The Scottish Pelagic Fishermen’s Association has updated its science data strategy to reflect current and future objectives for ensuring that science plays a fundamental role in the pelagic sector’s commitment to a sustainable and evidence-based future.
‘The SPFA’s vision is for Scottish pelagic fishermen to be respected providers of scientifically credible data that’s used to assess fish stocks, monitor changes in the pelagic ecosystem and support management decisions,’ commented SPFA chief scientific officer Dr Steven Mackinson.
‘The association recognises that engagement in science is more important now than ever. While resources for state-funded evidence gathering have reduced, the need for quality data to assess the sustainability of fish stocks, and the businesses that depend upon them, continues to grow. Demands for data to evidence the spatial and temporal track record of fishing are also increasing at great pace due to the pressure resulting from competition for space from renewable energy developments, as well as plans to extend marine conservation areas.’
The revised strategy document describes the SPFA’s approach and implementation plans for engaging its members and collaborators in establishing scientific data streams for use in fish stock assessment, pelagic research and management. The SPFA aims to be a leader in provision of scientific data from the fishing industry, demonstrating best practices for data access and use.
‘While science is more frequently turning to industry to help meet needs for monitoring and research, industry is turning to science for assistance with the professional skills it needs to operate effectively in a management system underpinned by data and science evidence, and markets that demand assurance of the sustainability credentials of fishing businesses,’ he said.
‘Efforts toward improving data collection should be supported so that both the scientific advice, and management decisions that depend upon it, are reliable and trusted.’
