We are pleased to announce the release of the annual report for the 2023 RCG NANSEA and RCG Baltic technical meeting, now available in the Latest Reports section. This comprehensive document encapsulates the outcomes of the meeting, which took place both virtually on May 25th and physically in Gdansk, Poland, from June 6th to 9th, 2023.
The RCG NANSEA and RCG Baltic annual technical meeting is a cornerstone event that provides a vital platform for reviewing ongoing initiatives, tackling challenges, and charting the path for future undertakings in the realm of regional coordination and fisheries management. The core goal of these coordination groups is to achieve effective regional coordination and environmental stewardship, all while adhering to the requirements of the DCF regulation (EU 1004/2017) and broader European environmental monitoring and management standards.
The meeting developed around five core ToRs, each tackling essential aspects of environmental monitoring, data quality, impact assessment, regional work planning, governance, and more. Dedicated Intersessional Work Groups (ISSGs) and subgroups collaborated throughout the year to develop comprehensive solutions that were discussed and presented during the meeting.
Key ToRs and Highlights
ToR 1: Alignment between data collection and end-user needs. Effective communication with end-users was a cornerstone of this ToR’s work. The ISSG ‘End-users’ facilitated this dialogue, engaging RCG chairs, Commission representatives, and ICES as primary stakeholders. The meeting also delved into clarifying the roles of RCGs and ICES regarding data quality checks, emphasizing transparency and mutual cooperation.
ToR 2: Data quality in data collection. Harmonizing data collection methods and ensuring data quality were at the heart of this ToR. ISSGs worked tirelessly on areas such as RDB catch, effort, and sampling overviews; implementation of new metier codes; electronic monitoring technologies and surveys. These efforts not only improved data accuracy but also contributed to better-informed decision-making.
ToR 3: Impact on management measures on data collection. Addressing the impact of various factors on data collection was a crucial point of this ToR. The development of questionnaires to assess the impacts of COVID-19 and other events underscored the commitment to adapting data collection strategies to evolving circumstances.
ToR 4: Development and implementation of Regional Work Plans. This ToR’s focus on developing Regional Work Plans (RWPs) for both regions: North Sea, North Atlantic and Eastern Arctic, and the Baltic Sea highlighted a concerted effort to ensure alignment and collaboration. The ISSGs feeding into this ToR: Diadromous Fishes, Optimized and Operational Regional Sampling Plans, Case Study of the trawl fishery in Iberian Waters, Identification of case studies of PETS bycatch monitoring, Freezer trawler fleet exploiting pelagic fisheries in the Northeast Atlantic, the Case study of fisheries for small pelagics in the Baltic, Evaluation of data collected for the SSF at EU level, Regionally coordinated stomach sampling and Recreational fisheryprovided insights and proposals, aiming to consolidate RWPs into clear and actionable documents that steer environmental efforts in the right direction.
ToR 5: Governance. The governance aspect focused on ensuring efficient coordination and support. The ISSG NCs worked to address challenges regarding the RCG secretariat’s future and funding. Additionally, the RCGs Secretariat provided an update on its services, demonstrating dedication to maintaining a reliable hub for information dissemination.
ToR 6: AOB (Any Other Business). Addressing unique challenges, including increasing acceptance of scientific observers onboard vessels, demonstrated the groups’ responsiveness to industry dynamics. Demonstrations of the stakeholder database showcased the commitment to transparency and accessibility.
Continuing the journey as the meeting drew to a close, it was clear that the RCG NANSEA and RCG Baltic groups are poised for a productive year ahead. With most ISSGs continuing their vital work and new avenues for collaboration emerging, the commitment to effective environmental monitoring, regional coordination, and sustainable management remains stronger than ever.
For more in-depth insights and information, we invite you to explore the official RCG NANSEA and RCG Baltic website. Stay tuned as these groups forge ahead on their journey towards better data for improving the reliability of scientific advice.