Discard self-sampling of Dutch bottom-trawl and seine fisheries in 2014-2016

In the European Union the collection and management of fisheries data is regulated through the Data Collection Framework (DCF) of the European Commission (EC). Within this context, Wageningen Marine Research (WMR) coordinates a discards monitoring programme in collaboration with the Dutch demersal fishing industry. A ‘reference fleet’ of vessels of which the owners are willing to participate in a self-sampling programme, was recruited. Fishermen within the reference fleet are requested to collect discard samples according to a definite annual sampling plan. After the discard samples are brought to shore, WMR collects and analyses these samples. This report summarizes data that has been collected within this monitoring programme in 2014-2016.In 2014-2016 the reference fleet consisted of 20-22 vessels. In total, 160, 172 and 157 trips were sampled in 2014, 2015 and 2016 respectively. All sampled trips were assigned to their respective metiers, based on gear type, mesh size and species composition of the catch. Within a trip, the crew retained a sample during two separate hauls, thus constructing two independent samples. Sampling was conducted on board vessels from eleven different metiers: beamtrawlers with 70-99 (Eurocutters (i.e. engine power ≤ 300 hp) and large vessels (i.e. engine power >300 hp)), 100-119, and ≥120 mm meshes, Scottish seiners with 70-99, 100-119 mm, and ≥120 mm meshes, and otter trawlers with 70-99 mm meshes, 100-119 and ≥120 mm meshes.Discard patterns are quite similar between all metiers; dab and undersized plaice are the most frequently discarded species. In addition, the flyshoot trips frequently discarded grey gurnard, whiting and horse mackerel. The majority of the benthos discards within the beamtrawl and otter trawl metiers consisted of echinoderms and crustaceans. In comparison, flyshooters discarded almost no benthos.An important element in the reform of the Common Fishery Policy (CFP) is the obligation to land all catches, i.e. a discard ban. Under this landing obligation all discards of quota regulated species have to be landed. For the demersal fisheries the landing obligation will be phased in over a number of years. The landing obligation will have a particular strong impact on the Dutch demersal fishing industry as this is a mixed fishery where catches can contain many different quota species.