Scottish pelagic industry data self-sampling: a case study for an industry-science initiative
The Scottish pelagic industry data self-sampling scheme was established through partnership with the NAFC Marine Centre (NAFC), Scottish Pelagic Fishermen’s Association (SPFA), and Marine Scotland Science (MSS), under the wider EU project ‘PANDORA’ (Paradigm for New Dynamic Oceanic Resource Assessments). It is a pilot scheme aimed to design and develop robust self-sampling data collection methods which can be applied across the Scottish pelagic industry in the long-term, providing quality data to inform stock assessment and ecological research. The experience of establishing the sampling programme is discussed, including the motivation and appetite for such a scheme; methodological design and development; data quality control; and communication and engagement. Finally, comment is provided on the potential future of the Scottish pelagic industry self-sampling, in the wider context of European fisheries science and management.