COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES 
COM(93) 95 final 
Brussels, 16 March 1993 
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"IN*5* S ' ^^ 
gS'i COMMUNICATION FROM THF COMMISSION 
EUROPEAN FISHERIES RESEARCH 
CURRENT POSITION AND PROSPECTS 
EXPLANATORY MEMORANDUM 
The development of the Common Fisheries Policy is directly connected 
with the existence of effective fisheries research. The successful 
development of this research within Europe one supposes action at 
Community level, because the very nature of the problems arising from 
fishing, starting with the migration of fish from one EEZ to another, 
makes the a strictly national approach ineffective. 
Means of support and coordination therefore exist at European level. 
They have not been enough to guarantee sufficient dynamism. Various 
meetings between those responsible for research structures in the 
Member States have stressed the deficiencies of the existing 
mechanisms. 
An assessment has therefore been prepared on the basis of an analysis 
of the role of fisheries research which details the strengths and 
weaknesses of the research apparatus in the Member States as well as 
the international and above all Community support and cooperation 
mechanisms. On the basis of this assessment, inflections are proposed 
to better define inter alia the responsibilities for the Member States 
and for the Commission and to better concentrate the Community action 
on the areas and mechanisms where it will be most effective. 
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EUROPEAN FISHERIES RESEARCH 
CURRENT POSITION AND PROSPECTS 
0. Introduction 
Fisheries management calls for decisions which can only be taken on the 
basis of scientific analyses. There is therefore a huge demand for 
fisheries research which develops in line with the Common Fisheries 
policy and increases according to the urgency of the decisions to be 
taken. The means available to respond to this demand are inadequate and 
sometimes unsuitable. Progress has been made, and measures developed by 
the Commission according to the powers and means at its disposal have 
made a considerable contribution on certain questions and in certain 
regions, but progress has not been as rapid as could have been hoped. 
There has even been decline in some areas. The tools currently at the 
Commission's disposal will neither stop that decline nor supply the 
necessary forward momentum. This must be understood at Community level 
so that firm commitments can be won from the Member States and the 
Commission's procedures and the means available to it adapted. 
The aim of this report is to provide the necessary basis for 
discussion. It first of all sets out the function and content of 
fisheries research before describing the means currently available and 
the major problems. The document concludes with a series of proposals. 
It should be noted that this report does not cover at this stage 
aquaculture problems. This theme will be the subject of a future 
analysis in the context of the fourth framework program. 
1. Nature and function of fisheries research 
1.1 Monitoring resources 
Whilst fisheries management increasingly calls for a multispecies 
approach, the analysis of stocks is essentially on a single-species 
basis. Assessment of fisheries resources is based on techniques of 
population dynamics and is a delicate operation owing to the physical 
impossibility of a direct count of the individuals concerned, as takes 
place, for example, in forestry management. Fisheries resources are 
basically hidden resources. Information from fishing vessels, but also 
that from research vessels, can provide only apparent or relative stock 
figures. Since each source of information has its own limits, data from 
commercial catches and that from research vessels has to be cross­
checked . 
Nature of the information required 
Taking into account the particularities of the tools for resource 
evaluation developed for fisheries research, priority must be given to 
information on fleets (capacity, efficiency, activities), commercial 
catches and their make-up (catch statistics). Such information must 
however be supplemented by data on the performance of commercial and 
research vessels and by data on fishing activities. 
To be productive, studies must fulfil two criteria: comprehensivity and 
duration. 
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Comprenonsivity 
The catches of all the fleets fishing a particular stock and their age 
structure, must be estimated. Very detailed but partial monitoring 
which cannot be extrapolated to all catches is of very little use. 
Similarly, estimates of stocks densities must cover their total 
distribution area. 
Duration 
An immediate and definitive assessment being impossible, only 
multiannual studies can produce results. This is particularly the case 
with current techniques which require a systematic assessment of age 
structures year after year (or at the very least length distributions) 
for all catches, scientific surveys at sea are themselves only of use 
if they can compare catch rates from one year to the next. Experience 
s hows that as much as a decade is often needed before reliable 
estimates of stocks can be arrived at. 
The dynamics of the marine populations which are commercially 
exploited, the key to the determination of stock levels, is therefore 
based above all on the establishment of a multiannual database. 
1.2 Other factors 
If fisheries management implies conservation measures, it cannot be 
limited purely to biological aspects. 
Socio-economic aspects 
The socio-economic consequences of decisions must be analysed. 
Population dynamics covers the relationships between fishing effort and 
the foreseeable development of catches. Economic studies permit costs 
and employment to be brought into the equation alongside fishing effort 
and allow incomes to be examined alongside catches. No facet of the CFP 
can be lifted out of its economic and social context. The analysis of 
the cost structure, the link between this structure and the 
exploitation rate and exploitation pattern, must be made. The 
associated employment levels need special attention. The existence of 
an economic fishing activity assumes the availability of sufficient 
resources, but also of a market, of which the demand must be the 
subject of specific studies. Consideration of fishing activities also 
requires the study of these activities in the context of the socio­
economic framework of the regions concerned. 
Production technology 
The development of fishing techniques and vessels plays a crucial role 
in the bio-economic dynamic of fisheries. It is at the same time a key 
to increased productivity and a major factor in over-fishing. 
Research in this field has both a descriptive and an innovative side. 
Researchers automatically tend towards innovation but for effective 
bio-economic fisheries management a knowledge of the efficiency and 
selectivity of the different types of gear and vessels is vital. 
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Processing and storage of products 
The upper limit on production being limited by the renewal capacity of 
stocks, it is essential to make the best economic use of them. Research 
must therefore first of all be devoted to finding methods of preserving 
product quality during its passage along the chain from capture to 
final marketing. It must then propose ways of increasing the return on 
catches for which, without processing, no satisfactory direct market 
exists. Finally, research must help to develop analytical techniques 
and standards to guarantee consumers that products conform to the norms 
and particularly to hygiene regulations, whether the guarantee is 
provided through legislation or through self-regulation by producers, 
research is essential before standards are set. 
Ecology 
The importance of population dynamics has been stressed, but such an 
approach does not exhaust the field of fisheries biology. The links 
between the various stocks fished cannot be ignored. Predatory 
relations can play an important role and consideration of these can 
significantly alter the conclusions of single-species studies, studies 
of the biological interaction of stocks are unfortunately particularly 
costly, since they require intense monitoring of each of the species 
under study. Multispecies assessments do not dispense with the need for 
collecting information on population dynamics: they depend on it. 
Information must also be collected on the diet and feeding behaviour of 
the different stocks, which must again fulfil the criteria of 
comprehensivity and, to a large extent, of duration, covering all 
seasons and, where possible, several years. 
Fisheries biology must also include the influence of the environment on 
stocks, whether natural fluctuations or those caused by human 
intervention. The initial biological stages of the individual, 
particularly the larval stage, are the most vulnerable to variations in 
the environment. The success rate for reproduction consequently varies 
enormously from one year to the next, so the number of individuals 
entering the fishery each year (known as the recruitment) varies by up 
to two orders of magnitude causing great instability in catch sizes. To 
date, explanation of these fluctuations has basically escaped 
researchers. Their study is very complex. It also requires the 
establishment of the databases previously mentioned as necessary for 
classic population dynamics. Again it calls for spatially and 
temporally integrated studies. 
The impact of fisheries on the environment poses questions which are 
becoming increasingly pressing. These relate to the physical impact of 
fishing gear and by-catches of vulnerable species such as marine 
mammals. But they also relate to the modification of foodwebs caused by 
catches and discards. This requires, amongst other things, the 
development of quantitative marine ecology which has to date remained 
in the embryonic stage apart from in the particular case of the 
dynamics of exploited marine species. 
Interdisciplinary studies 
For the preparation of appropriate decisions under the CFP, analyses 
must bring together the biological, economic, social and technical 
aspects of a question. This requires close cooperation between 
specialists from different fields which experience has shown to be very 
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difficult to achieve. Peripheral studies are often badly perceived by 
the different disciplines. "Cross-over" subjects are therefore badly 
covered, each discipline considering that it should be covered by the 
others. Vital pieces are therefore missing, preventing the 
reconstruction of the overall bio-economic mechanism. The fact that 
specialists often belong to different institutions makes it all the 
more difficult to guarantee cooperation between laboratories. 
1»3. Placing fisheries research in its context 
1.3.1. Applied research and the application of research 
Fisheries research, by nature applied research, is in an ambiguous 
situation. The decision-making structures, which expect rapid and 
accurate advice from researchers, without always giving them the 
necessary means, want research to be orientated on the basis of their 
requirements. In the eyes of the scientific community, the work 
involved is hardly innovatory and is regarded more as an application of 
research than as research proper. This discussion might appear to have 
no more than semantic importance - whether the work required to provide 
an advice on fisheries management is actually research or not, the work 
has to be done, but the reality of competition for resources between 
disciplines means that fisheries could seriously suffer from the 
situation. The most serious problems are to be expected when research 
is under the responsibility of both the ministry in charge of research 
and that in charge of fisheries, the budget being provided by the 
former and requests for advice coming from the latter. 
At the same time, marine ecologists are not necessarily aware that 
fisheries researchers have developed a whole range of methods to deal 
with applied questions which will be of immense value for the 
development of a quantitative approach to ecosystem management based on 
the the construction of models. More generally, the possibility of 
developing innovatory research based on the problems, methods and, 
above all, the data collected by fisheries researchers has only been 
very sparingly utilized. 
1.3.2. The private sector 
To date, private sector involvement in fisheries research has been 
somewhat limited. Certain areas of research can only be dealt with by 
public authorities (for example, the assessment of fisheries resources 
in areas falling under the authority of more than one country, 
questions of hygiene and public health). If in certain domains, the 
private sector can eventually expect to reap an economic benefit from 
its research and innovation work, for example, to improve the 
efficiency of fishing gear, such opportunities in the fisheries sector 
are relatively rare. 
Economic activity is also frequently spread over numerous SMEs, more 
often than not small rather than medium-sized, none of which can afford 
to invest in medium- and long-term research. 
The public authorities must therefore ensure that the information 
necessary to the long-term collective interest is gathered. They must 
therefore concentrate on these questions and place the emphasis, for 
example, in the area of gear technology, on research into selectivity 
at the expense of that on efficiency. 
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1.3.3 International bodies 
Stocks of the species fished extend beyond the limits of most state 
exclusive economic zones making necessary the supranational 
coordination of fisheries. 
The role and structure of international management and/or scientific 
bodies vary, but ( are basically tailored to the achievement of two 
objectives: the development of coordinated programmes and the provision 
of advice on resource management. 
For the stocks of the Noth-East Atlantic and adjoining seas (but 
excluding the Mediterranean), the recognized scientific forum is the 
International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) in which 17 
countries including 9 Member States participate. The Community also has 
observer status. Each year the ICES brings together around twenty 
"assessment" working parties which analyse the stock situation by 
species or region. Their results and conclusions are brought together 
by the Advisory Committee for Fisheries Management which, twice a year, 
formulates the ICES advice. 
Fisheries research is coordinated in the Mediterranean by several 
organizations. The International Commission for Scientific Exploration 
of the Mediterranean Sea (ICSEMS) pursues general scientific aims, 
whilst the General Fisheries council for the Mediterranean (GFCM), 
which has close links to the FAO, promotes the efficient use of 
fisheries resources for which it utilizes specific research work. 
There exist other international organizations, including the Northwest 
Atlantic Fisheries Organization (NAFO), the North-East Atlantic 
Fisheries Commission (NEAFC), the international commission for the 
Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT), the Fishery Committee for the 
Eastern central Atlantic (CECAF), the North Atlantic salmon 
conservation Organization (NASCO) and the International Whaling 
Commission (IWC). Some of them have their own research bodies (NAFO, 
ICCAT, CECAF, IWC). 
The international management organizations often give their advice in 
the form of non-binding recommendations which the member countries can 
choose to ignore. Furthermore, the smooth operation of international 
bodies depends on basic information supplied by the contracting 
parties. Both the quality and the quantity of that information is 
decreasing. 
2. Resources and structures - current situation 
2.1. Member States 
The organization of government fisheries research in most Member states 
is the responsibility, on the one hand, of the ministry responsible for 
fisheries and, on the other, of the ministry responsible for research. 
There is always a structure for advising the ministry responsible for 
fisheries on any matter relating to the CFP. This structure is 
generally, although not always, directly linked to an institute 
carrying out the major part of fisheries research. Moreover, various 
laboratories and institutes, often in universities, carry out related 
research on less directly applied subjects. 
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There exist, however, great differences between Member States, 
particularly in terms of the resources made available. Whilst in 
certain Member States total budgets give an accurate picture of 
financing, this is not always the case. A simple consideration of the 
number of researchers or research vessels nevertheless reveals 
considerable differences which cannot be explained by the relative 
value of catches or the relative extent of the exclusive economic 
zones. History certainly plays an important role. For whatever reason, 
certain Member States do not devote sufficient resources to fisheries 
research to be able to make a reasonable contribution to developing the 
knowledge required by the CFP. Nevertheless, those Member States 
regularly cite the unreliability of scientific data to postpone taking 
potentially unpopular management decisions. 
These differences and shortcomings become even clearer when the 
situation 'within certain disciplines is examined, beginning with 
fisheries economics. Very few Member States have teams of specialists. 
The same holds for specialist statisticians. These are totally absent 
in some Member States, even though fisheries research has become very 
quantitative. 
Differences can also be seen in the way research is organized in the 
Member states. In one Member State research may be the responsibility 
of a single institute covering all the required disciplines and the 
majority of the fish caught by that Member State. In others, 
researchers work within different structures according to their 
disciplines and/or their geographical location. 
Links with the authorities responsible for the collection of 
"commercial" statistical information also vary greatly. In some Member 
States close cooperation allows the quality of the information gathered 
by the authorities to be improved and relieves the research structures 
of the need to take certain biological samples and specimens. In other 
Member states, the links are much looser. 
2.2. The means available to the Commission 
The coordination of research must lead to increased efficiency. This is 
particularly true in an area such as fisheries research where, as 
stressed in the first paragraph, geographically limited studies are in 
most cases of little value. Regular exchanges should therefore be 
promoted between researchers from different Member States, particularly 
where cooperation is initially lowest. Scientific teams from, for 
example, most of the Member states bordering on the North sea 
(Denmark, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Belgium and France) have 
been working together for a long time, principally within the ICES 
working groups. In recent years, following the accession of Spain and 
Portugal in 1986, there has been a growth of cooperation further south, 
particularly in the Bay of Biscay. Practical cooperation has, 
nevertheless, not been very intense outside the North Sea and adjoining 
seas. 
2.2.1. Studies 
The term "studies" refers to work to provide answers to particular 
questions and which have a direct application for current management of 
the CFP. 
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Before the inclusion of fisheries research in the Second Community 
Framework Programme (the FAR Programme), almost the only activities 
promoted by the commission in the Community fisheries sector were 
biological studies, the principal objective of which was the collection 
of the basic information necessary for the implementation of the CFP, 
in particular for the determination of the TACs and for the adoption of 
technical measures (net sizes, boxes, etc.). The development of this 
budget line has been closely linked to that of the CFP. The lack of 
resources made available for it (only ECU 1.1 million for 1992) meant 
that the commission could only finance limited, one-off measures. For 
1993 its increased importance (4 Mecu) and its extension to bio-
economic studies will allow more efficient action. 
To facilitate the resolution of specific, urgent problems, in 1991, the 
Council adopted Regulation (EEC) No 3499/91 providing a Community 
framework for studies and pilot projects relating to the conservation 
and management of fisheries resources in the Mediterranean for which 
Community funding of 5 Mecu during 1991 and 1992 was allocated, and 3 
Mecu for 1993. 
In addition, as specific needs have arisen and depending on the 
availability of funding, other studies have received financing from 
different units of DG XIV, for example, regional socio-economic studies 
have been financed by the Structures Directorate of DG XIV (around ECU 
1.2 million over the period 1991-92). 
Finally, a total of ECU 0.5 million was allocated in 1992 for financing 
special studies into protection of marine species not directly 
commercially fished. Such studies aim to find means, including 
permanent or temporary boxes, of reducing the impact of fishing on 
species other than target species. 
2.2.2. Research programmes 
Since 1988 the Community has played a very active role in fisheries 
research in Europe through research framework programmes. Contrary to 
the studies mentioned above, research carried out as part of a 
programme is medium or long term and innovatory and the priorities laid 
down call for a high level of scientific excellence. 
Since the implementation of the second Community RTD framework 
programme, research in the fisheries and aquaculture sectors has been 
included in Community multiannual planning. 
Against this background, the FAR Programme (1988-92) was the first 
Community research programme specifically concerned with fisheries. 
Basically, the programme offered financial support for research 
projects but also enabled the coordination of research at Community 
level by other means. 
Following the publication of three invitations to tender, 127 research 
projects were selected for funding. A total of 236 research centres are 
involved in the work and the community is granting more than ECU 31 
million in aid. 
A total of thirty-eight measures to improve the coordination of 
research have received Community aid, including workshops, seminars, 
conferences, the development of databases, publications, etc. and 
fourteen scholarships have been funded. 
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Over the period 1991-95, research in the agriculture and agro-industry 
sectors including fisheries came under the AIR Programme, itself a part 
of the third Community framework RTD programme. Within the same 
framework programme a specific programme on Human Capital and Mobility 
was adopted, which aims to increase the available human resources for 
research and technical development. 
The AIR Programme I1) is implemented through shared-cost research 
projects and concerted actions to coordinate research activities 
related to the programme but financed by bodies other than the 
Community. There are also accompanying measures, including the 
organization of seminars, workshops, conferences, studies, 
scholarships, etc. 
In response to the first invitation to tender issued under the AIR 
Programme (closing on 31 January 1992), 776 proposals were received of 
which 99 were in the fields of fisheries and aquaculture. After 
evaluating the proposals, 18 of the fisheries projects were selected to 
receive a total of over ECU 14 million of community funding. 
There was only a limited number of proposals of high scientific value 
relating to fisheries management and particularly to fishing 
techniques. Moreover, those proposals were mainly for routine research 
programmes involving little innovation. Integrated proposals covering 
at least two areas from biology, gear technology and economics were 
rare. 
2.2.3. Specific measures 
The preceding paragraphs have covered the basic means available at 
Community level, but there are also specific measures, the most 
important of which are described below. 
Since 1989, an annual meeting, instituted by the Spanish Presidency, of 
those responsible for fisheries research in the Member States, has been 
held to help community research conducted under existing national 
structures. The meetings are chaired by the representative of the 
Member State holding the Presidency. The meetings are supported by the 
Commission and officials from DG XIV responsible for research 
participate. The meetings allow the state of fisheries research in the 
Community to be assessed at the highest level. This memorandum is 
based, in part, on the conclusions of the last meeting, held in 
Portugal in May 1992. 
The international role of the International Council for the Exploration 
of the Sea (ICES) has already been mentioned. The commission 
increasingly asks for scientific advice from the ICES to help ensure 
effective management of the common fisheries policy and contributes to 
its budget in return. 
(1) The AIR Programme also covers demonstration projects designed to 
prove, on a scale approaching that found in industry, the technical 
reliability and economic viability of a new product and/or of new 
technology, the viability of which has been proven on a small scale. 
However, it does not affect the fisheries sector. 
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In connection with studies and pilot projects for the conservation and 
management of fisheries resources In the Mediterranean, a financial 
contribution was also given for the construction of a research vessel 
CNAFMED). 
2.2.4. scientific and Technical committee for Fisheries fSTCF> and 
associated working parties 
To ensure dialogue on management advice between scientists and the 
Commission, a special structure, the Scientific and Technical Committee 
for Fisheries CSTCF). was established in 1979. The Committee brings 
together scientific workers from the Member states» selected by the 
Commission from lists proposed by the national authorities» and Is 
consulted on stocks managed by TACs and quotas and other questions 
related to the CFP (technical measures, structural policies, etc.). 
There Is a wide overlap on work on stocks in the North-East Atlantic 
and adjoining seas with the ACFM (within the ICES). Duplication has 
gradually been reduced, but the STCF Is distinguished by the fact that 
It Includes economists amongst Its members whereas the ICES has 
traditionally strictly limited Itself to biological and technical 
questions. The economic d(mention of the role of the STCF still has to 
develop as required by the new basic regulation of the CFpH) 
transferring the STCF Into the Scientific. Technical and Economic 
committe for Fisheries (STECF) 
Furthermore, the close integration of the STCF In Community decision* 
making structures has encouraged It to study questions not previously 
examined and which are. by their very nature, multi-disciplinary. A 
standing woriclng party has been set up with direct support from 08 XIV 
to coordinate economic and biological work In the North Sea. This 
regional approach Is set to develop. 
3. current problems In community ftah*rl<»a research 
3.1. Maior shortcomings 
3.1.1. Scientific personnel 
Fisheries research Is a highly specialized field calling for high-
quality personnel. Scientific standards In the best Community 
laboratories are comparable with any In the world, but those standards 
are not attained In all Member States, and even where current standards 
are satisfactory a number of challenges must be faced If they are to be 
maintained. 
Scientific workers In most Member States are ageing. Budgetary 
restrictions over recent years have hindered the recruitment of young 
researchers.- Moreover» the image of fisheries research Is not 
necessarily very attractive to young scientists. On the economic level, 
the fisheries sector is not growing. Research in the field Is more 
often than not In response to specific requests to the extent that 
demand-led research is condemned by those who favour baste research, 
in addition, the Impact of fisheries research le often misunderstood by 
those It serves, the fishermen. In such s context it Is difficult to 
(1) Regulation (EEC) N' 3760/92 of 20.12.1992 
G.J.L 387, 31.12.1992, pi 
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maintain enthusiasm, particularly in areas such as statistics and 
econometrics where the lure of the private sector is highly appealing. 
The number of high-quality researchers is therefore limited. There is 
also the risk that as it becomes more and more specialized fisheries 
research will become isolated from other fields. 
3.1.2. Heterogeneity and geographical isolation 
The differences in the means available, the levels of organization in 
the various Member States and the existence of on-going international 
cooperation in the North Sea not found in other maritime areas have 
already been stressed. 
This lack of homogeneity makes the implementation of Community measures 
difficult..What is considered routine in one region constitutes a new 
measure in another. Strictly from the point of view of scientific 
excellence, teams working on fisheries in which little previous work 
has been carried out are at a serious disadvantage when a general 
invitation to tender is issued. This is the reason for the creation of 
a special heading for the Mediterranean. However, overprotection would 
deprive the teams concerned of a certain stimulus. 
Scientific exchanges have remained particularly rare between the 
Mediterranean and the North Sea. The problems are not strictly speaking 
the same, studies into extending resource management measures provided 
for under the CFP to the Mediterranean have clearly shown the 
impossibility of moving towards a finely tuned system of management 
through the use of TAC s and annual quotas. It does, amongst other 
things, allow certain automatic annual reassessments for resource-
monitoring purposes to be dispensed with, but does not do away with the 
requirements set out in the paragraph dealing with comprehensivity and 
the duration of studies. Work carried out for several years, promoted 
in particular by DG XIV and particularly in the Western Mediterranean, 
has shown that the principles and tools of population dynamics have 
been extremely useful. Research in the North Seat1) has greatly 
benefited from the close cooperation established there as a result, 
amongst other things, of the long involvement of the different 
international fisheries organizations. It is essential that a similar 
level of cooperation be developed in the Atlantic and in the 
Mediterranean, at least within the community, although care must be 
taken only to transfer appropriate elements. 
3.1.3. The lack of development of economic and environmental research 
To date, resource management has been based on scientific advice 
formulated by specialists in population dynamics. Little attention has 
been given to the socio-economic impact of resource management on 
operators, fleet dynamics and the place of fisheries in the economy, 
even though the Council and the Commission are in favour of, and have 
encouraged the development of, such research, through the research 
programmes which allow financial assistance for the creation of 
networks. 
Fisheries economics in Europe is still trying to find its way. To 
adequately fulfil its role, it must create for itself those tools and 
methods it currently lacks, organization on an international scale 
(1) The stocks fished concurrently by several countries are limited by 
the morphology of the Mediterranean continental shelf. 
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enabling the coordination and integration of research work and the 
establishment of joint databases is still at an early stage. 
Research into the interaction between fishing and the environment 
suffers from similar problems. Many European institutes devote a large 
part of their budgets to environmental research, but the relationships 
between specialists in general marine ecology and fisheries researchers 
remain inadequate. 
Furthermore, studies into fisheries ecology are often limited to a 
national or even local level. Again the International Council for the 
Exploration of the Sea has an important role to play. However, it can 
not cover everything, especially in the Mediterranean. 
3.1.4. Specific problems of stock-assessment research 
The stock-assessment work described in paragraph 1, necessary for 
fisheries management, but also for most basic research, is generally 
inadequate. It even appears to be on the decline in certain regions. 
Two causes can be identified, the relative importance of which varies 
from Member state to Member State: the reduction of budgets for 
fisheries research and the competition for resources between stock-
assessment and other forms of research. 
The relative decline in the economic importance of fisheries may result 
in cuts in public expenditure on fisheries research or the transfer of 
responsibility for research to the private sector. Competition with 
more basic types of research has already been analysed. Moreover, in 
the case of international stocks, the direct "beneficiaries" of the 
results of research are often supranational bodies (whether scientific 
or not), which can reduce the motivation of Member States. There is 
also a trend, justified by arguments based on immediate cost-benefit 
ratio at national level, towards not participating in international 
programmes for the collection of basic data when the stocks in question 
are only of minor importance for the Member state concerned. If this 
trend were to be confirmed, the basic data required for the assessment 
of stocks would no longer be available. 
The appetite of political decision-making structures for scientific 
advice has, nevertheless, grown, not only for advice on the stock 
situation but also on related environmental problems. This situation 
has obliged fisheries researchers constantly to check their assessments 
against the actual situation, calling for a growing number of 
repetitive tasks. The initial consequence has been a reduction in the 
number of scientific personnel available for innovatory research, the 
updating of advice on stock levels tying up the biggest part of the 
resources available. A gap is opening up between fisheries researchers 
and the rest of the scientific community. 
This develops into a vicious circle. The reduction of funding in the 
Member States forces scientific workers to seek outside sources of 
financing (for example, Community research programmes). Such programmes 
demand innovatory projects and, therefore, routine work becomes 
unattractive. 
It is not unknown for scientific work to be complicated by the 
unreliability of official statistics: the constraints of the CFP have 
brought a growing temptation to resort to fraud. 
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3.1.5. Research into catch technology 
The development of the CFP will put greater emphasis on the mangagement 
of inputs, i.e. the fishing effort. It will also lead to the 
development of selective methods to reap the optimum value from fish 
stock and reduce the impact of fishing on the marine eco-system. These 
are the two priorities for future research into catch technology: 
- to quantify the link between actual catch capacity and the 
characteristics of vessels and gear, 
- selectivity. 
European research in these two areas is most inadequate. 
The former calls for close cooperation between technologists and 
biologists and an ability to talk in terms of vessels as well as of 
equipment and gear. Links with economists will be indispensable to 
ensure that, in the dynamics of fleets, operators take full account of 
economic factors when reaching decisions, whether on renewing a vessel 
or a piece of equipment or on moving into a particular area of 
business. The importance of these questions became clearly apparent 
during the debate on the third multi annual guidance programme of the 
fleets. It will only increase because of the role which the management 
of fishing effort will play, as a consequence of the new basic 
regulation, within the CFP. The link between resource management and 
fishing efforts supposes very good knowledge of what determines the 
efficiency of each vessel and of the importance of the parameters which 
define each fishing effort. 
Research into selectivity must also be developed urgently. One of the 
most pressing problems that fisheries managers have to solve is that of 
discards, a serious and universal problem. Even in the Mediterranean, 
despite the size and diversity of local demand for marine products, it 
is a routine practice. It is only by improving knowledge about the 
selectivity of different fishing gear that the difficulties currently 
posed by mixed fisheries can be reduced, where they cannot be 
eliminated. 
Research into fishing gear technology must therefore be developed where 
it does not already exist and concentrated on priority areas where it 
does. 
3.2. Limits on the resources and measures available to the Commission 
It has been shown in paragraph 2.2. that the Commission has 
considerable means at its disposal for promoting and coordinating 
fisheries research in Europe. Nevertheless, those means are not 
necessarily appropriate or sufficient. 
3.2.1. The limits of invitations to tender , 
The Commission can only fund projects submitted in reply to an 
invitation to tender. The system ensures the transparency of the 
selection procedure. It offers the best guarantee that high-quality 
proposals will be selected, providing, of course, that quality 
proposals are submitted. It is much more difficult, however, to ensure 
the relevance of the projects selected to research priorities. It is 
not possible to lay down every last detail for the preparation of 
proposals. Proposals relating to certain areas which are important for 
- 13 -
the management of the common fisheries policy, such as fishing 
techniques, have been too few and of unacceptable quality. The same 
holds for the quantification of catch capacities as described above, 
where only one proposal has been received in response to the two 
invitations to tender under the AIR programme. 
Day-to-day management of the Common Fisheries Policy requires a growing 
number of well-defined and often short-term studies to resolve urgent 
problems. The administrative procedures inherent in Community research 
programmes often involve long negotiations before the terms of the 
contract can be established and it can be signed. In such a context, it 
is virtually useless to consider work which must produce speedy 
results. Furthermore, structures in the Member States capable of 
making a worthwhile contribution are few in number, often the only one 
being the relevant national research institute. Opening the invitation 
to tender to other laboratories serves little purpose. Ignorance of the 
situation produces frustration on the part of isolated teams who see 
their proposals systematically rejected. 
3.2.2. Large-scale equipment, large research stations and networks 
The means and structures available to the Commission do not permit the 
acquisition of heavy equipment, on land or at sea (except for certain 
regions through the STRIDE programme), or the establishment of large 
research stations and/or durable networks. 
Large-scale equipment, such as research vessels or flume tanks but also 
very specialized laboratory equipment, are indispensable for fisheries 
research. The investment required can be beyond the means of a Member 
State. To date the Commission has restricted itself, with one exception 
(a research vessels in the Mediterranean) to trying to coordinate the 
use of the Member States' large-scale equipment. This is not enough. 
There are, for instance, three flume tanks on the periphery of the 
North Sea but none available in the Mediterranean. 
For fisheries research to develop there needs to be basic applied 
research in a great many disciplines: marine biology, statistics, 
oceanography, acoustics, genetics and so on. The wide range of 
disciplines involved means that the work must be split up between 
different research departments. But not every institute or even every 
Member State can have a centre of excellence in each discipline. 
Research programmes such as FAR and AIR do allow aid for the 
establishment of permanent networks between research centres, but, 
although that initial aid is extremely important, it cannot guarantee 
that such networks will last or be developed to the full. 
It will be advisable to strengthen the integration between fisheries 
research and the provisions of structural funds with regard to the 
large-scale equipment, large stations and networks. 
4. Lines of action to achieve progress 
The varied picture painted in the first few paragraphs suggest three 
lines of action for the coming years: consolidation of existing 
achievements, collection of basic data as a priority and extension of 
coordination. 
- 14 -
4.1. Consolidation of existing structures and mechanisms 
National structures 
The consolidation of existing achievements presupposes a confirmation 
of the functions of existing fisheries research structures in the 
Member States and an increase in their resources. This is the 
responsibility not of the Commission but of the Member States. Whilst 
the solutions adopted may vary from Member State to Member State, the 
aim in each case must be to achieve a result. The granting of fishing 
rights also imposes the duty to make an equitable contribution to the 
work involved in managing fisheries. The development of effective 
fisheries research is part of that duty 
Solutions must therefore be found in each Member State to overcome the 
different challenges described above. This is particularly true in the 
case of staffing problems. Ways must be found to recruit and retain 
high-level specialists. The supporters of pure basic research and those 
in the industry who fear the consequences of researchers' findings must 
not be allowed to jeopardize the continuance of fisheries research 
programmes. 
International structures 
The definition of a working international structure is a delicate 
operation. Particularly delicate is the creation of a climate of 
confidence that will persuade scientists to pool their information. 
Effective existing structures must therefore be strengthened without in 
any way attempting to set up Community organizations from scratch. The 
ICES is therefore an extremely important partner for the development of 
the CFP. 
Community mechanisms 
Even though they are geographically limited in their current form, the 
strictly Community mechanisms must continue in place. The inclusion of 
fisheries research in the framework programmes has offered 
unprecedented opportunities for stimulating research. Fixed costs or 
incompressible expenditure (wages, buildings maintenance, etc.) can 
seriously reduce a research institute's margin for manoeuvre, which 
means that Community funding is of considerable importance and that the 
Commission can have a significant effect in stimulating research with 
budgets which are moderate in comparison to total costs. 
Scientific excellence/economic and social cohesion 
Certain Member States appear to be less well equipped to elaborate, in 
response to calls for tender, proposals which have a high probability 
of acceptance on the basis of their scientific excellence. 
Unfortunately, these are often the very Member States which should 
benefit particularly under provisions for social and economic cohesion, 
to which Community research actions should contribute. The Commission 
should assist the Member States concerned by analysing with the 
competent authorities the results of previous calls for tender, to more 
successful Member States. Precise arrangements should be adopted in the 
light of consideration in the context of the fourth framework 
programme. 
- 15 -
clarification of roles 
In order to make the best use of these mechanisms and structures, their 
respective functions roust be more clearly defined. Extracommunity 
structures would be strengthened if the Community were to reaffirm its 
willingness to use them as much as possible. This is particularly true 
for the ICES, and a clearer definition of the respective roles of the 
ACFM and the STECF would be most useful. It would be a waste of time to 
duplicate in the STECF what is already done well by the ICES, 
particularly its work on biological problems. However, a range of 
strictly Community questions directly relating to the CFP require 
biological, economic and technical summaries which only the STECF is 
capable of providing. 
The activities already underway to structure the necessary work on a 
regional basis should be extended. A sub-group has already been set up 
for the North Sea. others are required, for example, to compensate for 
the lack of a structure equivalent to the ICES in the Mediterranean. 
With regard to clarification of roles, the functions of the various 
Community support mechanisms must also be well defined. Invitations to 
tender for research projects should not be seen as an answer to the 
problems of structural budgetary limitations of research bodies in the 
Member States, particularly in the case of regularly recurring tasks 
carried out by the research institutes. The maintenance of employment 
and the continued existence of databases must be protected against the 
inevitable vicissitudes of invitations to tender. 
Furthermore, to a greater extent than in the past, studies that 
automatically use a tried and tested method to find an answer to a 
specific problem must be distinguished from research which requires a 
high level of innovation, particularly in the methodology used. 
Invitations to tender for research projects must obviously cover the 
latter case. They must not therefore be over-restrictive in order to 
leave room for innovation and risk-taking. Subsidiarity is particularly 
important here, since it is clear that the more immediate the expected 
benefits of a research project, the more the structure providing the 
funding can expect to reap those benefits itself. The private sector 
can, at least in certain cases, be the driving force behind innovatory 
work expected to reap benefits in the short term, whilst public funding 
is required for more long-term research involving a higher risk, the 
Member State will often be able to cope. High-risk, long-term, large-
scale programmes, however, can generally only be considered at European 
level. The need to give priority in invitations to tender for research 
projects to innovatory programmes does not dispense with the need for 
targeted measures. Serious and persistent shortcomings have been 
described above, for example in economics. Invitations to tender must 
therefore be able to provide direct support to such sectors and include 
precisely targeted measures as appropriate. Details on the research 
programmes can only be presented after the conclusion of the debate on 
the fourth framework programme. 
- 16 -
of the existing tools, which will have to be used in a broader and more 
structured way, those for the exchange of personnel are especially 
important. Here again, work will have to be concentrated on those 
fields and regions with the most serious problems, for example, on 
economics and biometrics and, within the area of measures to improve 
communication, on increasing exchanges between laboratories in the 
Mediterranean region and those in other regions. It would also be 
useful to develop exchanges of practised researchers whose experience 
can enable a Member State rapidly to overcome its shortcomings in a 
particular discipline. Fisheries research must first of all make better 
use of the means available, like e.g. the programme on Human Capital 
and mobility. 
4.2 An urgent need - the organized collection of basic data 
No fisheries research, whether for immediate application for the 
purposes of the CFP or to find answers to serious scientific questions 
such as the relationship between stocks and their environment, can be 
carried out without the collection, at the appropriate level, over a 
sustained period and according to a rigorous plan, of basic data. 
Stress has been given to the need to cover catches and their biological 
sampling, fleets and their activities and changes in the distribution 
and size of resources as revealed by regular research programmes. 
Although the common fisheries policy has enabled considerable financial 
support to be granted from the Community budget, the results ten years 
after its introduction are hardly satisfactory. The answer does not lie 
solely in research. The lack of reliable official statistics is a 
considerable handicap for researchers who roust devote a significant 
proportion of their resources to estimate the corrective factors to 
apply to official statistics. This must be stopped, and reliable, full 
and accurate statistics obtained. The proposal for a new regulation on 
control constitutes the cornerstone of a policy to obtain basic data. 
In addition, the experience of several Member states has shown that 
close working cooperation between research bodies and departments 
responsible for fisheries enables considerable synergies to be 
obtained, obviously, the solutions adopted by each Member State may 
vary as long as they produce results. 
In order to take concrete steps towards a solution, the data required 
must be more clearly specified, defining its nature and an outline of 
the strategies and intensity of sampling needed. Following the meeting 
of Directors of fisheries research institutes from the Member States in 
Lisbon in May 1992, three working parties were set up to cover the 
North Sea, the Atlantic and the Mediterranean. Their conclusions, which 
will be available in 1993, will allow needs to be quantified. 
- 17 -
Harmonized funding measures will then have to be found and mechanisms 
worked out. The most reasonable solution offering any kind of guarantee 
would probably be a contractual undertaking by each Member State to 
supply the required data in return for Community funding. This funding 
should only cover part of the necessary expenditure. It should be 
sufficient to guarantee results but not so high as to imply a Community 
take-over of fisheries research and relieve Member States of their 
obligations. The financial bases must in any case be defined in the 
Community budget. 
4.3. Extending Community cooperation 
The strengthening of existing mechanisms and the definition of a plan 
for the collection of basic data, however necessary and useful, are not 
sufficient to overcome all the weaknesses described above. 
Equipment 
Large- and medium-scale equipment have already been mentioned (research 
vessels and flume tanks). Geographical disparities have been mentioned. 
To effectively solve these problems there is a need to go beyond one-
off measures such as that allowing the granting of aid to France and 
Italy for the construction of a new research vessel. There must first 
of all be a discussion of medium- and long-term needs, since a research 
vessel can be in service for several decades. The discussion must be 
widened beyond sea-going equipment and flume tanks to other equipment. 
Fine isotope analysis techniques, essential, in particular, for the 
resolution of certain problems connected with the determination of age, 
provide an example. Such techniques necessitate the use of large-scale 
equipment that not all Member States can afford. 
Such a general discussion would provide an opportunity to look at the 
possible specialization of the different European research centres. 
Communication 
The difficulties faced by fisheries researchers in informing users, 
those in the industry and decision-makers, not to mention the general 
public of their conclusions have already been mentioned. Effective 
communication is nevertheless vital if fishery research is to be fully 
utilized - without such communication the necessary decisions will not 
be taken in time. However relevant the scientific advice are, they will 
not be followed and the value of the research will be all but lost. 
During the recent discussions on the CFP, high-ranking personnel 
invariably had great difficulty in understanding the most basic 
principles of scientific analysis. The high turnover of officials 
responsible for fisheries is in itself enough to show that one must 
always be prepared to re-explain the fundamentals. 
Training 
The question of the training of fisheries researchers must not be 
overlooked, such training might be a post-graduate specialization 
rather than a complete course available on access to university level. 
Even as short courses, training would benefit enormously from a 
coordinated policy. Career opportunities in fisheries training in each 
- 18 -
Member State do not Justify the creation of a specialized training 
establishment in each, but better coordination would perhaps enable 
Europe to have one or several centres of excellence similar to those 
which currently exist In other parts of the world. 
The three-part plan detailed above (equIpment/communlcatlon/tralnIng) 
certainly does not exhaust the list of areas In which European 
cooperation should be extended but it does show the need for such an 
extension. Fishery research must in this context establish Its 
priorities at European level and make better use of the existing means 
and those which will become available within the fourth framework 
programme. 
5. conclusion 
Fisheries research forms an inseparable part of the general framework 
of European research and will benefit from the development of the 
fourth framework programme. Specific guidelines must be laid down 
however to enable It to fulfil the vital role It must play In the CFP. 
The reviews carried out In 1991 and 1992 showed various shortcomings in 
the CFP and revealed the serious problems caused by the lack of 
scientific data. The new basic Regulation, adopted In December 1992, 
further strengthens the role to be played by fisheries research, 
placing particular stress on the socio-economic aspects. It will 
require scientific workers to formulate their opinions according to 
multiannual and mu111 spec I es guidelines which will Insist on a large 
degree of Innovation. 
The development of fisheries research In Europe does not Imply a 
revolution. There are solid structures, both within the Member States 
and within the International organizations, that can provide a 
foundation for future measures. Mechanisms such as Community 
Invitations to tender which have proved their worth must be maintained 
and strengthened. However, although it is unnecessary to plan out and 
organize everything within a rigid Community framework, guidelines for 
development must be laid down. Above all, It Is essential that the 
regular collection of basic data be strengthened and coordinated. 
This report cannot, on its own, supply all the answers to the problems 
of European fisheries research. But the reform of the CFP and the 
desire to give a new boost to Community research Initiatives give an 
opportunity for a thorough-going discussion. This must Involve the 
Council, the Parliament and the Commission, which have all placed their 
hopes for a more effective and widely accepted CFP In better fisheries 
research. Hopefully, this report can provide the basis for that 
discussion. 
It should be made clear that this document on marine research does not 
prejudice the debate on the contents of the fourth framework 
programmme. 
40 
List of annexes 
Annex I: Facilities and structures in the Member states 
Annex II: FAR research programme. Purpose, implementation, 
operations approved. Breakdown of research subjects 
'" financed 
Annex III: AIR research programme. Purpose, implementation, 
operations approved. Breakdown of research subjects 
financed 
Annex IV: Fisheries biology study programme. Purpose, 
implementation, operations approved. Breakdown of 
research subjects financed 
Annex V: study programme on marine species protection. 
Purpose, implementation, operations approved. 
Breakdown of research subjects financed 
Annex VI: Mediterranean specific operations programme. Purpose, 
implementation, operations approved. Breakdown of 
research subjects financed 13 
20 ANNEX I 
INTRODUCTION 
This annex surveys the structure of specialized fisheries research, 
including fishing technology, in the Member states. 
The organizations involved are generally responsible for providing the 
national authorities with scientific advice, and represent their Member 
States in most scientific forums. 
Tables I and II summarize the quantitative data for each Member State from 
the viewpoint of their participation in Community fisheries research 
programmes. They also show the availability of structural and physical 
facilities and estimate their capacity. 
1.1 Member states 
1.1.1 BELGIUM 
Scientific research is carried out in the centres of the relevant Ministries 
(Agriculture, Health and Environment) and in the universities. 
The research priorities determined at national level are fairly close to 
those of the Community research programmes. The national centre with 
scientific activity most directly linked to the programmes is the 
Rijksstation voor Zeevisserij (RVZ) at Ostend. The main research areas are 
stock assessment, gear selectivity and environmental matters, and also 
processing and exploitation of fishery products. 
1.1.2 DENMARK 
Fisheries research and development is mainly carried out by the Danmarks 
Fiskeri og Havundersegelser (DIFMAR), responsible for stock assessment and 
scientific advice at both national and international levels. 
Fisheries technology falls mainly to the Dansk Teknologisk Institut for 
Fiskeri og Akvakultur (DIFTA) and economic aspects are studied by the 
Fiskeriekonomisk Institut (DIFER). 
The Fiskeriministeriets Forscgslaboratorium (FF) carries out research into 
product handling in storage, preservation and other industrial processes. 
i-1 
1.1.3 SPAIN 
The scientific organization responsible to the national administration for 
fishing, aquaculture and the marine environment in general is the Instituto 
Espafiol de Oceanografla (IEO). One of its tasks is assessment of the 
various stocks of interest to Spanish fleets in EEC and third country 
waters. Other bodies discharging important functions include the marine 
science institutes falling under the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones 
cientlficas (CSIC, Ministry of Education) and the Basque Regional Government 
centre (ASTI-ZIO). These bodies often operate in cooperation with the IEO. 
The Spanish research bodies have done little research into fishing 
techniques in general or gear selectivity in particular, socio-economic 
matters are covered only by the universities. 
As regards product exploitation, research into the link between muscular 
functionality and protein structure is being carried out by the instituto 
del Frio belonging to the CSIC. 
1.1.4 FRANCE 
In all areas it is the Institut Français de Recherche pour 1*Exploitation de 
la Mer (IFREMER) that in practice is responsible for the primary work of 
applied oceanography in France. Matters pertaining to fishing are dealt 
with by the Directorate for Living Resources, except for gear and vessel 
technology, falling to the Directorate for Engineering and Technology. 
Environmental matters involve joint programmes with other directorates. 
The Maritime Economy Office is responsible for studies on socio-economic 
matters pertaining to fisheries. 
The Research Department for Product Use and Exploitation (UVP) of IFREMER is 
carrying out research into the functional properties of fish protein and 
extraction of molecules with a high commercial value, and also into 
mechanization of the various operations. 
ORSTOM (Organisation de la Recherche Scientifique au Territoire d'Outre-Mer) 
deals with fisheries in various developing countries and with tropical 
fisheries, particularly tuna. Other structural arrangements, usually with a 
university link, may be involved in subject areas marginal to fisheries. 
1.1.5 GREECE 
Research policy falls within the domain of the Ministry for Industry, Energy 
and Technology, which maintains two research institutes covering fisheries: 
the National Marine Research Centre (CNIM) at Athens and the Cretan Marine 
Biology Institute. The immediate purposes of the research and technological 
policies for fisheries are assessment of demersal resources and of coastal 
and oceanic pelagic species. Research priority at national level has been 
assigned to certain studies on the food chain of selected biological groups 
in the Aegean Sea. The Piraeus Fisheries Laboratory, under the direction of 
the Ministry for Agriculture, also carries out fisheries research. Research 
into processing of fishery products is still in the initial stages of 
development. 
1.1.6 IRELAND 
The Fisheries Research Centre (FRC), part of the Ministry for the Marine, is 
the focal point of fisheries research. Its programmes covers stock 
assessment, bio-economics and the environment. 
A second institution, An Bord lascaigh Mhara (BIM), concentrates on 
development of the Irish fishing industry, including fishing technology and 
processing. 
1.1.7 ITALY 
Two Ministries, Merchant Shipping and scientific Research, organize and 
finance fisheries research in Italy. The Istituto centrale per la Ricerca 
Scientifica e Tecnologica Applicata alla Pesca Maritima (ICRAP), reporting 
directly to the Directorate-General for Fisheries, is responsible for 
research in areas where an opinion is required. 
Certain bodies such as the Istituto Ricerche Economiche per la Pesca (IREPA) 
and the Istituto di Ricerche sulla Pesca Maritima (IRPEM) are increasingly 
involved in international level research. 
A number of centres are carrying out research on product exploitation and 
processing, in particular the Istituto Nazionale della Nutrizione, the 
stazione Sperimentale Industria Conserve Alimentari (SSICA) and a number of 
university departments. 
1.1.8 NETHERLANDS 
The Rijksinstituut voor Visserijonderzoek (RIVO) covers a large amount of 
fisheries research, carrying out biological research itself and actively 
participating in a number of research projects on technology and 
environmental aspects. It also does research on product processing. 
The Landbouw Economische Instituut Afdeling Visserij (LEI) deals with 
fishery economics. 
*3 
1.1.9 PORTUGAL 
Reporting to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food is the 
Instituto Nacional de Investigaçao das Pescas (INIP) with five scientific 
departments: Oceanology, Living Resources, Aquaculture, Marine Product 
Technology and Fisheries Technology. Its main objective is research and 
development covering living resources and their exploitation, including 
processing of fishery products. 
other research is carried out by the University of the Algarve (fishery and 
aquaculture management) and the instituto superior Technico de Engenharia 
Naval (fishing technology). 
1.1.10 FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF GERMANY 
Regulation of sea fishing, including stock management, is the responsibility 
of the Federal Ministry for Food, Agriculture and Forestry (BML), which 
coordinates the activities of all the administrations and public research 
institutions involved. The German Scientific Commission for Exploration of 
the Sea (DWK) advises the BML. 
Research at national level is managed by the Bundesforschungsanstalt fur 
Fischerei (BFAFi), organized into five sections: Sea Fisheries, Baltic 
Fisheries, Fishery Technology, Fishery Ecology and Biochemistry and 
Technology, the latter covering product quality control. 
1.1.11 UNITED KINGDOM 
overall responsibility for the bulk of research and technological 
development lies with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAFF) 
for England and Wales, the Scottish office Agriculture and Fisheries 
Department (SOAFD) for Scotland and the Department of Agriculture for 
Northern Ireland (DANI) for Northern Ireland, according to the balance of 
regional interests. 
Most research activity in the United Kingdom is carried out by two large 
organizations. The MAFF Directorate of Fisheries Research, with its main 
location at Lowestoft, has stock assessment as its main area of research 
while the SOAFD Marine Laboratory at Aberdeen also deals with stock 
assessment and is one of the leading research centres for gear selectivity. 
on the industrial development side the Sea Fish Industry Authority (SFIA) 
has a primary role in fishing gear development and fishery economics 
research. Some university departments are also studying socio-economic 
aspects of the fishing industry. 
on product processing the most specialized centre is the MAFF Torry Research 
station, concentrating on product quality and hygiene. 
*0 
TABLE I. - Member States' facilities summarized 
Member 
State 
BE 
DE 
DK 
ES 
FR 
GR 
IT 
IE 
NL 
PT 
UK Fishery research. 
organization^) 
slumber of organizations 
10 
24 
24 
23 
.31 
19 
51 
22 
14 
8 
76 Number of centresf*) 
18 
33 
27 
53 
59 
32 
59 
31 
18 
9 
101 Structure centred 
on a research 
organization?!"*) 
YES 
no 
YES 
YES 
YES 
no 
no 
YES 
YES 
YES 
YES Major equipment 
Research vessels 
>20m 
1 
2 
2 
3 
4 
2 
0 
1 
4 
2 
5 Flume 
tank 
no 
no 
YES 
YES 
YES 
no 
no 
no 
no 
no 
YES 
* SOURCE : European Directory 
** i.e. number of separate sites 
* * * at least for biological research 
TABLE II. - Responsibilities of the various central fishery research organizations 
Member 
State 
BE 
DE 
DK 
ES 
FR 
GR 
IT 
IE 
NL 
PT 
UK Fishery 
Management 
RVZ 
BFAFI» 
DIFMAR 
IEO 
IFREMER 
CNIMVIMBC* 
ICRAP* 
FRC 
RIVO 
INIP 
MAFF/SOAFD Fishing 
Technology 
RVZ 
BFAFI* 
DIFTA 
IFREMER 
BIM 
RIVO 
SOAFD Fishery 
Economics 
DIFER 
IFREMER 
IREPA 
LEI Processing 
RVZ 
BFAFI* 
FF 
INST. DEL FRIO 
IFREMER 
BIM 
RIVO 
INIP 
Torry Station 
* Coordinating function 
15 
ANNEX II 
Fisheries and Aquaculture (FAR) Research Programme 
1988-1992 
Purpose t 
The main purpose was to provide a scientific basis for implementation of the 
CFP, the areas covered being : 
- management of fishing activities 
fishing techniques 
- aquaculture 
- exploitation of fishery products 
In the fishery areas (management, techniques and exploitation) the research 
subjects considered as priority were: 
assessment of stocks of Community interest 
- modelling 
- multidisciplinary approaches 
- environmental interactions 
improvement of static gear 
- development of selective gear 
- improvement of fishery product quality. 
Implementation: 
This had two lines of action: financial support for research projects and 
coordination of research at Community level. 
Operations approved: 
Following publication of three calls for tenders, 127 research projects were 
selected for financing. The number of research centres involved was 236 and 
the total Community aid more than ECU 31 million. 
on the coordination side 38 activités (workshops, seminars, conferences, 
preparation of databases, publications etc.) and 14 grants were given 
Community support. 
Z£ 
FISHERY MANAGEMENT 
PERCENTAGE BREAKDOWN BY SUBJECT OF PROJECTS FINANCED FISHERY MANAGEMENT 
STOCK ASSESSMENT 
MODELLING 
BIO-ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL ASPECTS 
ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS 
OTHER 
TOTAL •••7-™y7:7™™ " ^ ;j^ Projected 
84 
19 
27 
26 
52 Consuitai 
21 
4 
1 
2 
4 t A % S ~ J JL &?" '; 
38 
9 
14 
9 
21 -S| 
20 
5 
8 
1 
7 
FISHING TECHNIQUES 
PERCENTAGE BREAKDOWN BY SUBJECT OF PROJECTS FINANCED STATIG GEAR 
SELECTIVITY 
FUEL ECONOMY 
OTHER 
TOTAL [ Rroiect$ s i 
9 
19 
4 
18 
I , 50 | Consultants ^pireon -
V^\ ••«« *• 
3 
8 
1 
1 
* 13 3 
6 
2 
4 
, 15 hz§iSS(j/§ 
2 
10 
2 
2 
ts^JHI FISHING TECHNIQUES 
PROCESSING 
PERCENTAGE BREAKDOWN BY SUBJECT OF PROJECTS FINANCED PRODUCT HEALTH AND QUALITY 
MARKET PREPARATION, DISTRIBUTION 
AND CONSERVE PRODUCTION 
SPECIFIC FOOD PRODUCTS 
WASTE PRODUCT EXPLOITATION 
PRE-STANDARDIZATION RESEARCH 
OTHER 
TOTAL ; ." \- s Projects j 
36 
22 
11 
19 
5 
14 
, 107 i £*• «, 
12 
2 
3 
2 
1 
2 
22 11 
5 
3 
2 
2 
2 
••• »o —II 
10 
4 
4 
2 
2 
1 
2Z;§§$ 
29 ANNEX III 
AIR Research Programme 
(Agriculture and Agri-Industry including Fisheries) 
1991-1994 
Purpose : 
To improve the relationship between production of biological resources and 
their use by consumers and industry, by means of research, technological 
development and pre-competitive demonstration projects. 
For fishery management, fishing techniques and processing, research covers 
among others the following areas: 
- improvement of assessment methods 
- modelling 
- development of fisheries 
- the scientific basis of regulations and their introduction 
- efficiency and selectivity of fishing gear 
- quality and wholesomeness of processed products 
- impact of foodstuffs on the environment 
- market preparation, distribution and product conservation. 
Implementation: 
The programme involves: 
- calls to submit proposals for research and technological development 
projects 
- concerted action 
- demonstration projects 
- accompanying measures. 
The RTD projects are shared-cost contracts. The concerted action, to 
coordinate research activités relating to the programme but financed by 
sources other than the Community, can be financed up to 100% of the 
coordination costs. 
The accompanying measures comprise organization of seminars, workshops and 
conferences, studies, internal coordination by means of integrated groups, 
advanced training and promotion of exploitation of results. 
Proposals selected: 
The first call for tenders (closing date 31 January 1992) brought in 776 
proposals, of which 99 were for fisheries and aquaculture. The assessment 
process resulted in selection of 18 of the proposals for fisheries shared-
cost projects for financing. The amount of Community aid involved is more 
than ECU 14 million. 
The second call (closing date 30 October 1992) resulted in 1 020 proposals, 
of which 140 were for fisheries and aquaculture. The selection process is 
not yet completed. 
1 FISHERY MANAGEMENT 
FISHING TECHNIQUES 
PROCESSING 1 
(*) First call for proposals only RESEARCH AREA 
STOCK ASSESSMENT 
MODELLING 
BIO-ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL ASPECTS 
ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS 
OTHER (growth, pathology, general etc.) 
TOTAL Submitted 
16 
2 
9 
5 
8 
40 '0ortsyItants*opinj€«F*- j 
A 
2 
0 
0 
1 
1 
4 B 
2 
1 
4 
3 
0 
10 3 
1 
0 
1 
0 
RESEARCH AREA 
GEAR PERFORMANCE 
SELECTIVITY 
ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS 
OTHER 
TOTAL Projects 
submits 
5 
8 
2 
2 
:z..;...;i7..; Consultants' opinion 
A 
0 
1 
0 
0 
1 ; r 
1 
3 
2 
0 
$ 1 
0 
0 
0 
!.: ^ ~ 
RESEARCH AREA 
PRODUCT SAFETY AND QUALITY 
MARKET PREPARATION, DISTRIBUTION AND 
CONSERVE PRODUCTION 
SPECIFIC FOOD PRODUCTS 
EXPLOITATION OF WASTE PRODUCTS 
PRE-STANDARDIZATION RESEARCH 
OTHER 
TOTAL Projects 
submitted 
19 
6 
3 
3 
2 
3 
36 Consultants' opinion 
A 
0 
1 
1 
0 
0 
1 
3 B 
8 
2 
0 
0 
1 
1 
12 1 
1 
1 
0 
0 
0 
3 i£" 
34 ANNEX XV 
FISHERIES BIOLOGY STUDY PROGRAMME 
Purpoae : The programme began in 1978. Its main purpose was to provide the 
Commission with information on resources for preparation of regulations on 
the conservation side of the common fisheries policy. 
Improved cooperation between scientists in the different Member states and 
wider diffusion of information pertaining to Community resource conservation 
were secondary purposes. 
Implementation : Following restricted annual calls for proposals scientific 
and technical studies, in the form of analyses and biological assessments, 
have been assigned to experts or research institutes. Priority areas with 
the most urgent need for information have been identified each year by 
DG XIV. 
Operations approved : As a result of three successive calls for proposals 
covering the reference period (1990-1992), 54 studies have been selected for 
financing. The number of organizations or consultants involved is 65 and 
the total amount of Community aid more than ECU 3 million. 
3* 
STOCK ASSESSMENT 
TECHNICAL IMPACT OF FISHING 32 16 
BIO-ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL ASPECTS 
BIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS TECHNIQUES 13 
ESTABLISHMENT OF DATA BASES wmm l^filll^liPww^i mm m 
BIOLOGICAL STUDIES (1990-1992) 
PERCENTAGE BREAKDOWN BY SUBJECT OF PROJECTS FINANCED 
BIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS 
TECHNIQUES 
9% 
BIO-ECONOMIC AND 
SOCIAL ASPECTS 
6% 
TECHNICAL IMPACT OF 
PISHING 
30% ESTABLISHMENT OF DATA 
BASES 
17% 
STOCK ASSESSMENT 
38% 
33 ANNEX V 
STUDY PROGRAMME ON MARINE SPECIES PROTECTION 
Purpose : The programme began in 1992. Its main purpose is to determine 
ways, possibly including temporary or permanent zoning, of reducing the 
impact of fishing on non-commercial and non-targeted marine species, it 
ought in the medium term to enable the Commission to draw up rules designed 
to improve the quality of the marine environment. 
Improved cooperation between scientists in the various Member States and 
wider diffusion of information pertaining to Community resources 
conservation are secondary purposes. 
Implementation : Following a restricted call for proposals scientific and 
technical studies taking the form of analyses and biological assessments in 
line with the purposes of the progranunme have been assigned to experts or 
research institutes. Priority areas where the need for information is most 
urgent have been identified by DG XIV. 
Operations approved : Following a first call for proposals in 1992 9 studies 
have been selected for financing. A total of 26 institutes and consultants 
are involved and the total Community aid is ECU 500 000. 
MARINE SPECIES PROTECTION STUDIES (1992) 
STUDIES STUDIES GRADED 
SELECTED RECEIVED A B 
By-catches and discards of 
fish species of low 
commercial interest 
By-catches of mammals, 
reptiles and sea birds 
Impact of established 
fisheries on interdependent 
populations 
TOTALS 9 17 10 
^ ANNEX VI 
MEDITERRANEAN SPECIFIC OPERATIONS PROGRAMME (1991-1992) 
Purpose : 
The main purpose is to obtain the information required for gradual 
introduction of a common fisheries system for the Mediterranean, given the 
characteristics of certain fisheries concentrated in specific regions. 
Work is being carried out in the following priority areas : 
o 
- restructuring of traditional fisheries; 
- development of specialized fisheries such as sponges, coral and sea 
urchins; 
- surveillance of fishing activity; 
- development of a statistical network; 
- coordination of research and of exploitation of scientific data. 
Implementation : 
The approach considered most suitable is a combination of economic, 
technical and social measures implemented in a coordinated way so as to 
produce the full impetus required for "remodelling" of the sector. The best 
guarantee of achieving and sustaining this into the future is the approval 
of those affected. 
Operations approved : 
The budget is ECU 5 million per year for 1991 and 1992 and ECU 3 million for 
1993. So far a total of 41 studies and specific operations has been 
selected for financing. 
hS 
re9^4&«M«!»reraH 
STOCK MANAGEMENT 
FISHING TECHNOLOGY 
BIO-ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL ASPECTS 
OTHER 
IHiil! HI 
SPECIFIC OPERATIONS IN THE MEDITERRANEAN (1991-1992) 
PERCENTAGE BREAKDOWN BY SUBJECT OF PROJECTS FINANCED 
BIO-ECONOMIC AND 
SOCIAL ASPECTS 
17% 
FISHING TECHNOLOGY 
6% OTHER 
2% 
STOCK MANAGEMENT 
76% 

ISSN 0254-1475 
COM(93) 95 final 
DOCUMENTS 
EN 03 
Catalogue number : CB-CO-93-115-EN-C 
ISBN 92-77-53683-7 
Office for Official Publications of the European Communities 
L-2985 Luxembourg