Funding
Eusko Jaurlaritza – Basque Government through the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund
Sampling and collection of biological variables from different fisheries
This project is part of the National Basic Data Programme (PNDB) 2022–2027, which implements the European framework for the collection, management and use of fisheries data, established under Regulation (EC) 2017/1004 and Decision (EU) 2021/1167 (Data Collection Multiannual Plan, EUMAP). Its purpose is to ensure the availability of high-quality scientific and technical information for the sustainable management of fisheries resources.
The project focuses on the observation, both at port and at sea, of commercial and recreational fisheries, as well as on the management and analysis of the biological data collected. These activities are essential for feeding national and international databases that underpin the assessment of the main fish stocks of interest to the Basque Country.
The Basque fishing sector includes more than 221 vessels and around 2,000 crew members, generating a value exceeding €240 million annually at first sale. The main target species—such as hake, anchovy, tuna (bonito), yellowfin tuna and cod—account for more than 95% of the economic value of landings. The scale of this activity reinforces the need for robust and continuous information to ensure effective and sustainable management of shared resources.
Given the limited renewal capacity of marine ecosystems, fisheries management requires a solid data foundation to assess stock status and define appropriate management measures. To this end, it is essential to maintain a continuous flow of information on catches, fishing effort and biological parameters, in line with the standards of international bodies such as ICES, ICCAT, IOTC and NAFO.
The main objective is to observe, collect and analyse biological and fishing effort data to assess the most relevant stocks for the Basque fleet and ensure compliance with the PNDB.
Specific activities include:
These tasks provide the scientific basis required for the assessment of fisheries resources and for the development of sustainable management policies aligned with European regulations.
The following subprojects are included in this data collection programme:
The information obtained has a direct impact on the assessment and sustainable management of fisheries resources and enables:
Eusko Jaurlaritza – Basque Government through the European Maritime, Fisheries and Aquaculture Fund
Sectors: Fisheries and aquaculture sector
Research lines: Efficient, sustainable fisheries and aquaculture
Research sublines: Sustainable fishery management
