SDSG – 2014/01/17 5.06
Overarching protocol
Discard self-sampling programmes
SFA, in conjunction with NAFC Marine Centre
A. Pre-Trip


Marine Scotland Compliance (Edinburgh) issues each vessel in the programme with a
letter of derogation allowing the vessel to:

retain aboard discard samples potentially containing under-sized and/or
prohibited species.

land the discard samples without the fish in them being counted against the
vessel’s quota.
The local Marine Scotland Compliance (MSC) office issues each vessel with a set of
official (uniquely numbered) tags, one to be affixed to each box containing a discard
sample.
B. At Sea
Tow Selection

The vessel crew is instructed on which tow(s) to sample during the trip (tows to be
sampled are selected at random).

The above takes account of the likely trip duration and the number of tows likely to be
carried out.

Crews forgetting or are unable to sample the nominated tow sample the following tow.
Sampling

While processing the catch from the nominated tow(s), a random sample of the
discarded portion of the catch is retained.

Three fish boxes are filled with discarded fish (giving a sample of about 120 kg).

So far as possible, the sample is random and reflects the general composition of the
discarded portion of the catch. Crews are asked to avoid selecting only certain species
and/or sizes of fish.

An official MSC tag is fitted to each box used for the sample and the tag numbers
recorded.
SDSG – 2014/01/17 5.06

The boxes are then be labelled as discard samples, iced and stored in the fish hold,
and as far as practical separated from the rest of the catch.

The crew records the estimated quantities of each species retained and discarded
from the sampled tow.

Where a vessel collects more than one sample during a trip, it must be possible to
relate each sample to a specific tow.

Fish in discard samples is not recorded in the vessel’s e-log (advice from MSC).
Landing

The vessel notifies [NAFC] when and where samples are to be landed.

The discard sample(s) are then landed by the vessel’s crew, along with the remainder
of the vessel’s catch, to [either the Lerwick or Scalloway] fish market.

The samples are placed separately from the remainder of the vessel’s catch, iced (if
necessary) and suitably labelled.
C. On Shore
Sample Analysis

Samples are analysed at the market by [NAFC] staff:

Samples are sorted by species, and the weights and lengths of each measured.

Ice is removed

Species sorted into baskets (maybe commercial species + others)

Each species is weighed

Lengths of each commercial species are measured

Samples are bagged for disposal
Sample Disposal

Following analysis, samples will be delivered directly to the incinerator in [Lerwick] for
disposal.
SDSG – 2014/01/17 5.06
D. Equipment
At Sea

Box tags (from Marine Scotland Compliance)

Recording sheets

Labels
On Shore Sampling

Baskets

Balance

Measuring board

Recording sheets

Plastic bags

Vehicle