Optimising the use of fisheries-dependent data in real-time reporting to benefit the Scottish demersal fleet.

Scotland is committed to reducing the catch of unwanted fish species as part of sustainable fishing practices. From 2019 onwards Scottish and other European fishing boats will be unable to discard unwanted fish (bycatch) of quota species but must instead deliver their catch to port, a regulatory requirement known as the Landings Obligation. The diverse assemblage of fish species in the North Sea make this requirement difficult to achieve unless fishing practices change. The mismatch between the fish species available for capture and the quota allocations for each species means that individual boats either need to lease quota to cover bycatch or stop fishing. Both impact profitability of the fleet. Consequently, the fishing industry urgently requires effective tools for enhancing selectivity.
Spatial selectivity, such as establishing temporary closed areas where fishing is not permitted for a defined period of time, has been used in the North Sea and other regions to avoid catching unwanted species or sizes of fish. Effective spatial selectivity requires highly resolved spatial and temporal information about catch, such as is collected continuously by fishing vessels. Real-time reporting is the term used for the rapid, semi-automated collation, processing and dissemination of catch data across a group of vessels willing to share their data. For example, real-time reporting underpins systems currently being used to achieve bycatch reduction in fisheries in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest.
A real-time reporting system has three components: (1) vessel-specific reporting about catch performance; (2) alerts indicating areas of high bycatch that are disseminated to a fleet; and (3) regularly-updated maps showing locations of high, medium and low bycatch. The combination of (1), (2) and (3) can be viewed as an example of information and communications technology, the term used for highlighting the role of unified communications and the integration of telecommunications, computers, software, data storage, and audio-visual systems, in enabling users to access, store, transmit, and manipulate information. This information can then be used to facilitate tactical decision-making at sea.
In Scotland, the first component (1) already exists. As the landing obligation comes into force, the e-logbook database will provide real-time information about the spatial location of high catches of unwanted species because the Scottish industry is required to enter catch information within two hours of a haul coming on board. The Vessel Monitoring System (VMS) is a form of satellite tracking that automatically sends data on a pre-determined timescale including the vessel identification, geographical position, date/time of fixing of position, course and speed. Other sources of catch data, which are relevant although not currently available in real-time, include information collected by the observer programme coordinated by Marine Scotland Science and the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation, and CCTV data collected by Marine Scotland Compliance. Fisheries-independent data are available from surveys conducted at particular times each year.
This project aims to support the fishing industry in their adaptation to the Landings Obligation by optimising the use of fisheries-dependent data in real-time reporting. Specifically, the (2) and (3) components will be developed using existing data and extensive stakeholder engagement. Fish Producers Organisations (PO) will be the vehicle for stakeholder engagement as they potentially consist of a network of fishermen who could share information via a real-time reporting system.
The development would be carried out in an adaptive way, using the current e-logbook data to demonstrate possible data products and considering a real problem being experienced by the PO vessels, e.g., when there is insufficient quota for an abundant “choke” species such as hake or saithe.
Training in the use of VMS and e-logbook will be provided at an upcoming course in Copenhagen (http://www.ices.dk/news-and-events/Training/Pages/ices-training-programme.aspx) which runs 23-27 October 2017. The training budget will also be used for training in the effective methods of stakeholder engagement in relation to management of natural resources such has been previously run by JNCC. As visual presentation of fisheries data is a central element, training in GIS and infographics is also relevant.

Application Process
Please apply for admission to the ’Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Biological Science’ to ensure that your application is passed to the correct college for processing.
Please provide a copy of the degree certificate and transcript for each previous degree undertaken, a copy of your English language proficiency certificate (if relevant), and contact details of two referees who can comment on your previous academic performance (at least one should be from your current degree programme). References will be requested if you are selected for interview. Incomplete applications will not be considered.