The Scottish Pelagic Fishermen’s Association’s (SPFA) investment in its science plan underscores the commitment of its members to partnership and innovation. By bridging the gap between scientific research and the business of fishing, SPFA members are transforming the role of fishermen as active participants in marine research, setting a global standard for industry’s responsibility toward sustainable fisheries management.

Spearheading this effort is Dr. Steven Mackinson, the SPFA’s Chief Scientific Officer, whose work is supported through collaborative partnerships with Shetland UHI, the Scottish Marine Directorate, Cefas, and universities and marine institutes internationally.

The Science Plan

The SPFA’s science plan is guided by six objectives enabling its vision for Scottish pelagic fishermen to be respected providers of scientifically credible data that’s used to assess fish stocks, monitor changes in the pelagic ecosystem, and support management decisions.

Current workstreams include

• Scottish Pelagic Industry Science Data Collection Programme (SPISDP) – biological and fisheries data collection for use in ICES fish stock assessments and research
• Catch to Batch – catch traceability and development of unique scientific data streams for pelagic research
• Pelagic surveys for herring and mackerel – industry vessels engaged in acoustic, trawl, plankton and tagging surveys
• Spatial squeeze evidence – charting pelagic fishing activities now and in the past with unique industry data from navigation plotters and self-sampling
• Bycatch monitoring and mitigation of Endangered, Threatened and Protected (ETP) species – research and strategy
• Catch welfare research
• Ecological and fisheries research – using self-sampling and other sources to reveal changes in the pelagic ecosystem