WORKING GROUP ON COMMERCIAL CATCHES (WGCATCH)

The 2023 report addresses several primary objectives of WGCATCH, focusing on several aspects
of catch sampling, estimation methods, and data quality for fisheries data.
ToR a is facilitating the transition to probabilistic sampling designs and guiding estimation meth
ods, particularly within the context of RDBES. In 2023, the WG examined case studies of industry
data collection and is currently developing a glossary to standardize relevant definitions. An
initial literature review on the industry data collection definitions to explore the use of relevant
terms (self-sampling, co-sampling, industry sampling) was conducted. Furthermore, the ToR re
viewed three case studies and provided guidance on the practical issues of implementation.
ToR b concentrates on enhancing data collection for small-scale fisheries (SSF) through best-prac
tice guidelines and integrating geospatial data like GPS and AIS for more accurate fishing effort
estimates. The work of ToR b is split into several topics: in Topic 2, remaining tasks on SSF bio
logical sampling guidelines will be completed intersessionally in 2024 and discussed at the 2024
WGCATCH meeting. Topic 3 involves revising a scientific manuscript submitted to the ICES
Journal of Marine Science, which received feedback requesting a clearer, more concise narrative
for resubmission by February 2024. Topic 4 continued WGCATCH’s evaluation of geospatial
data for improving SSF effort estimates, with discussions based on results from the recent WKSS
FGEO2 workshop. Topic 5 focused on feedback from WGRDBESGOV about SSF data integration
in the RDBES database, resulting in new recommendations for the upcoming WGRDBESGOV
meeting. Lastly, Topic 6 introduced efforts to refine definitions and terminology related to fish
ing effort and activities, with plans to develop clear infographics to standardize these definitions
across ICES working groups.
ToR c aims to improve the sampling and estimation for the bycatch of protected species. The first
task involved updating the inventory of at-sea sampling programs across countries, as requested
by DGENV in 2021, focusing on data collection for endangered and threatened species, including
objectives, fleet sampling, and coverage. The second task was to provide feedback to ICES on
WGCATCH’s role within the ICES bycatch roadmap, expected to be revised in early 2024, with
WGCATCH also reviewing outcomes from the 2023 ICES workshops WKPETSAMP2 and
WKPETSAMP3 on sampling schemes for bycatch of protected species.
ToR d in the 2023 WGCATCH report reviews developments in electronic monitoring (EM) tech
nologies for fisheries data collection, with a focus on enhancing sampling design, estimation, and
data integration within the RDBES. WGTIFD presented on EM advancements and best practices,
while Cefas shared UK case studies on EM programs monitoring bycatch and discards. A ques
tionnaire answered by ICES countries with EM programs revealed diverse implementations and
technical challenges. A roadmap was outlined for 2024–2025, emphasizing the need for collabo
ration among relevant subsidiary groups, standardized sampling, data quality, and RDBES in
tegration to ensure EM data are effectively used alongside traditional observer data.
Lastly, ToR e addresses ICES recommendations from other groups. In 2023, addressing the
WGRDBESGOV recommendations, the group discussed the transition to the RDBES and TAF
systems, focusing on the need to adjust the data call calendar to meet RCG and assessment work
ing group requirements, as well as the capacity challenges this change presents for countries. A
decision is pending on whether to incorporate historical data into RDBES due to the complexity
and resource requirements. Participants highlighted concerns over readiness, as the shift to
RDBES involves a two-step process that requires data processing by national labs, increasing
workloads and training needs. To support this transition, a questionnaire was distributed, and a
workshop (WKNatEst) was proposed.