FMAC/13/14
Industry /Science protocol for joint working
Purpose
1.
To make proposals for the establishment of a protocol for joint working between
industry and science and to discuss the process for setting this up.
Background
2.
For sometime, important contributions to science underpinning fisheries management
have arisen from joint industry/science work. These vital collaborations have include
anglerfish surveys, acoustic surveys for herring and numerous gear trials carried out on
commercial vessels. Recent difficulties in procuring a chartered commercial vessel for taking
part in the 2013 international triennial mackerel egg survey, have however, raised questions at
all levels about the consistency of industry commitment to this type of work and also the utility
of the processes employed within MS. This is not the first time that limited tendering for a
charter has occurred and gear work and stock surveys have also been affected in the past.
The increasing drive towards more joint working (observer work, CCTV observation, self
sampling, joint studies etc) and a growing reliance on ongoing cooperation suggests that the
commitment of industry to provide support and resources needs to be put on a sounder
footing. Furthermore, the Centre for Expertise in Fisheries Management is likely to act as a
research hub for joint work for which a clearly understood basis for operation would be
advantageous. At the same time, there is a good opportunity for review and potential revision
of some of the operational aspects dealt with by MSS and the wider MS.
Proposal
3.
It is proposed that a protocol or agreement is established which is designed to ensure
efficient and uninterrupted industry/science operations and data flow across the range of
activities where commercial platforms and industry expertise and input is required to deliver
the relevant science. It is proposed the protocol should address inter alia industry related
issues such as access to vessels and resources, continuity, contribution, value for money and
science/administrative issues such as notification, timeliness, facility of systems, feedback and
communication. An important aspect of such a protocol should be the joint commitment to
work to research methodologies and standards required to produce outputs which bear
scrutiny by bodies such as STECF and ICES. Critical to this development is buy-in not only
from industry leadership but also from vessel owners and other industry players. Ideally the
protocol should embody a spirit of commitment by the fleet to approach such exercises
collectively rather than on an individual vessel basis and provide recognition that such
exercises should not be seen as opportunities for commercial gain by individual vessels but as
a collective investment of time and effort by the fleet which are worth making, given the long
term return envisaged.
4.
Marine Scotland is conscious that the setting up of such a protocol will require a series
of steps and engagement with industry leaders and skippers alike. Some discussion is
required of how best to take this forward.
Conclusion
5.
FMAC is invited to agree the establishment of a protocol.
6.
FMAC is also invited to discuss how to begin setting this up.
Marine Scotland
A5501099
March 2013