7 September 2011
In a determined attempt to break with the era when fishermen’s knowledge was invariably relegated to the “interesting but unusable” category, the NFFO has introduced a simple-to-use online survey which allows individual fishermen to contribute to the scientific understanding of stock and fleet trends.
The survey is part of a broader initiative to bring industry knowledge into the fore in fisheries science and fisheries policy through annual fisheries reports.
A step-by-step format guides all those willing to contribute their knowledge and experience through the process. The results put fishermen’s knowledge on a much more systematic and therefore influential, footing.
Davey Hill, President of the NFFO said: “This is how we can break free of the claim that fishermen’s knowledge is merely “anecdotal” and therefore incapable of being taken into account in fish stock assessments”.
“The more fishermen who complete this survey, the more difficult it will be for scientists and fisheries managers to ignore the results. It will be possible to compare and contrast the industry’s direct experience with the views based on assessment models. This is very exciting and if enough people support the survey will amount to a breakthrough” he added.
“Over the years I have heard plenty dissatisfaction expressed about fisheries science on the quayside and in the wheelhouse. With this survey it is possible to move beyond moaning to actually change the science. If the survey, in good faith, generates enough evidence for an emerging trend, the scientists are duty bound to take it into account.
“I strongly urge you all to take the very short time that it takes to complete the survey. This is your and our future.”