Fisheries Science Partnership
Building strong and productive relationships between scientists
and the fishing industry has led to improved fisheries data, better
stock assessments and innovative ideas.
Since 2003, the Fisheries Science Partnership
(FSP) has developed close co-operation between the
National Federation of Fishermen's Organisations, individual
fishermen and Cefas scientists. In 2012/13 the programme
will receive continued government funding that is dedicated to
involving more fishermen in the commissioning of scientific
research. The programme mainly supports fisheries projects that
collaborate with UK fishing vessels.
The FSP:
- provides information from commercial fishing catches on key
stocks to supplement data sources traditionally used in assessments
for the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea
(ICES)
- addresses fishermen's own concerns about scientific
assessments, or stocks not currently assessed
- investigates innovative scientific methods or more
selective/environmentally friendly fishing methods
- supports the work of Regional Advisory Councils.
The FSP has been very successful, leading to improved relations
between scientists and the fishing industry. It has delivered a
wide body of evidence, and has prompted a similar approach in Europe.
To find out more about our collaborative projects with the
fishing industry and other stakeholder groups, please contact us at
fsp@cefas.co.uk.