Templates and protocols for self-sampling. FarFish, Deliverable 2.4

Abstract

In the EU, the Data Collection Framework (DCF) applies to all fisheries carried out by EU vessels, including those fishing outside EU waters under Sustainable Fisheries Partnership Agreements (SFPA). Although observer coverage of up to 100% has been achieved through collaboration with industry in some SFPA fisheries, the observer coverage in many other SFPAs is low. Lack of data for stock assessment and management of numerous key stocks and species is a global problem. In this context, self-sampling schemes have been implemented in a wide range of commercial and recreational fisheries worldwide as a supplement to data collected by observers. Studies in the EU have shown that self-sampling can be a valuable and cost-effective method of data collection, with the added benefit of involving fishers in the scientific process of assessment and management of their fisheries. In EU fisheries, much of the self-sampling in recent years has been driven by the Common Fishery Policy (CFP) landings obligation (discards ban), where reference fleets (selected representative vessels chosen for the self-sampling scheme) apply self-sampling of catches and discards, with samples of the latter usually brought back to land for processing by fisheries scientists. Although not common, some self-sampling schemes have used fishers to collect samples for age and growth studies and even stomachs for analysis of diets. Self-sampling schemes require volunteer fishers who are motivated and willing to carry out the extra work. Often, an incentive (e.g. financial, more days at sea, more quota) is required to guarantee fisher collaboration. Successful self-sampling programmes are based on mutual trust building between scientists and fishers, and discussion of the goals of the research, the data/sample collection methods and how the collected data/samples will be used.Implementing self-sampling in the FarFish CSs was discussed with the industry (Spanish \ operators and LDAC) in a FarFish Workshop held in Vigo on 26 27 June 2018. The industry representatives at the workshop were not very positive towards implementing self-sampling in their fleets, due to the time required for sampling and occupation of freezer storage space by samples. More recently, the operators have however expressed greater willingness to participate i self-sampling, given certain incentives and conditions are met. This change of perspective has come up as part of the Management Recommendation (MR) development in the project (see FarFish deliverable 4.3). A key issue when exploring alternatives for development and potential implementation of self-sampling within the FarFish project is that it will actually add benefit beyond current initiatives and will not repeat work that is already being done. Various alternatives for development of self-sampling within FarFish are currently being explored, one of which is in regard to black hake species and stock discrimination. A key scientific question that could be answered in part by self-sampling is that of the black hake species and stock discrimination. Although the black hake species can be identified morphologically, this requires training and is time consuming if done on board. Alternatively, samples taken on board by the fishers could be frozen (or stored in ethanol) and taken back to land for analysis. Here, we propose and alternative approach, based on molecular/genetic sampling that would require minimal training, time for sampling and would not occupy storage space. At this point, no specific sampling templates or protocols are proposed as this issue should be taken up with the CS leaders and industry representatives.