BACKSTORY
In 2003, the UK Government provided initial funding for a Fisheries Science Partnership programme. Consequently, the NFFO and the Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science collaborated to develop co-operative projects to answers questions raised regarding fisheries scientific and management advice.
The programme was extremely well-received and successful, leading to additional funding, by DEFRA, for an additional four years. The current programme runs until April 2008 and it is probable that the FSP will continue beyond then. The investigations to date have both complemented and supplemented existing scientific advice and contributed to a better understanding of fish stocks and the marine environment.
The results are increasingly used by the Regional Advisory Councils, the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea and similar programmes are being introduced on other EU Member States.
- Fisheries Science Partnership (FSP)
The Partnership’s purpose is:
- To test existing fisheries science.
- Examine industry concerns.
- Supplement and complement ICES fisheries science to address the latter’s limitations where identified.
- bring the partnership approach in to the mainstream of fisheries science (and fisheries management).
- to complement existing science, question assumptions and test assessment results / conclusions.
The Partnership’s general principles are:
- Joint agreement between industry and fishery scientists on the questions posed and management of projects.
- Ideas and proposals for Partnership projects should be generated at regional level with overall management at national level
- Sound management of the programme logistics.
- Agreement on which projects are to be part of a time series and which more ad hoc.
FSP Projects
Proposed at a port/regional level, refined and agreed with CEFAS and approved by DEFRA. The approval of each project is based on the following criteria:
- Joint agreement between fisheries science and the fishing industry on project selection.
- An appropriate mix of fleets, ports, gear types and regions.
- Relevance of the project to fisheries management and policy issues.
- Scientific relevance of the project (e.g. contribution to stock assessments, part of a time series)
- Contribution to the development of a permanent commercial reference fleet.
- Trials of gear performance.
- Contribution to understanding and reducing discards.
- Contribution to understanding of biological/environmental knowledge
- The degree to which the project is viable, taking into account practicality factors.
- The suitability and availability of appropriate vessels.
- The availability of appropriate gear.
- Benefits of Collaborative Research
is breaking down barriers that used to exist between scientists and fishermen
has enhanced the management of fish resources by building personal relationships between industry and DEFRA
has added a new level of knowledge of marine systems by integrating fishermen¹s “anecdotal” observations into a scientific and structured framework.
is being used to make management decisions, as is the case with Sole fisheries.
is building capacity in the fishing industry by training fishermen in research techniques and buying equipment for research. CEFAS knowledge has been similarly enhanced.
has made a safer fleet, bringing vessels up to date with safety codes and survival training.
has dramatically enhanced the amount of data collected on the fisheries exploited by the UK.
provides additional and essential income to industry during periods of restricted fishing opportunities.
Project reports and additional information on the Fisheries Science Partnership can be found at:
http://www.cefas.co.uk/FSP/default.htm
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