EU-DCF Fisheries and aquaculture data collection program

EU data collection framework (DCF) obligates member states to collect detailed information on national biological and socio-economic data on fisheries and aquaculture sectors. Data collection is regulated by EU legislation. Under this framework, biological and socio-economic data are collected to support EU common fisheries policy (CFP). 

In Finland, Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry has obliged Luke to implement data collection, storage and dissemination. The information is used for e.g. research purposes and scientific advice for stock assessment. The national programme in Finland fulfills the EU requirements for DCF.

Finnish researchers and experts take part to several ICES and EU expert and working groups where the data is analyzed and contents of DCF and the rules for the application of the databases are defined. 

Collected information is delivered to end users (ICES, Commission, RCG:s) via data calls. In addition, several national reports and official statistics are produced, and the ecosystem effects of fisheries are estimated by using environmental indicators based on biological and socioeconomic information.
 

• Biological variables of fish stocks e.g. length, age, growth and maturity in economically important species from commercial marine fisheries.
• Research survey BIAS (echo sounding and experimental trawling of Baltic herring and sprat)
• Collection of bycatch data on mammal, bird and fish species from commercial marine fisheries.
• Monitoring of salmon in the Rivers Simojoki, Tornionjoki and Tenojoki (abundance of migrating adults, parrs and smolts, fisheries surveys)
• Eel monitoring in River Kokemäenjoki and Kymijoki, and coastal areas
• Monitoring the abundance of sea trout parrs by electrofishing in River Isojoki, Ingarskilanjoki and Mustajoki
• The development and maintenance of databases (storing and verification of sample information, stock estimates and data calls)

In socio-economic data collection, information on the production, operation, employment and economic development of fisheries (fishing fleet), aquaculture, and fish processing business are collected. The socio-economic part of DCF includes statistics, data calls and reporting of the following divisions:

• Commercial fisheries data on capacity, effort and landings
• Socio-economic data for fisheries
• Socio-economic data for aquaculture
• Socio-economic data for fish processing
• Recreational fisheries catch