Study 2007-03 lot 1: Joint Data Collection between the fishing sector and the scientific community in Western Waters

A data collection scheme involving fishermen who are able to collect good quality field data and scientists who can produce appropriate scientific advice would result in an improved platform for fisheries management and at the same time would increase mutual respect and understanding between the industry and the scientists.

 Why this study?

Historically, collaboration between scientists and the fishing industry has been a  sensitive issue surrounded by a general atmosphere of distrust, given the cultural gap which separates the two sides. A data collection scheme involving fishermen who are able to collect good quality field data and scientists who can produce appropriate scientific advice would result in an improved platform for fisheries management and at the same time would increase mutual respect and understanding between the industry and the scientists.

Goals

1. Design and implement pilot programmes to get information from the fishing industry on for example choice of gear, gear performance, distribution of effort in time and space and practical aspects of implementing regulations. This should include information from logbooks and VMS data
2. Design and implement an industry self-sampling programme on board commercial vessels, for example on discards and biological sampling.
3. Involve stakeholders in data quality check and data interpretation.

Approach

Together with the two relevant RACs (the North and South Western Waters RACs) design and implement these pilot programmes. Focus is on both improving the quality of data that are used to support policy decisions and strengthen the cooperation between scientists and fishermen through jointly collecting and interpreting data.

Time plan

18 months

Budget

€ 300,000