Working Group on Commercial Catches (WGCATCH; outputs from 2023 meeting)

The 2023 report addresses several primary objectives of WGCATCH, focusing on several aspects of catch sampling, estimation methods, and data quality for fisheries data. ToR a is facilitating the transition to probabilistic sampling designs and guiding estimation methods, particularly within the context of RDBES. In 2023, the WG examined case studies of industry data collection and is currently developing a glossary to standardize relevant definitions. An initial literature review on the industry data collection definitions to explore the use of relevant terms (self-sampling, co-sampling, industry sampling) was conducted. Furthermore, the ToR reviewed three case studies and provided guidance on the practical issues of implementation. ToR b concentrates on enhancing data collection for small-scale fisheries (SSF) through best-practice guidelines and integrating geospatial data like GPS and AIS for more accurate fishing effort estimates. The work of ToR b is split into several topics: in Topic 2, remaining tasks on SSF biological sampling guidelines will be completed intersessionally in 2024 and discussed at the 2024 WGCATCH meeting. Topic 3 involves revising a scientific manuscript submitted to the ICES Journal of Marine Science, which received feedback requesting a clearer, more concise narrative for resubmission by February 2024. Topic 4 continued WGCATCH’s evaluation of geospatial data for improving SSF effort estimates, with discussions based on results from the recent WKSSFGEO2 workshop. Topic 5 focused on feedback from WGRDBESGOV about SSF data integration in the RDBES database, resulting in new recommendations for the upcoming WGRDBESGOV meeting. Lastly, Topic 6 introduced efforts to refine definitions and terminology related to fishing effort and activities, with plans to develop clear infographics to standardize these definitions across ICES working groups. ToR c aims to improve the sampling and estimation for the bycatch of protected species. The first task involved updating the inventory of at-sea sampling programs across countries, as requested by DGENV in 2021, focusing on data collection for endangered and threatened species, including objectives, fleet sampling, and coverage. The second task was to provide feedback to ICES on WGCATCH’s role within the ICES bycatch roadmap, expected to be revised in early 2024, with WGCATCH also reviewing outcomes from the 2023 ICES workshops WKPETSAMP2 and WKPETSAMP3 on sampling schemes for bycatch of protected species. ToR d in the 2023 WGCATCH report reviews developments in electronic monitoring (EM) technologies for fisheries data collection, with a focus on enhancing sampling design, estimation, and data integration within the RDBES. WGTIFD presented on EM advancements and best practices, while Cefas shared UK case studies on EM programs monitoring bycatch and discards. A questionnaire answered by ICES countries with EM programs revealed diverse implementations and technical challenges. A roadmap was outlined for 2024–2025, emphasizing the need for collaboration among relevant subsidiary groups, standardized sampling, data quality, and RDBES integration to ensure EM data are effectively used alongside traditional observer data. Lastly, ToR e addresses ICES recommendations from other groups. In 2023, addressing the WGRDBESGOV recommendations, the group discussed the transition to the RDBES and TAF systems, focusing on the need to adjust the data call calendar to meet RCG and assessment working group requirements, as well as the capacity challenges this change presents for countries. A decision is pending on whether to incorporate historical data into RDBES due to the complexity and resource requirements. Participants highlighted concerns over readiness, as the shift to RDBES involves a two-step process that requires data processing by national labs, increasing workloads and training needs. To support this transition, a questionnaire was distributed, and a workshop (WKNatEst) was proposed.