Telecapeche

TELECAPECHE is an e-technology system that provides real-time data to local fisheries and aquaculture committees, helping them to monitor fish stocks and adopt suitable management measures. Launched with Axis 4 support, the system’s creators are now looking at some big developments using CLLD under the EMFF.

French fishermen and shellfish gatherers are required to declare their catch on a monthly basis to the maritime affairs administration. Because of this infrequent reporting, and the associated administrative procedures, data is not processed and available to local fisheries and aquaculture committees quickly enough to allow for rapid responses to sensitive stock management issues. In 2014, Axis 4 of the EFF supported the development and trial of an electronic system, which allowed shellfish gatherers to input catch data directly online via SMS. This system proved to be practical and time-saving for users, while also providing fisheries and aquaculture committees with real-time information and a precious decision-making tool on fish stocks. 

In 2015, conflicting catch reports from official data providers prompted the French administration to use Telecapêche data to evaluate the state of elver stocks in Brittany. This led to the important decision to close the fishery just before the limited allocated catch quota for this very fragile stock was reached. The experience led to the tool’s recognition by the EU project Sustainable Eel Group.

Building on this early success, the systems developers are now implementing a series of technological upgrades, to create a full-blown catch reporting tool, covering multi-species fisheries and encompassing various levels of user rights and data access. It will become a privileged “live” communication channel for informing professionals about fisheries closures and the state of given stocks.