WP1 - Ecosystem approach to the evaluation and use of fisheries resources

The aim of this WP is to develop tools (technologies, devices and methodologies) to support the application of the ecosystem approach to fishery adaptive management, based on the knowledge and assessment of spatial-temporal dynamics of target species and communities, environmental and human drivers.

In this perspective it is foreseen to strengthen the collection and analysis of fisheries and environmental data in representative zones of national and Mediterranean fishery, trough the strengthening of data transmission and reception (ICT e FMS/VMS - Fishery Monitoring System/Vessel Monitoring System).

Innovative systems for the identification of stock units and characterization of the food web are also developed, as well as alternative methods of resource monitoring. Particular attention is given to the development of scientific surveys and the identification of stock boundaries of the main commercial species in investigated areas, in order to provide support to the implementation of fishing complying to the Common Fisheries Policy and the recommendations of the General Fisheries Commission for the Mediterranean. The improvement of acoustic and modeling technologies for the evaluation of fish biomass is an additional outcome.

The activities of this WP are applied in three case study areas (Adriatic, the Strait of Sicily, Tyrrhenian Sea) representative of characteristics of different fishery modes (coastal / off shore; demersal / pelagic, traditional / industrial).

The WP is divided into the following activities:

• AZ1 - Innovative systems to support analysis and monitoring of fish stocks

• AZ2 - Stock units and food webs

• AZ3 - Strengthening of scientific surveys to acquire independent information from fisheries resources 

• AZ4 - Identification of stock boundaries of the main commercial species

WP leader Bernardo Patti - IAMC