2017 - 2018 Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science (Cefas) Sardine fisher self sampling 2017/18 - Fisheries Science Partnership

This FSP project initiated a self-sampling programme, through collaboration between industry and scientists, to respond to the need of data. Fishers filled in dedicated logbooks with trip- and haul details; measuring boards and (sub) sampling buckets were provided and were used by fishers to collect length frequency distribution measurements twice per months. An image recognition software was developed to automate the digitisation of the handwritten logbooks and datasheets into spreadsheets. A similar sampling scheme was agreed with the relevant processors, who provided information on total catches per trip, length frequency distribution and individual weights.