The provision of fishery information by ICES–WGFTFB to assessment working groups: use of information and lessons learned

ICES is now asked to provide advice that is more holistic in nature, including information on the influence and effects of human activities on the marine ecosystem. From a fishing-technology perspective, this includes information on how fishers respond and adapt to changes in regulatory frameworks, the impact of technology creep, ecosystem impacts, and changes in fleet dynamics. Recognizing the importance of this, in 2005, the ICES – Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Working Group on Fish Technology and Fish Behaviour (WGFTFB) began to collect data and information to support scientific advice on fisheries and ecosystem issues through a questionnaire circulated to its members. The information from the questionnaires was collated by the WGFTFB and submitted in the form of summary documents to various ICES assessment working groups. This paper describes the background to this initiative, the questionnaire structure, the type of information provided, and its utility.