The Scottish Pelagic Fishermen’s Association (SPFA) and the Centre for Environment Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) are teaming up on scientific research and its use in fisheries management.
The memorandum of understanding outlines how the two will work together to make better use of scientific data on pelagic stocks, as well as determine further areas of research.
“Collaboration is fundamental to progress science on pelagic stocks, and this MoU is an exciting milestone in the SPFA’s efforts to professionalise its engagement with UK science institutions,” commented Dr Steven Mackinson, chief scientific officer of SPFA.
The MoU covers:
- Knowledge sharing on pelagic science issues and priorities.
- Identifying and developing new collaborative research and engaging in research initiatives that are line with the SPFA Science Plan and Cefas Science strategy.
- Collaboration on the development of surveys for pelagic fish stocks.
- Joint planning of scientific surveys using industry vessels.
- Fostering continuous improvement in pelagic fish stock assessment.
“Moving forward with the assessment and advice for pelagic fish stocks involves input from both industry and scientific research laboratories,” said Richard Nash, principal scientist marine fisheries at Cefas.
“This MoU provides a foundation for the SPFA and Cefas, a UK science institution, to work openly and collaboratively together on pelagic fish stocks.”
