Referanseflåten - samarbeid mellom næring og forskning [2006]

In Norway, port sampling of landings, sea sampling by the coastguard and by inspectors from the Directorate of Fisheries are used for collecting biological samples from commercial catches for research and assessment purpose. In order to obtain better and continuous samples from the fishing fleet, knowledge about fleet behaviour and technical developments influencing efficiency and effort, 14 high seas- and 18 coastal fishing vessels (the Reference fleet) are contracted, some of them since 2001. The vessels may be equipped with electronic length measuring board, electronic scales and PC with necessary software including satellite communication. Crewmembers are trained to conduct self-sampling. Biological samples (length, otoliths, genetic samples, stomachs etc) and logbook data are delivered according to contract, which secure a proper statistical coverage for a defined number of species in time and area. A minor extra catch quota mainly finances the program. In addition to improved biological sampling, the Reference fleet provides better insight for optimised sampling, it updates the scientists on technological developments, it is a useful platform for testing official catch statistics and data collecting systems and procedures (e.g., electronic logbooks), provides the scientist with continuous information about species that are hardly accessible by research vessels (e.g., deep water species, near coast fish populations) and do also provide observations of sea mammals, sea birds, crabs etc. Further, such trust based co-operation between fishermen and scientist seems to reduce controversies and rather build a common understanding and ownership of improved stock assessments and fisheries management. Contact author: Kjell Nedreaas: Institute of Marine Research (IMR), P.O. Box 1870, 5817 Bergen, Norway. [tel: +47 55 23 85 00, fax: +47 55 23 53 93, e-mail: kjell.nedreaas@imr.no