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Why fisheries data matters
Sampling programmes provide information on fish-stock status. Scientists use these data to advise on sustainable management and support implementation of the European Common Fisheries Policy (CFP).
Two sources of fisheries data
Scientists combine information from fisheries surveys with catch, effort, and biological data from commercial fisheries.
Fisheries-independent data
Fisheries surveys monitor changes over time in the distribution and relative or absolute abundance of fish populations.
Fisheries-dependent data
This includes catch and effort data (CPUE) and biological sampling from commercial fisheries.
How sampling stays representative
- area
- gear type
- time of year
What scientists measure
Year-round sampling helps scientists track differences in growth and age and estimate the number of fish removed from a stock.
Length
Length measurements show the size distribution of sampled fish.
Weight-at-length
Weight-at-length measurements help scientists assess fish condition.
Age
Age measurements support assessments of stock health and recruitment.