Work on a pioneering self-sampling scheme in which Scottish mackerel and herring fishermen participate in gathering scientific data on fish stocks is gradually gathering pace.
In a programme co-ordinated by Dr Steven Mackinson, chief scientific officer for the Scottish Pelagic Fishermen’s Association, a feasibility study is currently underway towards launching a self-sampling programme, which once completed, is expected to pave the way for a fully integrated scheme.
‘We can often identify where there are gaps in our knowledge, so involving fishermen in the collection of data has the potential to enable us to gain a more accurate picture of the health of our mackerel and herring stocks, which in turn can lead to better informed management decisions,’ Steven Mackinson said.
Two well-attended self-sampling demonstrations have already been given to pelagic fishermen in Shetland and Fraserburgh, and with the North Sea herring season currently underway, these fishermen will now have the opportunity to refine the protocols involved when sampling fish.
Funded by Fisheries Innovation Scotland, and working in partnership with Marine Scotland and NAFC Marine Centre in Shetland, the long-term aim of the project is to provide a platform under which skippers can scientifically sample mackerel and herring, and thus fill in gaps in our knowledge.
It is hoped that such data may eventually be used some stage in the future in the scientific assessment process of fish stocks, including calculating biomass and identifying population trends.
