The Marine Life Information Network

Temperature increase (local)

Benchmark. A 5°C increase in temperature for one month, or 2°C for one year. Further detail

Evidence

Intertidal species are exposed to high and low air temperatures during periods of emersion and must also be able to cope with sharp temperature fluctuations over a short period of time during the tidal cycle. In winter air temperatures are colder than the sea; conversely in summer air temperatures are much warmer than the sea. Species that occur in the intertidal are therefore generally adapted to tolerate a range of temperatures, with the width of the thermal niche positively correlated with the height of the shore (Davenport & Davenport, 2005).

Berschick et al. (1987) and Trouchot & Duhamel-Jouve (1980) stated that Gobius cobitis is well-adapted to the short-term oxygen and temperature changes which occur on a daily basis within intertidal rockpools. The geographical distribution of Gobius cobitis extends from the south-western tip of Britain to waters further south. Gobius cobitis populations in southern waters are therefore exposed to warmer waters. Long-term increases in temperature due to climate warming would, therefore, be likely to increase the population size. Furthermore, it has been shown that temperature does have an effect on the speed of larval development (the greater the temperature the shorter the development time needed) (Gil et al., 1997) and the time of the breeding season. Horn & Gibson (1990) also showed that food consumption increased and gut transition times decreased.

Sensitivity assessment. Gobius cobitis is expected to be tolerant of an increase in temperature at the chronic benchmark level. An acute increase in temperature may lead to some thermal stress, especially in populations acclimated to lower temperatures. Resistance to an acute increase in temperature is assessed as ‘Medium’ although most exposed individuals would move out of impacted pools and other habitats, a proportion of the population may be trapped in rock pools high on the shore when the tide is out. Recovery is assessed as ‘High' and sensitivity is, therefore, assessed as ‘Low’, based on ability to migrate in and out of affected areas. If populations are removed over large areas recovery will be prolonged and sensitivity will be greater.  Confidence in this assessment is low and the assessment should be used cautiously.

Temperature decrease (local)

Benchmark. A 5°C decrease in temperature for one month, or 2°C for one year. Further detail

Evidence

Many intertidal species are tolerant of freezing conditions as they are exposed to extremes of low air temperatures during periods of emersion. They must also be able to cope with sharp temperature fluctuations over a short period of time during the tidal cycle. In winter air temperatures are colder than the sea, conversely in summer air temperatures are much warmer than the sea. Species that occur in the intertidal are therefore generally adapted to tolerate a range of temperatures, with the width of the thermal niche positively correlated with the height of the shore (Davenport & Davenport, 2005).

During the severe winter period in 1962-63 the south-west coast of Britain experienced temperatures 5 and 6 °C below the long-term average for about 2 months. During this period there was heavy mortality of observed populations of Gobius paganellus, Gobius minutus and Gobius flavens (Crisp (ed.), 1964). Therefore a decrease in temperature may affect populations in the British Isles, by either shifting the geographical distribution further southwards towards warmer waters, or killing a proportion of the northern-most population.

Sensitivity assessment. Gobius cobitis is expected to be tolerant of a decrease in temperature at the chronic benchmark level. An acute decrease in temperature may lead to some thermal stress, especially in populations acclimated to warmer temperatures. Resistance is assessed as ‘Low’ based on other populations of gobies (Crisp, 1964. Recovery is assessed as ‘Medium' and sensitivity is, therefore, assessed as ‘Medium’.

Salinity increase (local)

Benchmark. A increase in one MNCR salinity category above the usual range of the biotope or habitat. Further detail

Evidence

No evidence was found to assess the salinity tolerances of Gobius cobitis. As it occurs in intertidal coastal habitats that experience full salinity the assessed change at the pressure benchmark is an increase in salinity to hypersaline (>40ppt).  Like all species found in the intertidal, Gobius cobitis will naturally experience fluctuations in salinity where evaporation on warm days increases salinity in pools and inputs of rainwater expose individuals to freshwater.

Species found in the intertidal typically have some form of physiological adaptations to withstand fluctuations in salinity. Typically the upper shore distribution of species in the intertidal is determined by physiological tolerances to emersion, salinity and temperature (Barnes & Hughes, 1999). Species that occur lower on the shore are exposed to salinity variations for shorter times (due to tidal immersion) than those that occur on the upper shore levels and tend to be less tolerant of salinity changes.

Sensitivity assessment.  Although some increases in salinity may be tolerated by Gobius cobitis, the natural variation, (rather than the pressure benchmark) is generally short-term and mitigated during tidal inundation.  Based on the distribution of Gobius cobitis in pools on the mid to lower shore, this species is considered to be sensitive to a persistent increase in salinity to > 40 ppt. Resistance is assessed as ‘Low’ and it is likely that individuals would move out of impacted pools and habitats if possible. Recovery is assessed as ‘High' (following restoration of usual salinity if adjacent populations can relocate to pools. Sensitivity is, therefore, assessed as ‘Low’, based on ability to migrate in and out of affected areas. If populations are removed over large areas recovery will be prolonged and sensitivity will be greater.  Confidence in this assessment is low and the assessment should be used cautiously.

Salinity decrease (local)

Benchmark. A decrease in one MNCR salinity category above the usual range of the biotope or habitat. Further detail

Evidence

No evidence was found to assess the salinity tolerances of Gobius cobitis. As this species occurs in the UK in intertidal coastal habitats that experience full salinity or in rockpools high on the shore that may be brackish and equivalent to variable salinity (18-35 ppt) or reduced salinity (18-30 ppt), the assessed change at the pressure benchmark is a reduction in salinity to low (<18ppt).

Species found in the intertidal typically have some form of physiological adaptations to withstand fluctuations in salinity. Typically the upper shore distribution of species in the intertidal is determined by physiological tolerances to emersion, salinity and temperature (Barnes & Hughes, 1999). Species that occur higher on the shore are exposed to salinity variations for longer times (due to lower levels of tidal immersion) than those that occur on lower shore levels and tend to be more tolerant of salinity changes.

Sensitivity assessment.  Gobius cobitis is considered to be sensitive to a long-term decrease in salinity at the pressure benchmark. Resistance is therefore assessed as ‘Low’ and it is likely that individuals would move out of impacted pools if possible. Recovery is assessed as ‘High' (following restoration of usual salinity if adjacent populations can relocate to pools. Sensitivity is, therefore, assessed as ‘Low’, based on ability yto migrate in and out of affected areas. If populations are removed over large areas recovery will be prolonged and sensitivity will be greater.  Confidence in this assessment is low and the assessment should be used cautiously.

Water flow (tidal current) changes (local)

Benchmark. A change in peak mean spring bed flow velocity of between 0.1 m/s to 0.2 m/s for more than one year. Further detail

Evidence

No direct evidence was found to assess this pressure. The ability of Gobius cobitis to shelter in rock pools and in crevices between large boulders would be able to shield them from a moderate increase in the water flow rate. Gobius cobitis is also likely to be tolerant of a decrease in water flow rate.

Sensitivity assessment. Resistance is assessed as ‘High’ and resilience as ‘High’ (by default) and Gobius cobitis is assessed as ‘Not sensitive’.

Emergence regime changes

Benchmark.  1) A change in the time covered or not covered by the sea for a period of ≥1 year or 2) an increase in relative sea level or decrease in high water level for ≥1 year. Further detail

Evidence

Gobius cobitis is mobile and can relocate to its preferred location on the shore. A change in emergence may indirectly affect this species through changes in the provision of suitable habitats and effects on food supply.  An increase in emergence is likely to significantly affect physico-chemical environment of the rockpool and its resident community.  An increase in emergence will increase the time that the pool is exposed to fluctuating air temperatures, wind, rain and sunlight, all of which will affect the and temperature, salinity regime within the pool.   A decrease in emergence will reduce the time the pool spends exposed to the air and cut off from the sea.  Therefore, the range of temperatures and oxygen levels characteristic of rockpool environments is likely to decrease.  

Sensitivity assessment.  As emergence may be a key factor structuring the suitability of rock pool habitats for Gobius cobitis, resistance to a change in emergence (increase or decrease) is assessed as ‘Low’ and it is likely that individuals would move out of impacted pools if possible. Recovery is assessed as ‘High' (following restoration of usual emergence regime if adjacent populations can relocate to pools. Sensitivity is, therefore, assessed as ‘Low’, based on ability to migrate in and out of affected areas. If populations are removed over large areas recovery will be prolonged and sensitivity will be greater.  Confidence in this assessment is low and the assessment should be used cautiously.

Wave exposure changes (local)

Benchmark. A change in near shore significant wave height of >3% but <5% for more than one year. Further detail

Evidence

No direct evidence was found to assess this pressure. The low exposure of high shore rockpools to this pressure over a tidal cycle and the ability of Gobius cobitis to shelter in rock pools and in crevices between large boulders would be able to shield them from a moderate increase in the wave action at the pressure benchmark. Gobius cobitis is also likely to be tolerant of a decrease in wave height.

Sensitivity assessment. Resistance is assessed as ‘High’ and resilience as ‘High’ (by default) and Gobius cobitis is assessed as ‘Not sensitive’.

Transition elements & organo-metal contamination

Benchmark. Exposure of marine species or habitat to one or more relevant contaminants via uncontrolled releases or incidental spills. Further detail

Evidence

Not sensitive at the pressure benchmark that assumes compliance with all relevant environmental protection standards.

Cadmium, mercury, lead, zinc and copper are highly persistent, have the potential to bioaccumulate significantly and are all considered to be very toxic to fish (Cole et al., 1999). Mueller (1979) found that in Pomatoschistus sp., a different species of goby, very low concentrations of cadmium, copper and lead (0.5 g/l Cd2+; 5 g/l Cu2+; 20 g/l Pb2+) brought about changes in activity and an obstruction to the gill epithelia by mucus. This may also be true for Gobius cobitis.
Inorganic mercury concentrations as low as 30 µg/l (96-h LC50) are considered to be toxic to fish, whereas organic mercury concentrations are more toxic to marine organisms (World Health Organisation, 1989, 1991). Oertzen et al. (1988) found that the toxicity of the organic mercury complex exceeded that of HgCl2 by a factor of 30 for the goby Pomatoschistus microps.

Hydrocarbon & PAH contamination

Benchmark. Exposure of marine species or habitat to one or more relevant contaminants via uncontrolled releases or incidental spills. Further detail

Evidence

Not sensitive at the pressure benchmark that assumes compliance with all relevant environmental protection standards.

No information was available regarding specific toxicity to gobies. However, it is known that toxicity of low molecular weight poly-aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) to organisms in the water column is moderate (Cole et al., 1999). They have the potential to accumulate in sediments and, depending on individual PAH, can be toxic to sediment dwellers at levels between 6 and 150 µg/l (Cole et al., 1999). The toxicity of oil and petrochemicals to fish ranges from moderate to high (Cole et al., 1999), the main problem being smothering of the intertidal habitat. 

Bowling et al. (1983) found that anthracene, a PAH, had a photo-induced toxicity to the bluegill sunfish. In fact, they reported that when exposed to sunlight anthracene was at least 400 times more toxic than when no sunlight was present. According to Ankley et al. (1997) only a subset of PAH's are phototoxic (fluranthene, anthracene, pyrene etc.). Effects of these compounds are destruction of gill epithelia, erosion of skin layers, hypoxia and asphyxiation (Bowling et al., 1983). It is possible that Gobius cobitis could be similarly intolerant of hydrocarbons, however this is not known. 

Synthetic compound contamination

Benchmark. Exposure of marine species or habitat to one or more relevant contaminants via uncontrolled releases or incidental spills. Further detail

Evidence

Not sensitive at the pressure benchmark that assumes compliance with all relevant environmental protection standards.

Lindane is likely to bioaccumulate significantly and is considered to be highly toxic to fish (Cole et al., 1999). Ebere & Akintonwa (1992) conducted experiments on the toxicity of various pesticides to Gobius sp. They found Lindane and Diazinon to be very toxic, with 96 hr LC50s of 0.25 µg/l and 0.04 µg/l respectively. TBT is generally very toxic to algae and fish. However, toxicity of TBT is highly variable with 96-hr LC50 ranging from 1.5 to 36 µg/l, with larval stages being more intolerant than adults (Cole et al., 1999). PCBs are highly persistent in the water column and sediments, have the potential to bioaccumulate significantly and can be very toxic to marine invertebrates. However their toxicity to fish is not clear (Cole et al., 1999).

Radionuclide contamination

Benchmark. An increase in 10µGy/h above background levels. Further detail

Evidence

No evidence.

Introduction of other substances

Benchmark. Exposure of marine species or habitat to one or more relevant contaminants via uncontrolled releases or incidental spills. Further detail

Evidence

Not sensitive at the pressure benchmark that assumes compliance with all relevant environmental protection standards.

De-oxygenation

Benchmark. Exposure to dissolved oxygen concentration of less than or equal to 2 mg/l for one week (a change from WFD poor status to bad status). Further detail

Evidence

Temperature and oxygen levels change drastically over a tidal cycle in a rockpool. Berschick et al. (1987) and Trouchot & Duhamel-Jouve (1980) stated that Gobius cobitis is well-adapted to the hypoxic and hyperoxic conditions that occur on a daily basis within intertidal rockpools (0.1 to 32.5 mg/l). Therefore the species has been recorded as being not sensitive (resistance and resilience are high) to deoxygenation at the pressure benchmark.

Nutrient enrichment

Benchmark. Compliance with WFD criteria for good status. Further detail

Evidence

This pressure relates to increased levels of nitrogen, phosphorus and silicon in the marine environment compared to background concentrations.  The pressure benchmark is set at compliance with Water Framework Directive (WFD) criteria for good status, based on nitrogen concentration (UKTAG, 2014). 

Higher nutrient levels may encourage the growth of algae such as Ulva spp., Gobius cobitis, may feed on. A reduction in nutrients in order to meet the requirement for good status may reduce growth of Ulva spp. Ulva spp. are unlikely to be replaced by less palatable red and brown seaweeds as the upper shore rockpools with freshwater input that Gobius cobitis prefers are not suitable for these species. Freshwater inputs from land-run-off may also carry nutrients and support the growth of green algae. Gobius cobitis is a generalist feeder, with invertebrates, including terrestrial invertebrates such as chironomids, a part of the diet of gobies in undisturbed conditions (Compaire et al., 2016). The ability to switch diet to whatever food is readily available suggests that changes in nutrient level at the pressure benchmark are unlikely to affect this species.

Sensitivity assessment.  As Gobius cobitis is unlikely to be directly or indirectly impacted by changes in nutrient level at the pressure benchmark, resistance is assessed as ’High’, resilience as ‘High’ and this species is assessed as ‘Not sensitive’.

Organic enrichment

Benchmark. A deposit of 100 gC/m²/yr. Further detail

Evidence

Gobius cobitis is a generalist feeder, with the importance of algae vs invertebrates varying between studies (Compaire et al., 2016). Detritus does not form part of its diet and an increase in organic matter at the pressure benchmark is unlikely to directly affect this species, although it may increase secondary production of detritus feeding crustaceans and polychaetes that form part of its diet.

Sensitivity assessment. Increases in organic matter at the pressure benchmark are unlikely to impact gobies. Resistance is, therefore, assessed as ‘High’ and resilience as ‘High’ (by default) so that this species is assessed as ‘Not sensitive’.

Physical loss (to land or freshwater habitat)

Benchmark. A permanent loss of existing saline habitat within the site. Further detail

Evidence

All marine habitats and benthic species are considered to have a resistance of ‘None’ to this pressure and to be unable to recover from a permanent loss of habitat (resilience is ‘Very Low’).  Sensitivity within the direct spatial footprint of this pressure is therefore ‘High’.  Although no specific evidence is described confidence in this assessment is ‘High’, due to the incontrovertible nature of this pressure.

Physical change (to another seabed type)

Benchmark. Permanent change from sedimentary or soft rock substrata to hard rock or artificial substrata or vice-versa. Further detail

Evidence

Gobius cobitis lives and forages on a variety of substrata. It requires rockpools in the intertidal to survive at low tide.  The loss of hard substratum would remove the rock pool habitat of Gobius cobitis. Free draining sediments would not support this species and artificial hard substratum habitats may also differ in water retention from natural hard substratum, so that replacement of natural surfaces with artificial may lead to a loss of habitat.

Sensitivity assessment. Based on the loss of suitable habitat, resistance is assessed as ‘None’, resilience is assessed as ‘Very Low’, as the change at the pressure benchmark is permanent and sensitivity is, therefore, ‘High’.

Physical change (to another sediment type)

Benchmark. Permanent change in one Folk class (based on UK SeaMap simplified classification). Further detail

Evidence

Gobius cobitis can forage on a variety of substrata but inhabits rock pools in the intertidal. This pressure is therefore ‘Not relevant’ as the species is not dependent on sedimentary habitats.

Habitat structure changes - removal of substratum (extraction)

Benchmark. The extraction of substratum to 30 cm (where substratum includes sediments and soft rock but excludes hard bedrock). Further detail

Evidence

Gobius cobitis would be sensitive to the removal of the habitat.  However, extraction of rock substratum is considered unlikely and this pressure is considered to be ‘Not relevant’ to hard substratum habitats.

Abrasion / disturbance of the surface of the substratum or seabed

Benchmark. Damage to surface features (e.g. species and physical structures within the habitat). Further detail

Evidence

Gobius cobitis is sufficiently mobile to avoid abrasive contact and to shelter from it, therefore it is unlikely to suffer from abrasion.

Penetration or disturbance of the substratum subsurface

Benchmark. Damage to sub-surface features (e.g. species and physical structures within the habitat). Further detail

Evidence

Not relevant to species occurring in rock habitats.

Changes in suspended solids (water clarity)

Benchmark. A change in one rank on the WFD (Water Framework Directive) scale e.g. from clear to intermediate for one year. Further detail

Evidence

Moore (1977) indicated that an increase in siltation can have a negative effect on the growth of adult fish, survival of eggs and larvae and pathological effects on gill epithelia. Bottom-dwelling species are generally found to be tolerant of suspended solids (Moore, 1977). Juveniles have been reported as being more intolerant of siltation than adults (Moore, 1977). Therefore, a low intolerance to siltation has been recorded. Gobius cobitis is likely to be tolerant of a decrease in suspended sediment.

An increase in suspended would result in a reduction in the amount of light penetration and, subsequently, a decrease in algal growth, however, other food sources (such as Crustacea and Polychaeta) would still be readily available. The minimum light intensity needed for the detection and recognition of food are of great importance in many species of fish (Kinne, 1970). For instance if the organism needs to spend more time foraging for food, its energy expenditure will increase and could possibly lead to growth and reproductive problems. In heavily turbid waters fish larvae have been noted to show a greater than normal mortality.

Sensitivity assessment. Gobius cobitis is considered to be ‘Not sensitive’ to decreases in suspended solids. An increase in suspended solids may lead to some sublethal effects on feeding rates or reproductive success over the course of a year. Resistance is assessed as ‘High’ and resilience as ‘High’ by default so that this species is assessed as ‘Not sensitive’.

Smothering and siltation rate changes (light)

Benchmark. ‘Light’ deposition of up to 5 cm of fine material added to the seabed in a single discrete event. Further detail

Evidence

As Gobius cobitis are mobile they may be able to avoid sediment deposition or to burrow out of a deposit of 5cm. However, a deposit of fine sediment in the preferred habitat of rockpools high on the shore is likely to have effects on habitat quality. Cordone & Kelley (1961) reported that (in a freshwater habitat) deposition of sediment on the bottom of the substratum would destroy needed shelter, reduce the availability of food, impair growth and lower the survival rate of eggs and larvae of fish. If sediment deposition occurred during the breeding season broods of eggs would be smothered.

Sensitivity assessment. Resistance is assessed as ‘High’ based on mobility, resilience is assessed as ‘High’ by default and this species is assessed as ‘Not sensitive’.

Smothering and siltation rate changes (heavy)

Benchmark. ‘Heavy’ deposition of up to 30 cm of fine material added to the seabed in a single discrete event. Further detail

Evidence

No evidence was found to assess this pressure. The deposition of 30cm of fine sediment in a high shore rockpool when the tide is out is likely to smother Gobius cobitis and result in loss of the habitat through infilling and the loss of prey species. In wave exposed conditions and pools on the lower shore the sediment may be removed, but in sheltered areas and the pools higher on the shore preferred by Gobius cobitis, sediments are likely to be retained for longer. 

Sensitivity assessment.  Based on smothering of the population, resistance is assessed as ‘None’ and resilience as ‘Medium’.  Sensitivity is, therefore assessed as ‘Medium’. 

Litter

Benchmark. The introduction of man-made objects able to cause physical harm (surface, water column, seafloor or strandline). Further detail

Evidence

Not assessed.

Electromagnetic changes

Benchmark. A local electric field of 1 V/m or a local magnetic field of 10 µT. Further detail

Evidence

No evidence.

Underwater noise changes

Benchmark. MSFD indicator levels (SEL or peak SPL) exceeded for 20% of days in a calendar year. Further detail

Evidence

No evidence was found to assess sensitivity to noise at the pressure benchmark although it is likely that Gobius cobitis can sense noise as vibrations. Noise disturbance may lead to startle responses and hiding, disrupting feeding and other behaviours. Following disruption, normal activties are likely to resume.

Sensitivity assessment. Noise may lead to some sub-lethal stress but not mortality. Resistance is, therefore, assesssed as 'High' and resilience as 'High' by (default) and this species is assessed as 'Not sensitive'.

Introduction of light or shading

Benchmark. A change in incident light via anthropogenic means. Further detail

Evidence

Fish generally forage for food using visual methods and can detect differing levels of light and shade. It is, therefore, probable that Gobius cobitis would detect changes in incident light. No evidence was found to assess this pressure. Changes in foraging activity and feeding rate may occur, either due to effects on the behaviour of Gobius cobitis or prey species. 

Sensitivity assessment. Introduction of light may lead to some sub-lethal stress but not mortality. Resistance is, therefore, assessed, as 'High' and resilience as 'High' by (default) and this species is assessed as 'Not sensitive'.

Barrier to species movement

Benchmark. A permanent or temporary barrier to species movement over ≥50% of water body width or a 10% change in tidal excursion. Further detail

Evidence

No evidence was found to assess this pressure. Gobius cobitis is typically found in rock pools high on the shore. Barriers that limit tidal excursion or extend across a waterbody are unlikely to directly impact Gobius cobitis and this pressure is assessed as 'Not relevant'.

Death or injury by collision

Benchmark. Injury or mortality from collisions of biota with both static or moving structures due to 0.1% of tidal volume on an average tide, passing through an artificial structure. Further detail

Evidence

Gobius cobitis are mobile and may be able to detect and avoid artificial structures. As they are demersal fish associated with rock pools and substratum rather than pelagic it is unlikely that there will be much potential interaction between gobies and the intakes of artificial structures (unless these create strong suction). This pressure is therefore assessed as 'Not relevant'.

Visual disturbance

Benchmark. The daily duration of transient visual cues exceeds 10% of the period of site occupancy by the feature. Further detail

Evidence

No evidence was found to assess sensitivity to noise at the pressure benchmark although it is likely that visual disturbance may lead to startle responses and hiding, disrupting feeding and other behaviours. Following disruption, normal activities are likely to resume.

Sensitivity assessment. Visual disturbance may lead to some sub-lethal stress but not mortality. Resistance is, therefore, assessed, as 'High' and resilience as 'High' by (default) and this species is assessed as 'Not sensitive'.

Genetic modification & translocation of indigenous species

Benchmark. Translocation of indigenous species or the introduction of genetically modified or genetically different populations of indigenous species that may result in changes in the genetic structure of local populations, hybridization, or change in community structure. Further detail

Evidence

Gobius cobitis is not cultivated or translocated. This pressure is therefore considered ‘Not relevant’ to this species.

Introduction or spread of invasive non-indigenous species

Benchmark. The introduction of one or more invasive non-indigenous species (INIS). Further detail

Evidence

No evidence was found for impacts of invasive non-indigenous species on Gobius cobitis.

Introduction of microbial pathogens

Benchmark. The introduction of relevant microbial pathogens or metazoan disease vectors to an area where they are currently not present (e.g. Martelia refringens and Bonamia, Avian influenza virus, viral Haemorrhagic Septicaemia virus). Further detail

Evidence

No evidence was found to assess this impact in UK populations. The parasite, Haliotrema capensis, has been found in Gobius cobitis in the Mediterranean Sea (Sasal et al., 1998). Although no information was found about specific effects of this parasite on the giant goby, it is likely that it will cause a reduction in its fitness. 

Removal of target species

Benchmark. Removal of species targeted by fishery, shellfishery or harvesting at a commercial or recreational scale. Further detail

Evidence

Gobius cobitis is not commercially or recreationally harvested and this pressure is ‘Not relevant’.

Removal of non-target species

Benchmark. Removal of features or incidental non-targeted catch (by-catch) through targeted fishery, shellfishery or harvesting at a commercial or recreational scale. Further detail

Evidence

Gobius cobitis can shelter within rockpool crevices and are mobile and able to move swiftly when disturbed. They are unlikely to be removed in large numbers by recreational or commercial harvesters using small hand-held nets to target other species such as shrimp are being targeted. Removal of algae and prey species may reduce food supply and some incidental damage or mortality may occur where other species are being targeted. 

Sensitivity assessment. Resistance is assessed as 'Medium' and resilience as 'High' so that sensitivity is assessed as 'Low'.