limit in the summer months with a one day tope fishing trip costing around 600 Ecological Importance: Tope is seasonally migratory and eats a range of small schooling fish such as Mackerel, Whiting, Pouting and Cod as well as bottom fish, crustaceans and echinoderms. As an apex predator it does have the ability to impact upon other species including some of those found on the KEIFCA Species Priority list.