Sampling and information network for sustainable fisheries management

Problem addressed

Fisheries management decisions require robust and standardised information. In the absence of high-quality data, the risks of overexploitation, non-compliance with European regulations, and loss of sector competitiveness increase.

What we do and how we do it

• At AZTI, we design and implement sampling programmes at fish auctions and on board fishing vessels.
• We collect data on catches, fishing effort, size structure, discards, and associated species, which are processed under quality-controlled protocols and integrated into national and international databases (e.g. the Data Collection Framework (DCF) and DCF+).
• We produce annual reports and provide real-time access platforms for public administrations, managers, and the fishing sector itself, ensuring transparency and data traceability.

Key benefits

• Robust information to support the setting of quotas and adaptive management plans.
• Compliance with the Common Fisheries Policy and other international regulations.
• Improved transparency and trust between the sector, public administrations, and society.
• A solid scientific basis to support the sustainable and responsible exploitation of marine resources.