The KB WOT Fisheries Programme carried out in 2016

Maintaining and developing the expertises needed to execute the Dutch fisheries monitoring and advice statutory obligations is the core of the KB WOT Fisheries programme. As fisheries management and policy needs, and thus the WOT requirements, change over time, the KB WOT programme needs to be flexible to respond to these changes. The KB WOT programme seeks to be inventive and participate in the fisheries science development, while maintaining the core expertises and flexibility. The programme operates within the context of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP), the EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) and the EU Maritime Policy. The KB WOT fisheries programme is established annually and positioned around a number of themes. In 2016 17 projects were originally awarded. However, one project could not meet all the original objectives and with the remaining budget a new project was started on the tool development for monitoring catches on board commercial vessels. The 18 projects within the programme were successfully completed. The focus of the programme in 2016 was on research into mapping the seafloor, development of tools and framework for monitoring catches on board commercial vessels, data storage and accessibility and method development for assessment of marine resources. As the basis of the KB WOT Fisheries is maintaining and developing key expertise for the WOT programme, a considerable part of the funds was used for projects that standardise fish ageing, fish and shellfish monitoring and development of fisheries acoustics techniques and expertise. These subjects are essential for ensuring the high quality of fish stock assessments and management. Of the 18 projects funded in 2016, six were carried out in international collaboration with other institutes in- and outside Europe. These partnerships provide a large amount of added value, since resources and expertise from these other countries contribute to the outcomes of the KB WOT Fisheries programme. Also, a large part of the KB WOT resources is specifically dedicated to international collaboration and exchange of science. This ensures that Wageningen Marine Research researchers remain at the centre of scientific developments and international fisheries research. The programme was also very productive in terms of publications, presentations and developing new methods or tools for fisheries research. Over 20 international presentations were given at meetings, workshops and symposia, and 24 international and national reports were written. 9 new methods or models were developed, 4 peer reviewed publications published and 1 scientific publication prepared