Irish scientists to listen to fishermen

A scientific study to take advantage of knowledge amassed by fishermen, not always on par with scientists’ outlook, is underway in Ireland.

The study, performed by the newly formed Socio-Economic Marine Research Unit at the university in Galway, has been going on for more than a year, with individual fishermen being interviewed about the history of their boats, the gear they use and the species they fish. They have also been asked to show on maps where they have been fishing, and what changes they have noticed over the years.