Workshop on Pilot North Sea Fisheries Independent Regional Observation (WKPILOT-NSFIRMOG)

The Workshop on Pilot North Sea Fisheries Independent Regional Monitoring Group (WKPilot NS-FIRMOG) focused on the feasibility of a regional group dealing with fishery independent information, supporting the stock assessments as well as integrated ecosystem assessments. It was concluded that the acronym FiRMOG was unclear and does not represent its scope on the longer term, therefore the acronym NETSEA (Network for surveys towards ecosystem advice) is proposed. For the North Sea the group will be named NS-NETSEA.

The group identified the added value of NS-NETSEA from three perspectives: from the data collection (survey), the ecosystem assessment as well as the single stock assessment viewpoint. Two case studies were conducted, and an inventory of past and current initiatives (workshops, groups) has been created. Separation between short to medium term (year 1-5) and longer term (year 6-10) is necessary to let the NETSEA concept grow.

The first crucial element for success is representation of relevant data providers and end-users. It is proposed that a core group of NS-NETSEA is formed, where in the short to medium term the survey groups as well as the ecosystem assessment group involved in the region are represented. On the longer term, the core group composition will shift towards end-users. The core group is responsible for the continuity of work within the year, the connection with previous work, and for the organisation of the annual NS-NETSEA meeting.

Secondly, the positioning of the group in the ICES structure is key. The regional approach combined with integration of data collection and use differs from regular working groups. This should become visible in the positioning of NETSEAs within ICES.

Although an increase of workload may appear on the short term, the additional effort should directly lead to added value on a regional scale. On the longer term, it is foreseen that installation of a NETSEA will lead to different task allocation in survey, ecosystem assessment and/or stock assessment groups.