The Data Collection Scheme is established under Union Priority 1 (Fostering sustainable fisheries and the restoration and conservation of aquatic biological resources) of Ireland’s Operational Programme co-funded under the EMFAF by the Irish Government and the EU.
Objective
Data collection is essential for the implementation of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), as a basis for founding it on the best possible scientific advice. Primary biological, technical, ecological and socioeconomic data are collected to evaluate the state of fish stocks, the profitability of the different segments of the sector and the effects of fisheries and aquaculture on the ecosystem.
Data are also needed to evaluate EU policies: fisheries management measures, structural financial measures in support of the fisheries and aquaculture dependent areas, mitigation measures to reduce negative effects of fisheries on the ecosystem. The requirements for fisheries and aquaculture data collection are laid out in the Data Collection Framework (DCF) recast (EU-2017/1004) and the EU multiannual Union programme from 2022 (EU-2021/1167).
The Data Collection scheme will consist of actions including;
- Develop a fit for purpose data collection programme in line with legal requirements;
- Collect transversal data and spatial distribution of fishing effort for vessels under 12 m;
- Address specific data and knowledge gaps for data poor stocks to respond to advisory demands;
- Address emerging advisory needs for stock assessment, management strategy evaluation, mixed fisheries and ecosystem modelling;
- Improve sampling efficiencies;
- Address specific scientific questions in relation to stock ID, mixing, assessment methods and migration patterns and
- Optimise and maximise research survey outputs